About this opportunity
Ascending lists this Remote Sr. Systems Engineer - SME opportunity in angleton, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Sr. Systems Engineer / SME
Remote within the U.S. (EST Time Zone Preferred)
Contract – 6 months (potential for extension) Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer/Subject Matter Expert to join our team, supporting and optimizing a full suite of enterprise IT systems. This role encompasses responsibility for email platforms (Exchange, Microsoft 365, Proofpoint), core infrastructure (Active Directory, Azure, VMware), and related security, reliability, and compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a broad background in systems engineering with deep expertise managing Exchange Server (on-premises and hybrid), Microsoft 365, Proofpoint, Azure services, and VMware environments.
This position is fully remote, with preference for candidates in the EST time zone to align with our business operations. Key Responsibilities Design, implement, and maintain Exchange Server (2013/2016/2019/on-premises, hybrid), Microsoft 365 email solutions, and Azure-based mail and directory services
Lead migrations and coexistence between on-premises Exchange and Microsoft 365, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity
Manage, configure, and support Proofpoint email security solutions, including policy development, filtering, DLP, encryption, and threat protection
Administer VMware environments to support virtualized Windows server infrastructure, including performance tuning, provisioning, and upgrades
Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues across email flow, virtual servers, Azure services, and security platforms
Manage Active Directory (AD), Azure AD, and identity/access management, including OAuth, SAML, and MFA configurations
Implement and maintain email security protocols (DMARC, DKIM, SPF) and advanced transport/security rules
Automate routine administrative tasks and workflows using PowerShell for Exchange, Microsoft 365, Azure, VMware, and Proofpoint environments
Collaborate with security and compliance teams to investigate and remediate email and infrastructure-related incidents
Develop, update, and maintain documentation on system configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides
Required Qualifications 7+ years of experience as a Systems Engineer with significant responsibility for Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, and core Windows infrastructure
Extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange (2013, 2016, 2019, and Exchange Online), including hybrid and migration projects
Strong experience administering Proofpoint, including configuration, policy management, DLP, and encryption
Direct experience managing VMware environments for Windows servers and core applications
Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and management across multiple platforms
Solid hands-on experience with Active Directory, Azure AD, identity management, and access controls
Familiarity with security protocols including SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and anti-phishing solutions
Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills; ability to take initiative and work independently in a remote environment
Preferred Qualifications Experience performing email/system migrations (on-premises to Microsoft 365, tenant-to-tenant)
Experience with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and other advanced email security tools
Knowledge of networking concepts relevant to email/email security and virtualized environments
Microsoft and Proofpoint certifications (e.g., MS-102, MS-203, Proofpoint Certified Protection Professional), VMware certifications, and/or Azure certifications are a plus
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Who can apply
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