Senior Systems Engineer (Production Support)

Syms Strategic Group, LLC (SSG)•Ballenger Creek, MD

1d•$85,389 - $116,975•Remote

About The Position

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is hiring a full-time Senior Systems Engineer (Production Support) for a 100% U.S.-based remote position supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. The role provides high-level, day-to-day operational support for complex application cloud systems and production environments. The engineer works directly with customers and users, maintains computing infrastructure and system assets, and ensures systems comply with VA standards and security policies. The position requires U.S. citizenship and possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a Public Trust (MBI). Candidates residing in California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington will not be considered. This is a W-2 position, and the successful candidate must be willing to provide on-call production support as required. The salary range is $85,389–$116,975. The engineer will detect, document, report, and resolve system outages and operational problems, collecting diagnostic data, restoring operations, and developing workarounds as needed. Responsibilities include responding to user hardware and software issues, escalating problems when appropriate, communicating status to users and senior management, performing infrastructure maintenance and installation, and applying continuous-improvement practices. The role also involves providing documentation and training and contributing to multiple projects. The position requires at least eight years of systems engineering or related experience, particularly in production environments, and at least three years of SQL query and monitoring experience. A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field is required. Relevant experience includes cloud platforms and services, Linux/Unix and Windows administration, scripting and automation, infrastructure as code, monitoring, networking, security and compliance, databases, and CI/CD. Advanced certifications and experience with Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) medical claims are desired. No professional certifications are 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 track record managing and maintaining large-scale production systems.
Strong proficiency in Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems.
Experience with system administration, including user management, permissions, and system monitoring.
Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, or PowerShell 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 production-system practices, 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/recovery processes.
Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines.
Familiarity with version control systems such as 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 ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment, and maintain strong attention to detail.
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and processes.
Willingness to be on-call for production system support as required.
Strong documentation skills for maintaining system configurations, processes, and procedures.
Ability to manage and contribute to multiple projects while ensuring timely completion and quality results.
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 claim 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, following standard practices and procedures.
Detect, isolate, document, report, and resolve system outages and problems affecting scientific workstations, including collecting diagnostic data, restoring operations, and developing workarounds.
Accurately document problems in logging and discrepancy-reporting tools.
Work directly with the customer on day-to-day activities.
Respond to user calls about hardware and software problems, resolving issues or escalating them when necessary.
Communicate the status of key problems to users and senior management.
Perform maintenance and installation of computing infrastructure.
Implement continuous-improvement methodology through 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 ensure seamless production system operations.
Manage and contribute to multiple projects, ensuring timely completion and quality results.