Senior Systems Engineer
731 Alexander Road , Suite 500 Princeton, NJ 08544 US
Job Description
Position: Lead / Senior Systems Engineer
Reports To: Director of IT
Location: Princeton, NJ (occasional travel to NY office and colocation facilities)
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, Permanent
This position plays a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining the organization’s core IT infrastructure, focusing primarily on Windows-based systems and associated technologies. The role balances project-based initiatives with daily operational responsibilities, including end-user desktop support.
As part of a lean IT team, this individual must be equally comfortable managing backend systems and resolving front-line user issues.
Company Culture
The organization emphasizes a tight-knit, high-performance, and collaborative environment.
They pride themselves on:
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A fast-paced, high-energy team culture
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A proactive, forward-thinking, and continuous learning mindset
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Staff who are self-motivated yet collaborative
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Direct access to management and a broad view of business operations
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Integrated departmental collaboration with shared goals
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A commitment to confidentiality and discretion
Note: The company has very low turnover — employees tend to stay long-term. The previous individual in this role was promoted internally.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Systems Engineer will:
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Design, deploy, and maintain Windows-based infrastructure (Server 2022, Windows 11)
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Manage and optimize hybrid cloud environments (Microsoft Entra ID / Azure AD)
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Support file systems, share permissions, and NTFS security configurations
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Engineer and maintain virtualization platforms (VMware vCenter, virtual networking, performance tuning)
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Administer networking and security for Microsoft-centric environments
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Collaborate cross-functionally to evaluate and implement new technologies
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Provide end-user support as needed, ensuring reliability and uptime
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Participate in off-hours maintenance and on-call rotation
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Maintain cybersecurity best practices across systems and endpoints
Core Technical Focus Areas
Cybersecurity Awareness & Responsibility
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Identify and mitigate security risks across cloud and on-premises systems
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Operate within a multi-layered cybersecurity framework
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Support identity protection, EDR, email security, firewalls, and related tools
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Collaborate on new security technology evaluations and implementations
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Maintain a security-first mindset while balancing operational needs
Core Infrastructure & Systems Engineering
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Advanced knowledge of Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11
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Deep experience with Microsoft Entra ID / Azure AD, including conditional access and synchronization
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File system engineering and NTFS permission management
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Hands-on expertise with VMware vCenter, including networking and storage
Networking & Security
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Administer and support Microsoft-centric networks
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Configure and manage Cisco Catalyst/Nexus switches and firewalls
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Apply Zero Trust principles and secure remote access strategies
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Oversee endpoint protection, patch management, and identity-based security
Messaging & Communication Platforms
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Engineer and troubleshoot SMTP flow and message delivery
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Support Exchange and mobile messaging systems
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Administer VoIP and telephony systems, including provisioning
Desktop Engineering & End-User Support
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Troubleshoot complex desktop and endpoint issues
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Support Microsoft Office applications and hardware (workstations, printers, phones)
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Perform proactive monitoring and maintenance of systems and networks
Systems Management & Optimization
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Monitor and improve infrastructure performance and efficiency
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Evaluate backup and replication strategies (hardware/software)
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Implement consistent monitoring and alerting frameworks
Qualifications
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7+ years of hands-on systems engineering and support experience
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
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Relevant IT certifications (systems, networking, storage, virtualization, or governance) are a plus
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Strong communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills
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Comfortable handling IT equipment up to 25 lbs
Equal Opportunity Statement
This organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.
Meet Your Recruiter
Jim Lennox
Recruiting Manager
Jim is a Recruiting Manager within Top Stack’s technology division based out of the Malvern, PA office.
He is a genuine, caring professional who enjoys building relationships with candidates and assisting their transition into new positions to better their careers. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Jim then worked 4 years for in the healthcare industry where he was hiring related service providers in school districts across the country. He played a key role in focusing on strategic accounts in New York City, Hawaii, and on the West Coast. For the following 4 years, he worked in the staffing industry where he hired IT professionals and helped grow his office to an all-time high revenue in the Greater Philadelphia area. His passion for recruiting grew from playing rugby in college where he was responsible for recruiting players to the team.
Jim is the ultimate Ironman fan! He completed three 70.3 Ironman’s and a marathon; he hopes to one day complete a full Ironman! He lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and a 2-year-old mutt named Leroy.