Windows Systems Engineer with SQL Server

Manager Notes: In addition to general Windows server OS, AD, File Server, and PKI knowledge, we need someone with SQL experience to help with the following tasks:

1. SQL server installations
2. SQL backups
3. SQL restores
4. SQL clones
5. SQL code migrations
6. SQL server troubleshooting

Job Description: We are seeking a Windows Server Administrator with hands-on experience deploying, configuring, managing, and decommissioning Microsoft Windows Server environments and Microsoft SQL Server instances. This role will be responsible for building and maintaining both physical and virtual servers, supporting day-to-day infrastructure operations, and ensuring server and database environments are stable, secure, and performant.

The ideal candidate will have experience standing up new Windows servers, installing and configuring SQL Server, supporting virtualization platforms, and providing operational support for enterprise applications.

Key Responsibilities

Windows Server Administration

1. Install, configure, maintain, and support Microsoft Windows Server environments.
2. Build, deploy, and decommission physical and virtual servers based on business requirements.
3. Perform server patching, upgrades, maintenance, and operating system updates.
4. Administer Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and related Windows infrastructure services.
5. Monitor server performance, capacity, and system health.
6. Troubleshoot server, operating system, and application-related issues.
7. Perform backup and recovery activities as required.
8. Maintain server documentation, inventories, and configuration standards.

Virtual Infrastructure Support

1. Create and manage virtual machines within VMware and/or Hyper-V environments.
2. Configure server resources including CPU, memory, storage, and networking.
3. Support virtual machine provisioning, migrations, and lifecycle management.
4. Assist with virtualization platform maintenance and upgrades.

SQL Server Administration

1. Install, configure, and maintain Microsoft SQL Server environments.
2. Deploy SQL Server instances on both physical and virtual servers.
3. Create and manage databases, user access, permissions, and security settings.
4. Perform database backups, restores, and routine maintenance activities.
5. Monitor SQL Server performance and troubleshoot database issues.
6. Support application teams with database connectivity and configuration requirements.
7. Execute SQL scripts and assist with database upgrades and migrations.

Security & Compliance

1. Apply operating system and SQL Server security best practices.
2. Perform regular patching and vulnerability remediation activities.
3. Maintain access controls and user permissions.
4. Support compliance and audit requirements as needed.

Documentation & Process Improvement

1. Develop and maintain technical documentation and operational procedures.
2. Create and update server build standards and deployment documentation.
3. Utilize PowerShell and scripting tools to automate routine administrative tasks.

Required Qualifications

1. 9+ years of experience administering Microsoft Windows Server environments.
2. Strong experience with Windows Server 2016, 2019, and/or 2022.
3. Experience installing and supporting Microsoft SQL Server.
4. Experience deploying and managing physical and virtual servers.
5. Strong understanding of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
6. Experience with VMware vSphere and/or Microsoft Hyper-V.
7. Experience with server patching, upgrades, and system maintenance.
8. Basic PowerShell scripting experience.
9. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
10. Excellent communication and documentation skills.