Senior Systems Engineer

City of Katy•Katy, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the IT Director, the Senior Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the City's server, network, and security infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance of all critical systems. This senior-level role provides expert support for server administration, enterprise software, networking, and cybersecurity across all city departments. The position leads technical projects, guides best practices in IT operations, and serves as a technical authority within the team. Please note: this is a senior technical position with no direct supervisory responsibilities (no personnel management), but it does involve leadership in project coordination and mentorship of junior IT staff. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES : -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Server Infrastructure: Design, install, and administer physical and virtual server environments (Windows and/or Linux), including storage systems and cloud integrations. Ensure servers are secure, properly configured, optimized, and routinely patched/upgraded for peak performance and reliability. Software and Application Support: Administer and support critical software systems and applications used by the City (e.g., email/Exchange, databases, productivity suites, enterprise or department-specific applications). Troubleshoot and resolve complex application issues, and coordinate with software vendors or consultants to implement updates or integrations. Provide Tier-3 (highest level) technical support and serve as an escalation point for difficult IT problems. Network Management: Manage and maintain the City's network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, routers, switches, firewalls, VPN, and wireless networks. Monitor network performance and connectivity across multiple sites, ensuring stable and secure communications. Plan and implement network upgrades or expansions, configure network hardware, and maintain network documentation (diagrams, IP address schemas, etc.). Cybersecurity: Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices to protect city systems and data. This includes managing firewalls and security appliances, monitoring system/network access and logs for suspicious activity, applying security patches and firmware updates promptly, and ensuring anti-virus/endpoint protection is up-to-date. Perform regular vulnerability assessments and remediation, and contribute to the development of cybersecurity policies and incident response plans. System Monitoring and Optimization: Continuously monitor servers, networks, and applications for proper functioning, performance, and security. Utilize monitoring tools to detect issues or bottlenecks and take proactive steps to prevent outages or slowdowns. Conduct capacity planning and performance tuning for future growth needs. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Oversee data backup operations and verify the integrity of backups. Develop, maintain, and periodically test disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical systems. Ensure the City's data and services can be restored in a timely manner in the event of outages, cyber incidents, or other emergencies. Project Leadership: Lead or participate in IT infrastructure projects such as new system implementations, major upgrades, or technology deployments. Plan project scopes and timelines for infrastructure initiatives (server replacements, network redesigns, cybersecurity enhancements, etc.). Coordinate with other IT team members, city departments, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution that meets requirements and deadlines. Documentation and Policy Compliance: Create and maintain detailed documentation for systems and networks, including configuration settings, procedures, inventory of hardware/software, and support knowledge base articles. Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine tasks. Ensure all IT activities adhere to department and City policies, as well as relevant regulations and best practices (e.g., data security standards). Vendor Coordination: Work with third-party service providers, contractors, and vendors for hardware, software, and services procurement and support. This includes evaluating vendor solutions, assisting in purchase recommendations, overseeing installation or repair work by vendors, and managing support contracts/warranties for critical equipment. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the IT Director and colleagues to strategize and implement technology improvements that align with the City's needs. Consult with various City departments to understand operational requirements and recommend technical solutions to improve efficiency or address new initiatives. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior IT personnel, and assist in training staff on new systems or security practices as needed. On-Call Support: Be available for on-call rotations and emergency response during off-hours. Respond to critical system outages or security incidents during evenings or weekends if they arise, and work to restore functionality as quickly as possible. Schedule and perform necessary maintenance or upgrades during planned off-hours to minimize disruption to City services. This position is considered Critical Personnel during a natural or manmade disaster and/or a catastrophic event. This position may be required to provide services or perform duties for the benefit of the public and the continuity of City operations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of this position. For purposes of business continuity, employees in this position are considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Performs other duties as required. (The above duties are representative of the typical tasks performed in this role; additional related responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the City's IT operations.)

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related field. (Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.)
Experience: At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, with a focus on systems administration, network administration, or a similar senior IT engineering role. Experience should include managing server environments, supporting enterprise software applications, maintaining network infrastructure, and implementing security measures.
Certification: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is required (or the ability to obtain CCNA within six months of hire).
Licenses: Must possess a valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain one upon hire) and have a good driving record, as the job may require travel to various City facilities.
Background: Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Technical Mastery: In-depth knowledge of server operating systems (e.g., Windows Server and Linux), Active Directory domain services, virtualization technologies, and storage systems. Strong understanding of IP networking principles, including routing, switching, VLANs, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and VPN technologies. Familiarity with cybersecurity principles, including threat prevention, detection, and response strategies.
Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex hardware, software, and network issues. Adept at performing root cause analysis and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurring problems.
