IT Systems Engineer

Position Summary

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the administration, maintenance, security, availability, and continued improvement of the Catawba Nation’s on-premises and cloud-based technology infrastructure. This position serves as a senior technical resource for Windows Server, virtualization, Microsoft 365, Azure, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, backup and disaster recovery, and other core infrastructure services.

The Systems Engineer works collaboratively with Information Security, Network, Applications, GIS, Help Desk, Gaming Commission, vendors, and departments throughout the Nation to maintain secure, reliable, and compliant technology services. The position also provides advanced technical support, assists with infrastructure projects, and provides technical guidance and mentoring to IT personnel.

Due to access to sensitive government, law enforcement, healthcare, gaming, employee, citizen, and other regulated information and systems, the Systems Engineer must maintain strict confidentiality and comply with applicable security and regulatory requirements.

Essential Functions

An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Administer, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot enterprise server infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments, including Windows Server, physical and virtual servers, domain controllers, file and application servers, GIS infrastructure, and other critical systems.
• Administer and maintain virtualization platforms such as VMware and other approved technologies, including virtual machine provisioning, configuration, performance management, upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle management.
• Manage Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and related cloud services, including Azure infrastructure and platform resources, Exchange/Outlook, Teams, and other assigned cloud-based services.
• Administer enterprise identity and access services, including Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, hybrid identity environments, user and service accounts, security groups, permissions, licensing, privileged access, and related access controls.
• Monitor and optimize infrastructure performance and availability, including system health, capacity, storage, alerts, resource utilization, and service availability; identify and resolve infrastructure issues and failures.
• Perform infrastructure lifecycle management, including server and service installation, configuration, patching, upgrades, migrations, modernization, replacement, and decommissioning in accordance with established IT standards.
• Administer and monitor enterprise backup and recovery systems, including server, Microsoft 365, cloud, and other critical system backups; troubleshoot failures and conduct restoration testing to verify data recoverability.
• Develop, maintain, and test disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities for critical infrastructure, participating in exercises, restoration activities, and corrective actions to support organizational resiliency.
• Implement and maintain infrastructure security controls, including system hardening, security patches, encryption, certificates, service credentials, privileged access controls, and other security configurations in coordination with Information Security.
• Support infrastructure-related cybersecurity activities, including vulnerability remediation, security investigations, security assessments, and corrective actions affecting servers, cloud services, identity systems, and other infrastructure.
• Provide backup and specialized support for network and enterprise technology services, including DNS, DHCP, VPN, switching, VLANs, wireless infrastructure, certificates, GIS servers, Gaming Commission systems, and other assigned technologies.
• Coordinate with vendors, service providers, departments, and IT personnel regarding infrastructure solutions, licensing, maintenance, support, technical issues, requirements, and implementation activities.
• Participate in infrastructure projects and technology initiatives, including implementations, upgrades, migrations, cloud modernization, system integrations, and other projects designed to improve organizational technology services.
• Provide advanced technical support and guidance to IT personnel and authorized organizational users, including troubleshooting complex infrastructure issues, mentoring Help Desk and other technical staff, and providing after-hours support for critical 24/7 operations as required.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation and operational standards, including system configurations, network and infrastructure diagrams, procedures, administrative records, knowledge-base resources, and technical standards, while maintaining current professional knowledge through training and development.

This position description is not an exhaustive listing of the expectations associated with the role and additional tasks may be assigned as needed by management. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources team. Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to amend this job description.

Catawba Indian Nation exercises INDIAN PREFERENCE:

Tribal Government Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Gaming Commission Positions

Native American (Indian) preference applies to this position pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq.; applicable regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission at 25 CFR Chapter III; the Indian Reorganization Act, 25 U.S.C. § 5116; and other applicable federal and tribal laws, consistent with the sovereign authority of the Catawba Indian Nation.

Background checks and drug screening are requirements for employment. 

Qualifications  

Experience/ Education:

• Associate degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Administration, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible systems administration/engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certifications, training, and professional experience.

Licenses & Certifications:

• Possess a clean, valid state Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.
• CJIS Certification (can be obtained on the job)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of Windows Server administration, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Azure.
• Knowledge of virtualization technologies, including VMware or comparable enterprise platforms.
• Knowledge of cloud and hybrid infrastructure, identity and access management, server security, patching, backup, and disaster recovery.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts and services, including DNS, DHCP, VPN, switching, VLANs, wireless networking, and firewalls.
• Experience with PowerShell or other scripting and automation technologies.
• Knowledge of infrastructure vulnerability management, security hardening, privileged access, certificates, and related security practices.
• Understanding of applicable regulatory and security requirements, including CJIS/CHRI, HIPAA, PCI DSS, NIGC, and Gaming Commission requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
• Ability to maintain accurate technical documentation and exercise appropriate judgment when working with sensitive systems and information.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Must successfully complete applicable background screening due to access to law enforcement, Gaming Commission, governmental, and other sensitive systems.
• Must obtain and maintain required CJIS certification and applicable Gaming Commission licensing.
• Must be available for after-hours support when necessary to maintain critical systems and 24/7 operations.
• May occasionally be required to install, move, or maintain infrastructure equipment consistent with the responsibilities of the position.