Messaging Engineer – Enterprise Technology Infrastructure

About the role

As a Messaging Engineer within Hines’ Enterprise Technology Infrastructure team, you will support, modernize, and continuously improve the firm’s enterprise email and identity infrastructure. This role focuses on Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online and Hybrid), secure email gateways such as Cisco IronPort, and identity platforms including Entra ID (Azure AD) and on-premises Active Directory. The ideal candidate brings a strong AI-first mindset, proactively leveraging AI tools and automation to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security posture, and elevate the end-user experience.

Responsibilities

• Email & Messaging Infrastructure
  • Administer and optimize Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online) and hybrid Exchange environments
  • Manage email routing, hygiene, and security using Cisco IronPort (or similar secure email gateways)
  • Troubleshoot complex mail flow issues, delivery failures, and performance bottlenecks
  • Configure and maintain email authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
  • Manage distribution lists, shared mailboxes, and enterprise email policies
  • Support journaling, retention, and compliance requirements
• Security & Compliance
  • Monitor, investigate, and respond to email-based threats (phishing, spoofing, malware)
  • Implement and continuously improve secure email configurations and policies
  • Partner with security teams on incident response, threat mitigation, and proactive risk reduction
• Identity & Access Management
  • Administer Entra ID (Azure AD), including user provisioning, SSO, and conditional access policies
  • Support and maintain on-premises Active Directory and synchronization (Entra Connect)
  • Manage identity lifecycle processes, access governance, and role-based access controls
  • Troubleshoot authentication, directory synchronization, and access-related issues
• AI-First Operations & Automation
  • Apply an AI-first approach to problem solving, leveraging tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and AI-assisted scripting to accelerate analysis and resolution
  • Design and implement automation solutions to reduce manual effort and improve reliability (PowerShell, workflows, orchestration tools)
  • Use AI to enhance troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and system optimization
  • Identify and lead opportunities to embed AI across messaging, identity, and security operations
  • Stay current on emerging AI capabilities within Microsoft 365, Azure, and enterprise IT ecosystems, and translate them into practical use cases
• Documentation, Diagramming & Knowledge Management
  • Create and maintain clear, structured technical documentation for systems, processes, and configurations
  • Develop architecture and process diagrams using tools such as Microsoft Visio (or similar) to illustrate messaging and identity workflows
  • Ensure documentation reflects current-state and future-state designs to support scalability and knowledge transfer
  • Contribute to internal knowledge bases and operational runbooks
• Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Work cross-functionally with security, infrastructure, and application teams
  • Proactively identify opportunities for system optimization, cost reduction, and performance improvement
  • Participate in on-call support rotation as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Five or more years of experience in enterprise email/messaging environments
• Strong expertise in:
  • Microsoft 365 / Office 365 (Exchange Online)
  • Exchange Server (hybrid experience preferred)
  • Cisco IronPort (or similar email security gateways)
• Experience with Entra ID (Azure AD) and on-premises Active Directory
• Solid understanding of:
  • Email protocols (SMTP, DNS, MX records)
  • Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
• Experience with PowerShell scripting for automation and administration
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex messaging and identity issues
• Experience implementing or operationalizing AI tools in IT environments
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Copilot or similar AI platforms
• Experience with identity governance and conditional access policies
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (e.g., eDiscovery, retention policies)
• Relevant certifications (Microsoft 365, Azure, Security, etc.)

About Hines

Hines is a leading global real estate investment manager with a diverse portfolio spanning $93.2 billion in assets across living, office, retail, mixed-use, logistics, and life science projects. Recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Companies to Work For in 2024, Hines prioritizes innovation, excellence, and the growth and well-being of its 5,000 employees in 30 countries. The firm integrates local expertise with global knowledge, taking calculated risks to exceed client expectations and pioneer sustainable practices.