Senior Systems Engineer (Production Support)

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Nashville, TN

3d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to provide production support for complex application cloud systems serving the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is a full-time, 100% U.S.-based remote position, with candidates from California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington excluded from consideration. The role is a W-2 position and requires U.S. citizenship and possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a Public Trust (MBI). Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and may also undergo background checks, drug testing, and verification of employment and education. The engineer will provide high-level daily operational support, resolve system outages and user issues, maintain computing infrastructure, and help ensure system reliability, security, and compliance with VA standards and policies. The role involves direct customer interaction, coordination with users and senior management, and collaboration with development, operations, and security teams. The position requires 8 or more years of systems engineering or related experience, including production environments, and 3 or more years of SQL query and monitoring experience. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. The salary range is $85,389–$116,975. On-call production support may be required.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in systems engineering or a related field, particularly in production environments.
At least 3 years of experience with SQL query and monitoring.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with AWS and/or Azure Cloud, particularly S3, Step Functions, Batch Jobs, and CloudWatch.
Proven experience managing and maintaining large-scale production systems.
Strong proficiency with Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems.
Experience with system administration tasks, including user management, permissions, and system monitoring.
Proficiency in Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar scripting languages for automation and configuration management.
Experience with automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or SaltStack.
Knowledge of cloud-native technologies and infrastructure-as-code tools such as CloudFormation.
Experience with monitoring tools such as Dynatrace, ScienceLogic, and CloudWatch.
Ability to troubleshoot and optimize system performance and reliability.
Understanding of network protocols, firewall configurations, and VPN setup.
Experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
Experience applying secure best practices to production systems, implementing security measures, conducting audits, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Working knowledge of database systems such as AWS RDS SQL Server and Oracle RDBMS/RDS.
Knowledge of database performance tuning and backup and recovery processes.
Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and familiarity with Git and CI/CD tools such as GitHub Actions, AWS CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to troubleshoot complex system issues.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
Strong attention to detail to help ensure system stability and data integrity.
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and processes.
Willingness to provide on-call production system support as required.
Strong documentation skills for maintaining system configurations, processes, and procedures.
Ability to work collaboratively with development, operations, and security teams.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Must possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI).

Nice To Haves

Experience with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) X.12 medical claims, including formats such as 837, 834, and 277.
Advanced certifications in relevant areas, such as Red Hat Certified Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

Responsibilities

Provide high-level day-to-day operational support for complex application cloud systems.
Develop solutions to routine technical problems of limited scope using standard practices and procedures.
Detect, isolate, document, report, and resolve system outages or operational problems, including collecting diagnostic data, restoring system operation, and developing workarounds.
Document problems accurately in logging and discrepancy-reporting tools.
Work directly with the customer in day-to-day activities.
Respond to user calls about hardware and software problems, resolving issues or ensuring they are escalated when needed.
Communicate the status of key problems to users and senior management.
Perform maintenance and installation of computing infrastructure.
Apply continuous-improvement methods using IT systems or procedures.
Maintain an inventory of system assets.
Ensure compliance with VA standards and security policies.
Provide documentation and training, and perform additional duties as assigned.
Support production systems on call as required.
Collaborate with development, operations, and security teams to support seamless production system operations.
Manage and contribute to multiple projects, ensuring timely completion and quality results.