Systems Engineer (Design)

Custom Computer Specialists•Hauppauge, NY

About The Position

The Systems Engineer is responsible for technical ownership, coordination, and successful execution of project integration activities, from initial construction survey through final project closeout. The role combines network and technology design, hands-on field implementation, technical leadership, vendor coordination, quality assurance, and project oversight. The Systems Engineer works with project teams, contractors, and vendors to design and implement network, wireless, video surveillance, and related technology systems. Key activities include construction surveys, drawing reviews, network and camera design, Bill of Materials preparation, telecommunications-space reviews, technology allocations, field integration, and production of accurate as-built and CADD documentation. The position serves as a technical lead within the field engineering team, mentoring technical staff, improving processes, implementing automation, and maintaining consistent communication. The role reports to the Long Island headquarters and involves work both in the field and at the office, depending on project and operational requirements. The standard schedule is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; during school breaks, summer months, or as required for business operations, the schedule transitions to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Employees must maintain a flexible schedule and may work adjusted hours based on project timelines, construction schedules, maintenance windows, emergency response, or other business and operational requirements. Salary is $75,000–$80,000.

Requirements

At least 4 years of hands-on experience with enterprise network infrastructure, network integration, field implementation, and technical documentation.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.
Commitment to advancing technical expertise and pursuing Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification as part of continued professional development.
Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City and report to the Long Island headquarters as required.
Ability to work in active and new construction environments while conducting surveys, inspections, installations, testing, and network integration.
Ability to lift 10 pounds or more, transport equipment, and safely use ladders when required.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction blueprints throughout design and construction.
Experience analyzing architectural and engineering drawings, particularly electrical, telecommunications, low-voltage, and data infrastructure layouts.
Strong understanding of enterprise networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, switching, routing, VLANs, WLAN, firewall technologies, and related infrastructure.
Hands-on experience designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting LAN and WLAN environments.
Knowledge of Cat5e, Cat6, and fiber-optic cabling standards, connectivity, and termination methods.
Strong hands-on experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco and Cisco Meraki network switches, Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower and Meraki firewalls, wireless LAN controllers, and wireless access points.
Experience performing Cisco IOS and network-device firmware upgrades and downgrades.
Ability to identify engineering and IT operations automation and process-improvement opportunities.
Experience developing or maintaining scripts to automate technical, administrative, reporting, or engineering processes.
Ability to automate or streamline workflows involving engineering documentation, drawing reviews, Bills of Materials, QA processes, reporting, or similar operational functions.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and decision-making skills, including assessing complex situations, evaluating alternatives, and implementing practical solutions.
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately document network configurations, designs, installations, changes, and project activities.
Ability to coordinate multiple vendors, deliveries, installations, and technical workstreams while maintaining schedules and quality requirements.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including managing multiple projects, tasks, deadlines, and priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for working with technical teams, project management, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, provide technical leadership in the field, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary project team.

Nice To Haves

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.
Genetec Security Center Omnicast Technical Certification.
Extensive experience supporting network and technology projects in NYC DOE school buildings or administrative facilities.
Experience designing and implementing enterprise video surveillance systems.
Hands-on experience with Genetec Security Center, Omnicast, or related enterprise security technologies.
Experience with CADD software and developing or modifying technology as-built drawings.
Experience developing automation using PowerShell, Python, APIs, or similar technologies.
Previous experience providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers or technicians, and implementing standardized engineering processes.
10-Hour OSHA Construction Safety and Health certification, or ability to satisfy required certification requirements before applicable construction-site work.
Knowledge of NYC DOE DIIT and SCA network design standards, construction requirements, and technology implementation practices.

Responsibilities

Provide technical ownership, resource planning, coordination, and oversight for assigned project integration activities from construction survey through final integration and closeout.
Supervise and coordinate daily field activities, including staff check-ins and check-outs, site status reviews, punch-list management, issue resolution, and next steps.
Collaborate with project managers, Associate Systems Engineers, technicians, contractors, and vendors to execute projects successfully.
Read, interpret, and review architectural, electrical, telecommunications, data, and construction drawings throughout design and construction.
Develop and submit network, wireless, and video surveillance designs for new construction and renovation projects.
Assess existing infrastructure for capacity, scalability, interoperability, and integration with proposed technology designs.
Prepare accurate Bills of Materials for network and technology equipment procurement based on approved designs and requirements.
Lead onsite project kickoff meetings to review technical requirements, outstanding items, corrective actions, responsibilities, and milestones.
Conduct construction surveys and document pathways, conduits, circuits, equipment, fiber infrastructure, low-voltage terminations, telecommunications spaces, and other project requirements.
Review MDFs, IDFs, and telecommunications rooms for rack space, equipment placement, electrical and environmental requirements, pathways, grounding, and labeling.
Generate end-user technology allocations using construction drawings, architectural plans, furniture vendor layouts, and customer standards.
Oversee field integration, including network equipment installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, validation, and post-integration support.
Configure, install, test, and troubleshoot Cisco and Cisco Meraki wired and wireless infrastructure, including switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and access points.
Perform Cisco IOS and applicable device firmware upgrades and downgrades according to project and customer requirements.
Support implementation and integration of Genetec Security Center, Omnicast, cameras, and related video surveillance technologies.
Maintain post-integration documentation, including as-built drawings, CADD files, network configurations, equipment records, punch lists, client sign-offs, and issue resolutions.
Write detailed summaries of field activities, project status, outstanding issues, corrective actions, and completed deliverables.
Manage third-party delivery, security, installation, and other vendors to ensure deployments meet schedules and requirements.
Track vendor deliverables, identify schedule and implementation risks, resolve issues proactively, and communicate with stakeholders.
Identify opportunities to automate routine engineering and IT processes and develop and maintain supporting scripts and solutions.
Automate or streamline drawing reviews, engineering documentation, Bill of Materials generation and validation, QA checklists, reporting, and other repeatable workflows where appropriate.
Capture lessons learned and technical resolutions and apply them to future projects to improve field processes and delivery.
Mentor Associate Systems Engineers, Technicians, and other technical staff on program requirements, engineering standards, processes, field procedures, and deliverables.
Implement, document, and communicate technical process changes across the engineering team.
Identify, communicate, and escalate technical, operational, and project risks promptly and professionally.
Perform other job-related duties and support additional technology initiatives as assigned.