Systems Engineer

SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Systems Engineer is responsible for administering and supporting the City of Katy's enterprise IT infrastructure, with a primary focus on Active Directory services, Microsoft-based systems, server operating environments, and critical business applications.

This role ensures the reliability, security, and efficient operation of the City's networks and servers.

The Systems Engineer works to maintain optimal performance of all system hardware and software, troubleshoot complex issues, and implement upgrades or enhancements in line with the City's technology goals.nnEXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.

This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:nnnAdministers the City's Active Directory domain, including managing user accounts, security groups, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and directory-integrated services like DNS and DHCP, ensuring proper access controls and directory health across all City departments.nInstalls, configures, and maintains server hardware and server-based operating systems (primarily Microsoft Windows Server). Monitors server performance and uptime, and applies patches or updates regularly to keep systems secure and up-to-date.nOperates and supports the City's virtualization infrastructure (e.g., VMware vSphere), provisioning and managing virtual machines, allocating storage resources, and ensuring high availability and optimal performance of the virtual environment.

Conducts capacity planning for future server and storage needs.nAdministers Microsoft 365 cloud services (Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, etc.), including managing user accounts, licenses, and configurations.

Troubleshoots issues with email and collaboration platforms to ensure reliable communication for City staff.nSupports and maintains critical enterprise applications and associated databases.

Works with software vendors and City departments to install upgrades, apply patches, and resolve application issues, ensuring systems (including those running on Microsoft SQL Server) function properly within the City's IT environment.nImplements and oversees data backup and recovery processes for all servers and business-critical applications.

Monitors daily backup jobs, verifies the integrity of backup data, and performs routine disaster recovery tests to guarantee that systems and data can be restored as needed.nEnforces IT security best practices on servers and enterprise systems.

Performs system hardening, manages antivirus/anti-malware solutions, administers encryption and patch management tools, and monitors system logs for security anomalies.

Takes prompt corrective actions to address vulnerabilities or incidents in compliance with City policies and relevant regulations.nTroubleshoots and resolves complex technical issues spanning servers, storage, and network integrations.

Serves as a Tier II/III escalation point for the IT support team, diagnosing problems quickly and minimizing downtime by implementing effective solutions and workarounds.nDocuments system configurations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines.

Maintains up-to-date records of server hardware, software licenses, and network diagrams.

Assists in developing plans and timelines for system upgrades, migrations, and new implementations to enhance the City's IT capabilities.nCollaborates with Senior Systems engineer, cybersecurity personnel, and other IT staff to ensure cohesive and secure operation of the City's overall technology infrastructure.

Communicates effectively with non-technical stakeholders, providing training or guidance to staff on system use and coordinating with external vendors for specialized support when necessary.nFor purposes of business continuity, employees in this position are considered Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers, as defined by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).nPerforms other duties as assigned.nnnMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:nEducation, Training and Experience Guidelines:nBachelor's Degree in Management Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field; AND three (3) years of progressively responsible experience including server and database management experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.nnKnowledge of:nnPrinciples and practices of server administration, system access and security guidelines.nMicrosoft SQL Server administration–backups, reports, optimization.nVMware with experience in design, configuration, and deployment.nActive Directory administration–user account management, DNS, Group Policy.nWindows Server administration–physical and virtual server deployment, maintenance, optimization, VMware server configuration.nOffice 365 administration–user and group account management, security and compliance, training.nComputer hardware, software, and peripheral equipment troubleshooting techniques.nSystem backup and recovery procedures and techniques.nnnSkill in:nnAbility to develop and present training programs.nAbility to effectively present information and respond to questions from group of managers, staff, and vendors in terms understandable to the general public.nAbility to work independently in the absence of supervisor.nUse initiative and independent judgement within established procedural guidelines.nAbility to work on multiple projectsnAbility to analyze complex technical issues, evaluate alternatives, make recommendations based on findings, and implement approved solution.nAnalyze and resolve computer problems in a multiple operating system environment with specialized software applications and multifaceted hardware platforms.nEffective verbal and written communication skills; must be able to maintain positive working relationship with City departments and personnel, outside agencies and vendors.nAbility to work under pressure of time and conflicting demands.nnnLICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:nnA valid State driver's license may be required.nnnPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:nnWork Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting and in climate-controlled server/data center environments.

The employee will use typical business and IT equipment and may occasionally travel to different City facilities to support technology needs.

Noise levels are generally moderate, but can be louder in server rooms due to running equipment.nPhysical Demands: Duties require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, walk between office locations, and use hands/fingers to operate computers and other equipment.

The Systems Engineer must occasionally bend, kneel, or crouch to install or repair devices, and may need to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision to read detailed technical manuals and computer screens.nSchedule & Other: The employee must be available to work outside of normal business hours when necessary.

This includes participation in an on-call rotation, after-hours system maintenance, or emergency response during nights, weekends, or holidays.

This position is designated as "Critical Personnel" under CISA guidelines, meaning the Systems Engineer is expected to report to or remain at work during City emergencies or disaster events to support and restore critical IT systems.nnnThe City of Katy is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities and Amendments Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.n

Full Time