Senior IT Engineer

ExtensisHR•Saint Paul, MN

About The Position

This position blends hands-on technical engineering, infrastructure and solution architecture, and project leadership. The Senior IT Engineer will partner closely with the Director of IT to successfully execute operations across the full IT function. The ideal candidate is a proactive, technically deep, and aspiring leader who can operate effectively in a fast-paced, innovation-driven, and highly specialized microelectronics environment. Unique Aspects of the Role: The design environment is mission-critical; IT infrastructure directly enables all engineering work. Designers often execute first-of-their-kind work, requiring creative, agile problem solving within the IT infrastructure. IT maturity is functional but evolving; this role will significantly influence standardization, testing, optimization, and long-term maturity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or related roles
Demonstrated ability to lead, set technical direction, and manage delivery of IT services
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and sometimes ambiguous environment
This position requires eligibility for and maintenance of a U.S. Government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.
Linux and Windows systems administration (strong emphasis on Linux)
Linux distributions including RHEL, CentOS, and Ubuntu
IT security principles and best practices
Authentication and identity management (LDAP, Active Directory)
NAS storage systems
Backup and disaster recovery solutions
Virtualization platforms
Grid and high-performance computing environments
Shell scripting (e.g., Bash)
Cloud computing technologies
Vendor selection, support, implementation, and ongoing relationship management

Nice To Haves

Configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
Python programming
SQL and database server management
Experience supporting electronic design automation (EDA) tools and workflows
Familiarity with cybersecurity tools, principles, and frameworks
Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP
Containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
Relevant certifications (e.g., RHCSA, CompTIA Security+, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator)

Responsibilities

Own and support the end-to-end IT infrastructure that supports ASIC and microelectronics design, including: Predominantly Linux-based systems, Compute grids and high-performance workloads, Storage platforms and data protection solutions, Middleware services required to enable design tools and workflows.
Ensure the stability, performance, scalability, and availability of the design environment, which routinely pushes CPU, storage, and system limits beyond traditional IT usage models.
Work directly with design engineers to troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure issues that arise from novel and first-of-their-kind design activities.
Balance the need for standardization with the reality that each design project may introduce unique infrastructure requirements.
Design, document, and maintain IT architectures across: On-premise environments, Cloud environments, Hybrid architectures, Export-controlled, non-classified systems (defined per project), Classified environments, as required.
Determine the appropriate products, technologies, and architectural patterns for each design environment.
Define, document, and enforce policies and procedures to implement and sustain approved architectures.
Identify, refine, and implement IT solutions and enhancements as part of a strategic IT roadmap aligned with corporate, industry, and governmental requirements.
Conduct architecture reviews and technical risk assessments to ensure long-term scalability and security.
Own and mature configuration management practices across all server types (e.g., login nodes, compute nodes, storage systems).
Use configuration management tools to: Apply deliberate, role-based configurations, Maintain system consistency, Prevent and remediate configuration drift.
Continue advancement toward a DevOps-oriented infrastructure model, where: Administrators interact primarily through configuration management systems, Changes are rigorously tested before deployment, Automated rollback mechanisms restore previous configurations if issues arise.
Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency for designers.
Develop runbooks, automation scripts, and operational documentation.
Plan and execute: Deployment of hardware and operating systems, Installation and configuration of middleware and supporting services.
Guide and mature system testing practices, recognizing that testing capabilities are currently functional but evolving.
Perform and oversee repair, maintenance, and ongoing support of IT infrastructure.
Troubleshoot complex issues to identify root causes across systems, storage, middleware, and integrations.
Own data storage, backup, disaster recovery, and data protection strategies.
Ensure compliance with corporate IT standards and all applicable governmental security requirements.
Coordinate cybersecurity efforts, including engagement with Virtual CISO services.
Support export-controlled and classified environments by implementing appropriate controls and safeguards.
Identify, assess, and mitigate IT risks across infrastructure, systems, and processes.
Share responsibility with the Director of IT for all aspects of IT operations across the organization.
Manage and coordinate shared IT services with external partners.
Oversee IT contracts and vendor relationships, ensuring service level agreements (SLAs) are met.
Support general IT services (primarily Windows-based environments) delivered via external providers.
Assist the Director of IT in leading infrastructure, applications, software development, and IT policy for a growing organization.
Manage delivery of IT services across the organization, supporting employees at all levels.
Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Report progress, risks, and upcoming changes to senior management and provide appropriate training.