Associate Systems and Network Engineer - Albany - NYSTEC

Description

About Us:
NYSTEC is a nonprofit technology consulting company, advising agencies, organizations, institutions, and businesses since 1996. We're independent and vendor-neutral, so we have our clients' best interests at heart.

At NYSTEC, we know that we succeed when individuals and teams flourish personally and professionally, so our benefits and perks support that mindset.

About the Role:

The associate systems and network engineer is an entry- to mid-level role designed for a high-potential technician ready to transition into infrastructure engineering.

This role supports the day-to-day operations of our Meraki network, Windows Server environment, and Microsoft Azure/365 cloud services.

Under the mentorship of senior engineering staff, this role assists in deploying infrastructure as a service/platform as a service (IaaS/PaaS) solutions and in exploring artificial intelligence (AI) efficiencies, ensuring that NYSTEC's foundational technology remains secure, stable, and modern.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meraki Network Support - Assist in configuring and monitoring Meraki Security (MX) firewalls, Microsoft switches, and Maraki Radio (MR) access points. Perform basic troubleshooting of connectivity issues and assist with hardware "rack and stack" in satellite offices.
• Systems Administration - Administer Windows Server environments, including Hyper-V; user account management in Active Directory/Entra ID; policy updates; and server patching.
• Cloud Operations - Assist in provisioning Azure virtual machines and managing storage accounts. Provide Tier-2/3 support for the M365 suite, ensuring secure access and optimal application performance.
• Documentation and Asset Management - Maintain accurate network diagrams, Internet Protocol (IP) address schemes, and hardware inventory. Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common infrastructure tasks.
• Security and Compliance - Monitor security alerts from the Meraki dashboard and Azure Sentinel. Assist in remediating vulnerabilities across endpoints and servers.
• AI and Automation Learning - Work with senior engineers to develop basic PowerShell scripts for task automation and support the rollout of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to the user base.
• Collaboration - Work with other IT professionals, such as architects, security administrators, and other workload administrators, to implement and maintain the organization's IT strategy.
• After-Hours Support - Provide technical assistance outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed periodically.
• Travel - Travel to different NYSTEC office locations to provide hands-on technical support for issues that cannot be resolved remotely, as needed periodically.

About you:
Required Qualifications

• Foundational Networking - Solid understanding of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), domain name system (DNS), and how a virtual local-area network (VLAN) works.
• Windows Ecosystem - Experience with Windows 11 and Windows Server navigation. Understanding of how Active Directory, EntraID, and Intune manage users and computers.
• Cloud Awareness - A baseline understanding of cloud service models (infrastructure as a service [IaaS], platform as a service [PaaS], software as a service [SaaS]). Knows the difference between a virtual machine in the cloud and an on-premises server.
• Scripting Mindset - A strong desire to learn PowerShell, Terraform, or Microsoft Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) for automation.
• Adaptability - The ability to move quickly between a network problem and a server problem.
• Troubleshooting Skills - Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues related to hardware, software, and network connectivity.
• Communication Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with end users and other teams within the organization.
• Documentation/Analytical Skills - Exceptional documentation and critical thinking skills.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Meraki dashboard.
• Knowledge of scripting languages like Microsoft PowerShell, and Microsoft Graph API, can be beneficial in automating tasks and troubleshooting issues with end-user devices and Microsoft Intune.
• CompTIA Network+ or Security+, Microsoft AZ-900 (Azure Fundamentals), and/or Cisco certified support technician (CCST).

Education and Experience

• An associate degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or a similar discipline and three years in an IT support role.
• An equivalent combination of advanced education, training, and experience will be considered.

The target base salary for this position is $60,407 to $75,508 per year. When determining compensation, we analyze and carefully consider several factors, including skill set, experience, location, and job-related qualifications.

It is NYSTEC's policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all individuals, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, military service and veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws and ordinances.

NYSTEC is strongly committed to this policy and believes in the concept and spirit of the law.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for or to perform this job.

Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Learn more about NYSTEC by visiting

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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