Linux and Windows Systems Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW

XCEL Engineering, Inc. is an award-winning small business that provides trusted information technology, engineering, consulting and project management solutions and services to federal agencies and organizations. Originally founded in 1971 by professional engineers at the University of Tennessee, XCEL was acquired in 2003 by U.S. Army and Navy veterans and in 2023 became a MartinFed company.

XCEL Engineering is a part of IT Lab Partners (ITLP) which was created to support a leading research facility in the East Tennessee region in recruiting the best and the brightest technical talent. Consider joining our impressive team today!

JOB OVERVIEW

Xcel Engineering is seeking qualified applicants for a Linux and Windows Systems Engineer to design, install, configure and maintain systems for multiple research projects. In this position, this individual will be embedded with RDSE customers providing Linux support as the primary focus, while also supporting Windows systems, storage, virtualization, networking and related services. This is an onsite position located at the facility being supported.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The R&D Systems Engineering Group focuses on support researcher's IT needs. Staff charge directly to projects or programs, and not to a centralized budget. Our goal is to enable research while protecting assets, especially from cyber incidents.

As a Linux and Windows Systems Engineer in the RDSE group, you will have the opportunity to work directly with researchers to provide for their IT needs. As an IT professional you will help enable the research, while also protecting assets, data, and research discoveries.

In this position, support will be primarily for Linux server, storage, and application environments, while also providing Windows systems administration, virtualization, backup, and networking support for research projects and specialized technical environments. While you will work as part of a larger team, your support will be for specific projects with one team member designated as backup. You may also be designated as backup for support to other projects. The entire team is available when assistance is needed, whether reviewing proposed solutions or helping to troubleshoot.

• Troubleshoot various Linux server related issues.
• Install, configure, and maintain various Linux server distros, including Red Hat.
• Install, configure, and maintain system software, both commercial packages and various freely available software (including Apache, MySQL, PHP, Tomcat, JBoss, etc.). Patch both system and 3rd party vendor software to ensure security and stability. Monitor for patch releases and work with the customers and other admins to ensure the patches are applied in a timely manner. Provide consulting in both the selection and purchase of hardware and software. Ensure the secure and effective operation of computing systems through compliance with ORNL procedures and IT Internal Operating Procedures.
• Work with other system engineers and vendors to resolve both hardware and software issues. Work with local bargaining unit personnel on hardware installation and hardware repairs where it is outside the scope of a vendor. Utilize Internet resources (mailing lists, blogs, etc.) to resolve problems with open source software. Develop and document procedures for startup, execution, shutdown, backup, and recovery. Help maintain and manage cloud data and resources. Monitor systems performance. Support data storage systems and backup services. Design, install, configure, secure and maintain Windows 2016/2019 systems, Hyper-V clusters, and application software in support of project needs. Manage backup services. Manage networking equipment, including Cisco firewall and network switches, as project needs require. Assist users with desktop and instrument issues across supported environments. User account creation and password support. Maintain Windows domain infrastructure. Assist application developers and deploy their solutions. Approve, download and apply Windows updates across supported domains and systems. Develop and document system and service diagrams, procedures, and software build/install notes.
• Support virtualization platforms, including VMWare clusters. Troubleshoot system problems quickly and effectively. Support project deployments when needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• United States Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance.
• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science (or related field) plus 3 years of work experience or combined work experience plus education of 7 years.
• 3+ years experience supporting Linux, Linux storage systems and Windows systems.
• VM administration experience.
• Understanding of Windows Domain infrastructure.
• Experience with backup software and backup administration.
• Strong understanding of basic network theory.
• Demonstrated capabilities to work in a dynamic environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce and maintain site documentation.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively to troubleshoot, perform root cause analysis, identify and isolate technical issues in order to quickly and effectively resolve problems while providing timely status and progress reports to problem manager.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong knowledge of multiple Linux distributions is preferred. Strong knowledge of open-source web application services (Apache, Tomcat, JBoss, etc.) is desired.
• Experience supporting large network attached storage systems. Previous experience working in a government, scientific or other highly technical environment strongly desired.
• Experience installing, supporting, and maintaining VMWare clusters.
• Experience supporting automation and configuration management tools. Experience supporting and troubleshooting web servers. Modest BASH scripting abilities.
• Experience with Active Directory administration, including group policy.
• Experience managing a SQL Database server.
• Experience with PowerShell. Experience working with Cisco Network Switches and Firewalls.
• Experience working with servers using VLANs.
• Basic Linux experience in mixed platform environments. Good documentation skills, including ability to prepare simple documentation web pages are also desired.
• Experience supporting cloud data and resources is desired. Be willing to support project deployment activities when needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Inside office environment.
• Working on a computer for long periods of time.
• May involve long period of sitting at a desk.
• The work environment is fast-paced and sometimes involves extreme deadline pressures.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Xcel Engineering is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Xcel Engineering's current openings as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 855.212.1810. Thank you for your interest in Xcel Engineering.

All positions at Xcel Engineering, Inc. are contingent upon passing both a background check and drug screening prior to a start date and are subject to random drug screenings during the employment period. In addition, Xcel Engineering is an E-Verify employer.