Sr. Manager Systems Engineering

Vernovis is a Total Talent Solutions company specializing in Technology, Cybersecurity, Finance & Accounting functions. We help professionals achieve their career goals by matching them with innovative projects and dynamic direct-hire opportunities in Ohio and across the Midwest.

About the role

We are looking for a hands-on Senior Manager of Systems Engineering to lead a team of Systems Engineers while remaining deeply involved in the organization's enterprise infrastructure. This working manager will play a key role in leading the transition from VMware to a KVM-based virtualization platform, ensuring a seamless migration while maintaining the stability and reliability of the production environment.

Responsibilities

• Play a hands-on role in the ongoing migration from VMware to KVM-based solutions, including workload assessment, testing, cutover planning, and validation while ensuring operational continuity.
• Administer and maintain Linux server environments (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu), including patching, hardening, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Administer and support Windows Server environments, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP within a hybrid Linux/Windows infrastructure.
• Manage and maintain virtualization hardware platforms, including server provisioning, firmware updates, hardware lifecycle management, and rack/stack operations.
• Oversee on-premises datacenter operations, including physical infrastructure, environmental systems, and capacity planning.
• Manage enterprise storage systems, including provisioning, monitoring, performance optimization, and lifecycle planning.
• Develop, document, and implement operational procedures, checklists, and best practices for Linux, Windows, and virtualization technologies.
• Provide mentoring to other administrators and engineers on technical issues, advanced tools, and emerging virtualization technologies.
• Assist with developing technology roadmaps and participate in the assessment of technology solutions to support organizational needs.
• Manage vendor relationships related to virtualization platforms, Linux distributions, and supporting hardware.
• Develop criteria for and perform vendor and/or system and application selections.
• Coordinate all activities of the Systems Engineering group with all affected operating units and corporate departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in a related field preferred, with prior managerial experience.
• Proven ability to manage, mentor, and develop technical staff in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Practical knowledge of KVM-based virtualization platforms and VMware migration planning and execution.
• Proficiency with Linux system administration and shell scripting.
• Expertise with Windows Server administration, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP.
• Strong knowledge of on-premises datacenter management and enterprise storage platforms (SAN, NAS, or software-defined storage).
• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet.
• Understanding of enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Understanding of AWS cloud services (EC2, S3, VPC, IAM) is a plus.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver quality results in short timeframes.
• Ability to work with IT customers from operating units and with other office personnel in person and by telephone in often stressful situations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• May be required to work a non-traditional schedule.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Voluntary Short & Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401K

Location: Cincinnati, OH (Remote/Hybrid)