IT Systems Engineer

Why do you need to choose between doing important work and having a fulfilling life? At Ardent, we have both. Ardent employees are committed to solving our customers’ most difficult problems—and we are committed to the well-being, personal goals, and professional development of our employee. We are “All In.” We put forth our strongest effort possible to get the mission accomplished and we do it together. We respect the skills and experience you bring to the Ardent team. And we provide a rewarding environment to help you succeed. 

We offer highly competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and an exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth. A collective service mindset underpins our work, and a shared camaraderie to serve clients, colleagues and our communities set us apart. Our full commitment to being "All In" for our employees and our clients is not just our approach, it is our standard. If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, choose Ardent and make a difference with us. 

Ardent is looking for an IT Systems Engineer (ITSE) to join our dynamic team supporting the Department of Justice.

This is an onsite position based in Huntsville, AL, which was recently ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Huntsville was recognized as the 2nd most affordable place to live and the 16th fastest-growing city in the U.S.

Position Description: 

As an ITSE, you will play a pivotal role in provisioning, safeguarding, and maintaining system infrastructure. Working within an Agile environment, the person in this role will be responsible for maintaining IT infrastructure, troubleshooting system architecture, addressing defects and bugs, and implementing technical solutions. In addition, providing system security support by addressing system configuration and security vulnerabilities will be vital.

In ad-hoc situations, you will have the opportunity to develop data-driven solutions by leveraging front-end and back-end languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Java, and Python in support of operations and national security events. Your expertise will be critical in providing guidance for IT systems frameworks, ensuring best practice architecture design, IT solutions, and coordinating with subject matter experts to deliver outstanding IT solutions. A successful System Engineer should be a skilled technical expert with a strong focus on security, problem-solving, and communication all while maintaining a proactive approach to system management and support.

Primary Responsibilities:

Technical Proficiency: Strong knowledge of various Windows OS versions (e.g., Windows Server, Windows 10/11), including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. Familiarity with tools like Windows Performance Monitor, Event Viewer, and third-party monitoring solutions to analyze system performance and troubleshoot issues. Understanding of backup solutions and disaster recovery processes.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues, such as hardware failures, application crashes, or network connectivity problems. Skilled in identifying the underlying causes of issues and applying long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

Security Knowledge: Understanding of security protocols (encryption, authentication), best practices, and tools like Windows Defender, firewalls, and other Windows services. Interface with the Information System Security Officer (ISSO) and other DOJ business units in addressing system risks and vulnerabilities.

Compliance & Documentation: Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all systems and processes adhere to industry regulations and organizational policies. Maintaining accurate documentation for configurations, procedures, and incident resolutions to ensure transparency and continuity.

Adaptability: Adaptability in the face of demand change, setbacks, and transitions.

Requirements:

• Top Secret / SCI Security Clearance
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline
• 2+ years of experience operating and maintaining complex system architectures, applications, and frameworks
• Proven track record working with Windows OS systems and applications
• Experienced in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various Windows OS versions including Windows Server and Windows 10/11
• Experienced in applying security patches, updates, and hotfixes to keep systems secure and up-to-date.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex system issues, such as hardware failures, application crashes, or network connectivity problems.
• Experienced using PowerShell tool for task automation and configuration management
• Experienced implementing backup strategies
• Proficient in implementing solutions regarding system security vulnerabilities
• Experienced developing and implementing IT solutions related to security controls, configuration of server settings, and network settings
• AWS or Azure administrative cloud management regarding cloud security, cloud architecture and design, troubleshooting, and cloud deployment
• Develop and maintain technical documentation for enterprise systems to include System Design Documents, System Concept of Operations, and System Operations & Maintenance Manuals, and Interface Control Documents
• Strong understanding of the DOJ Enterprise Architecture or DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF) equivalent, with experience developing associated architecture artifacts
• Experience deploying architecture, defining requirements, conducting business process analysis, or similar disciplines
• Ability to communicate various technical system requirements with system owner
• Familiarity with Agile and Scrum methods

Recommended Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of various Windows OS versions (e.g., Windows Server, Windows 10/11), including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of backup solutions and disaster recovery processes.
• Knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and other networking protocols, as well as troubleshooting network-related issues.
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• CompTIA Security+
• CompTIA Cloud+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CISCO Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)

Due to the nature of the work, we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be U.S. Citizens willing to undergo the government-issued background investigation process.

Ardent is an equal-opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.