Senior Systems Engineer

Posted 2 days ago

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:	We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Systems Engineer with extensive expertise in VMware infrastructure, virtualization design, disaster recovery, and IT project management. This role requires proficiency in managing large VMware deployments, advanced NSX configurations, and Windows Server environments. The successful candidate will lead critical infrastructure initiatives, ensuring the security, scalability, and efficiency of virtual and physical IT resources. Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.
DEPARTMENT: IT Development and Infrastructure	NORC's Information Technology department provides technology services to our staff and clients. Given the critical role technology plays in our day-to-day lives, we are committed to delivering professional, high-quality solutions to achieve our collective goal of advancing social science research.
RESPONSIBILITIES:	Virtualization and VMware Expertise: Architect, deploy, and manage VMware vSphere environments (vSphere 7 through 8), including global data center operations in the US. Design and implement and NSX-T for advanced network services, micro-segmentation, and security. Collaborate with application teams to build and optimize hybrid cloud solutions in AWS, including high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) requirements. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Lead disaster recovery planning and execution, including site recovery manager (SRM) testing and implementation. Create and document DR processes and strategies, ensuring compliance with business continuity standards. Infrastructure Management: Administer Active Directory, Group Policies, and core Windows infrastructure services. Manage enterprise storage solutions, including SAN planning and Pure Storage. Oversee hybrid environments with a focus on cloud integration and workload migration. Security and Compliance: Implement industry-standard security policies, aligning with NIST, DISA STIGs, and other compliance standards. Configure and maintain secure network and virtual environments through tools like VMware NSX and Cisco technologies. Leadership and Collaboration: Mentor and guide IT teams in best practices for virtualization, storage, and Windows systems administration. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including application owners and network engineers, to meet organizational IT goals. Provide technical documentation and training to support ongoing operations. Project Management: Lead IT infrastructure projects, including virtualization rollouts, datacenter consolidations, and server migrations. Conduct cost-benefit analyses for hardware and software solutions, ensuring alignment with budgetary goals.
REQUIRED SKILLS:	Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. 10+ years of IT experience, including at least 6 years in senior roles managing VMware environments (vSphere, NSX, SRM). Proven expertise in disaster recovery planning and execution. Advanced experience with Windows Server environments, Active Directory, and hybrid cloud deployments. Strong scripting and automation skills (e.g., PowerShell, Python). Comprehensive understanding of SAN, iSCSI, and enterprise storage solutions. Key Competencies Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong customer service orientation and problem-solving abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven leadership in team mentorship and cross-functional collaboration Preferred Qualifications VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or equivalent certification. Experience with Pure Storage and Nutanix platforms. Familiarity with AWS, Azure, and other cloud services. Previous NORC experience preferred
SALARY AND BENEFITS:	The pay range for this position is $106,000 - $160,000 This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORCs comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to: Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment Dental and vision insurance A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). NORCs Approach to Equity and Transparency Pay and benefits transparency helps to reduce wage gaps. As part of our commitment to pay equity and salary transparency, NORC includes a salary range for each job opening along with information about eligible benefit offerings. At NORC, we take a comprehensive approach to setting salary ranges and reviewing raises and promotions, which is overseen by a formal Salary Review Committee (SRC).
WHAT WE DO:	NORC at the University of Chicago is an objective, non-partisan research institution that delivers reliable data and rigorous analysis to guide critical programmatic, business, and policy decisions. Since 1941, our teams have conducted groundbreaking studies, created and applied innovative methods and tools, and advanced principles of scientific integrity and collaboration. Today, government, corporate, and nonprofit clients around the world partner with us to transform increasingly complex information into useful knowledge.
WHO WE ARE:	For over 80 years, NORC has evolved in many ways, moving the needle with research methods, technical applications and groundbreaking research findings. But our tradition of excellence, passion for innovation, and commitment to collegiality have remained constant components of who we are as a brand, and who each of us is as a member of the NORC team. With world-class benefits, a business casual environment, and an emphasis on continuous learning, NORC is a place where people join for the stellar research and analysis work for which were known, and stay for the relationships they form with their colleagues who take pride in the impact their work is making on a global scale.
EEO STATEMENT:	NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce. NORC evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other legally protected characteristics.

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