Senior Systems Engineer - Bellingham, WA

Position Purpose · The Senior Systems Engineer leads the strategy, architecture, and operations of First Fed's enterprise infrastructure across cloud, networks, data centers, identity, and security domains. This role ensures the reliability, scalability, and security of mission‑c ...

Job description

Position Purpose

The Senior Systems Engineer leads the strategy, architecture, and operations of First Fed's enterprise infrastructure across cloud, networks, data centers, identity, and security domains. This role ensures the reliability, scalability, and security of mission‑critical systems while advancing modernization initiatives—including cloud migration, Zero Trust adoption, and ITSM maturity improvements.

Essential Functions

• Architect, deploy, and support enterprise infrastructure across on-prem and cloud environments.
• Lead modernization initiatives including cloud migrations, identity modernization, and network transformation.
• Lead process improvement efforts across deposit and payment operations by modernizing and automating file movement, reconciliation routines, and cross‑system data exchanges.
• Ensure high‑availability, secure infrastructure supporting ACH and digital‑banking data workflows, including automated alerts, exception handling, and compliance controls.
• Utilize AI-based automation platforms and intelligent agents to optimize infrastructure operations, monitoring, and remediation.
• Apply AI/ML tools to improve detection of system anomalies, streamline file and data flow management, and enhance process automation across core banking operations.
• Oversee data center operations, networking, virtualization, and storage platforms.
• Implement and mature ITSM processes including change management, incident response, and compliance workflows.
• Lead disaster recovery planning, testing, and continuous lifecycle improvement.
• Manage vendors, negotiate contracts, and oversee infrastructure budgets.
• Support and enhance enterprise voice and unified communications environments.
• Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement Zero Trust, identity governance, and enterprise security standards.
• Provide mentorship and technical leadership to IT and engineering staff.
• Support strategic cross‑functional initiatives requiring infrastructure and security expertise.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, or related field required.
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise systems engineering, infrastructure, or network engineering.
• Strong expertise in cloud platforms (Azure, AWS) and hybrid‑cloud architectures.
• Deep networking experience with Aruba, Palo Alto, Zscaler, and complex enterprise routing.
• Experience with data center operations, virtualization, and server management (Linux, Windows Server).
• Experience in regulated industries (banking, healthcare, fintech strongly preferred).
• Proven leadership in vendor management, IT budgeting, and complex program execution.
• Strong understanding of disaster recovery, high‑availability design, and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with ITSM frameworks and compliance standards.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Physical Requirements

The work requires the ability to operate office machines and equipment, such as personal computers, printers, copying machines and telephones. The work requires the ability to communicate clearly with customers, coworkers, and others in person and on telephones.  Work activities involve combinations of sitting/standing for extended periods.

Pay Range

• The pay range for this position is $126, $215,125.38
• The typical hiring range for this position is $126,544.34 – $145,209. 63
• The incentive plan for this position is the Partnership Incentive plan. It is paid out quarterly with a 5% target payout.
• Employees will be eligible for our benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plans (401k with company match and Employee Stock Ownership Plan), gym membership reimbursement, discounts on our banking products, and more  Additional information on our benefits package can be viewed at  

As a community Bank, we know the power in bringing people together from all walks of life. Our communities are beautiful and strong because of their diversity, and it's important to us that all of our locations reflect the unique diversity of the places we live and work. We are passionate about hiring the very best talent and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

First Fed invites all qualified interested applicants to apply for our career opportunities.  If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our online job search or application tools, please email Human Resources  via or call Note: This contact information is reserved solely for job seekers requesting accessibility assistance or accommodation in the application process.  Messages left for other purposes may not receive a response.

We are required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.