Windows Server Engineer

Location: Amarillo, TX - Pantex Plant

About the role

As a Windows Server Engineer, you will play an integral role in a national security mission, focusing on maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. Operating within the Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure team, you will design, install, manage, upgrade, and maintain Windows-based infrastructure within a large, distributed network environment. You will collaborate with IT engineering and project management teams to implement new technologies, configure user access, ensure system stability across critical systems, and work with customers and other IT professionals to resolve complex issues and implement new capabilities.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Deployment: Lead the design, installation, and comprehensive configuration of critical internal and customer-facing server infrastructure, adhering to best practices in scalability, security, and resilience.
• Automation & Scripting: Develop and implement automation scripts, particularly utilizing PowerShell and Ansible, to streamline system administration tasks, enhance efficiency, and ensure consistent configurations. Experience managing OS deployments, patching, and software deployments with Microsoft Configuration Manager is preferred.
• Core Technology Administration: Provide expert administration and advanced support for a wide array of core Microsoft Windows-based technologies, including Active Directory, Group Policy, Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), file services, and virtualization platforms.
• Application Integration & Support: Oversee the installation, configuration, and ongoing support of both proprietary and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications within the Windows ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
• Security & Compliance Management: Proactively monitor, patch, and update the Windows operating system and installed applications, strictly adhering to stringent cybersecurity requirements, vulnerability management protocols, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Performance Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Implement sophisticated monitoring tools and methodologies to proactively identify, diagnose, and resolve complex performance issues, system outages, and security incidents across the Windows server environment, minimizing downtime and maximizing availability.
• On-Call & Maintenance Operations: Provide after-hours support for critical emergencies and execute planned weekend maintenance activities. Participation in a rotational on-call schedule is expected.
• Documentation: Develop, maintain, and enhance detailed operational procedures, comprehensive user documentation, and targeted user training materials to empower end-users and ensure knowledge transfer across supported systems.
• Project Delivery & Strategic Alignment: Collaborate closely with the IT Project Management Organization and the Chief Technology Office to meticulously plan, execute, and deliver complex technology solutions on schedule and within scope, aligning with strategic IT initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Typical engineering/science experience ranging from 3 to 7 years, or a Master's degree in engineering/science discipline.
• Applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 10 years of completed education and/or relevant experience.
• Requires a Department of Energy Q clearance; the ability to obtain and maintain this clearance is required. All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of current clearance status.
• Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph pursuant to 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 709. Medical requirements may apply.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance applicants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Operating System Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of current Microsoft Windows Server Operating Systems.
• Automation & Scripting: Strong scripting skills (e.g., PowerShell, Ansible) for automation and system management tasks.
• Patch Management Proficiency: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with Microsoft patch management systems, including System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).
• System Interoperability: A strong grasp of the interactions between applications, operating systems, and third-party software components.
• Infrastructure Services: Solid understanding of critical Microsoft Windows Infrastructure components such as DNS and DHCP.
• Identity & Access Management: Expertise in Microsoft Active Directory and Group Policy Object (GPO) implementation and management.
• Distributed Computing Environments: In-depth understanding of information technology systems within highly distributed computing environments.
• Database Fundamentals: General understanding of Structured Query Language (SQL) Server Database Management Systems (DBMS).
• Networking Fundamentals: General understanding of networking equipment and technologies.
• Security Implementation: Demonstrated experience in securing hardware and software components against vulnerabilities and threats.
• Virtualization Technologies: Experience with virtual computing environments, including virtual servers.
• Backup & Recovery: Proven capabilities in backup and recovery strategies for both physical and virtual computing environments.
• Enterprise Storage: Experience with Enterprise storage subsystems, including Storage Area Networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) hardware and associated protocols.
• Application Deployment: Experience with deploying applications efficiently across large network infrastructures.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers and technical personnel across various departments and organizations.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to clearly and effectively present complex technical and operational information both verbally and in writing, solve intricate technical problems, and maintain vigilance regarding changes that may impact system security and operational integrity.

Benefits

At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind, including:

• Comprehensive health coverage.
• Robust retirement planning.
• Opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.

Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening, and background investigation. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.