Project Coordination: Ability to plan and execute multiple projects or tasks simultaneously, prioritize workload efficiently, and meet deadlines. Skilled in coordinating with cross-functional teams and managing resources to achieve project goals.
Adaptability: Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies quickly. Stays current with emerging trends in IT infrastructure and security, and proactively recommends improvements or innovations to keep the City's IT environment up-to-date.
Customer Service: Strong customer service orientation when working with end-users and department stakeholders. Exhibits patience, professionalism, and clarity when assisting others with technical issues or explaining IT solutions.
Teamwork and Leadership: Effective in working both independently and as part of a team. Provides mentorship and technical guidance to junior IT staff. Capable of taking initiative and leading technical efforts, while also knowing when to escalate issues or consult with management on critical decisions.
Attention to Detail: Diligent in maintaining accurate configurations, documentation, and change management records. Ensures that all changes to the environment follow proper procedures to minimize risk.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Certifications: Professional IT certifications beyond CCNA are a plus. Examples include Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) or Azure Administrator, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), CompTIA Security+ or CISSP (for cybersecurity), or Cisco CCNP.
Additional Experience: Experience working in a public sector or local government IT environment is beneficial. Familiarity with the unique security, compliance, and operational needs of municipal government (such as law enforcement or public safety systems, utility systems, etc.) is an advantage.
Project Management: Experience leading IT projects or formal training/certification in project management (e.g., PMP, ITIL foundations for IT service management) is a plus.
Cloud and Virtualization: Hands-on experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V) and cloud services/infrastructure (such as Microsoft 365/Azure or AWS) is preferred, as the City continues to modernize its IT environment.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical information clearly and to explain complex concepts to nontechnical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Server Infrastructure: Design, install, and administer physical and virtual server environments (Windows and/or Linux), including storage systems and cloud integrations. Ensure servers are secure, properly configured, optimized, and routinely patched/upgraded for peak performance and reliability.
Software and Application Support: Administer and support critical software systems and applications used by the City (e.g., email/Exchange, databases, productivity suites, enterprise or department-specific applications). Troubleshoot and resolve complex application issues, and coordinate with software vendors or consultants to implement updates or integrations. Provide Tier-3 (highest level) technical support and serve as an escalation point for difficult IT problems.
Network Management: Manage and maintain the City's network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, routers, switches, firewalls, VPN, and wireless networks. Monitor network performance and connectivity across multiple sites, ensuring stable and secure communications. Plan and implement network upgrades or expansions, configure network hardware, and maintain network documentation (diagrams, IP address schemas, etc.).
Cybersecurity: Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices to protect city systems and data. This includes managing firewalls and security appliances, monitoring system/network access and logs for suspicious activity, applying security patches and firmware updates promptly, and ensuring anti-virus/endpoint protection is up-to-date. Perform regular vulnerability assessments and remediation, and contribute to the development of cybersecurity policies and incident response plans.
System Monitoring and Optimization: Continuously monitor servers, networks, and applications for proper functioning, performance, and security. Utilize monitoring tools to detect issues or bottlenecks and take proactive steps to prevent outages or slowdowns. Conduct capacity planning and performance tuning for future growth needs.
Backup and Disaster Recovery: Oversee data backup operations and verify the integrity of backups. Develop, maintain, and periodically test disaster recovery and business continuity plans for critical systems. Ensure the City's data and services can be restored in a timely manner in the event of outages, cyber incidents, or other emergencies.
Project Leadership: Lead or participate in IT infrastructure projects such as new system implementations, major upgrades, or technology deployments. Plan project scopes and timelines for infrastructure initiatives (server replacements, network redesigns, cybersecurity enhancements, etc.). Coordinate with other IT team members, city departments, and external vendors to ensure successful project execution that meets requirements and deadlines.
Documentation and Policy Compliance: Create and maintain detailed documentation for systems and networks, including configuration settings, procedures, inventory of hardware/software, and support knowledge base articles. Develop and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine tasks. Ensure all IT activities adhere to department and City policies, as well as relevant regulations and best practices (e.g., data security standards).
Vendor Coordination: Work with third-party service providers, contractors, and vendors for hardware, software, and services procurement and support. This includes evaluating vendor solutions, assisting in purchase recommendations, overseeing installation or repair work by vendors, and managing support contracts/warranties for critical equipment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the IT Director and colleagues to strategize and implement technology improvements that align with the City's needs. Consult with various City departments to understand operational requirements and recommend technical solutions to improve efficiency or address new initiatives. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior IT personnel, and assist in training staff on new systems or security practices as needed.
On-Call Support: Be available for on-call rotations and emergency response during off-hours. Respond to critical system outages or security incidents during evenings or weekends if they arise, and work to restore functionality as quickly as possible. Schedule and perform necessary maintenance or upgrades during planned off-hours to minimize disruption to City services.