IT Systems Engineer III - Windows SME

About the role

Our client, a leading utility provider, is seeking an IT Systems Engineer III – Windows SME to join their team. This contract position (26 weeks, October 5, 2026 – April 4, 2027) is based in Oakland, CA with a hybrid work model requiring onsite attendance every Tuesday. The role is ideal for a hands‑on Windows professional with deep OS engineering expertise, automation, endpoint management, security, and enterprise infrastructure project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, administer, and support enterprise Windows Server environments
• Build, maintain, and enhance Windows Gold Images for servers and virtual desktop environments
• Administer Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, including task sequences, collections, deployment packages, configuration baselines, software distribution, and compliance reporting
• Manage operating‑system deployments, upgrades, patching, lifecycle activities, security hardening, and vulnerability remediation
• Develop PowerShell automation for server provisioning, patching, software deployment, compliance reporting, and recurring operational tasks
• Lead and support infrastructure initiatives involving Windows modernization, server migrations, VDI deployments, data‑center transformations, cloud migrations, and security remediation
• Partner with Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Application teams to troubleshoot complex issues and deliver secure, scalable Windows platform solutions

Required Skills / Experience

• 7+ years of enterprise Windows administration or engineering experience
• Extensive experience with Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and/or 2025
• Strong Windows Gold Image engineering and lifecycle‑management experience
• Hands‑on SCCM/MECM administration, including OSD, software deployment, patch management, and configuration baselines
• Advanced PowerShell scripting and automation skills
• Strong knowledge of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and Windows security configurations
• Experience supporting enterprise‑scale server and endpoint environments, including OS deployment and patching at scale

Preferred Skills / Experience

• Current or previous Microsoft certifications
• Experience supporting Windows workloads in Microsoft Azure or AWS
• Familiarity with Azure Local, Azure Virtual Machines, Azure Automation, Azure Arc, or Intune
• Experience with Terraform or other Infrastructure as Code technologies
• Knowledge of VMware, Citrix, VDI, or other virtual desktop environments
• Understanding of DevOps and CI/CD practices
• Experience supporting data‑center transformations, cloud migrations, or infrastructure modernization programs

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical problem‑solving abilities
• Clear written and verbal communication with thorough technical documentation skills
• Ability to provide technical leadership and practical architecture recommendations
• Collaborative approach when partnering across Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Application teams
• Strong ownership, organization, and ability to manage multiple infrastructure priorities

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $49.00 and $70.00 per hour. Final compensation may vary based on background, knowledge, skills, and location; local wage minimums are respected.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee‑Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401(k) offered

Schedule

Hybrid work model with onsite attendance required every Tuesday.