Communications Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Location: Willowbrook, Illinois
Hire Type: Full-Time
Shift: On-Site
Compensation: $80,000–$125,000, based on experience
Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: Bonus eligibility
Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, professional development, certifications, and career growth opportunities

Overview:

Our client is a leading security technology firm specializing in secure computing platforms and advanced surveillance systems for critical infrastructure. The organization partners with industry leaders to deliver air-gapped, high-availability solutions that comply with stringent regulatory requirements, as well as supporting large corporations with tightly controlled technology infrastructures.

Our client is seeking a talented Systems Engineer with 4–6 years of hands-on experience designing, deploying, maintaining, and troubleshooting mission-critical IT infrastructure. The Systems Engineer will join the systems engineering team in Willowbrook, Illinois, reporting directly to the Systems Engineering & Information Technology Manager.

This is a hands-on technical position focused on Windows and Linux server administration, virtualization, networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, automation, and enterprise IT infrastructure. Due to the sensitive nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship, successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening, and the ability to work fully on-site are required.

Job Duties:

• Design, implement, maintain, and support Proxmox-virtualized and bare-metal Windows and Linux server environments, ensuring high availability, reliability, and security.
• Design and implement air-gapped system and network environments.
• Maintain and expand the corporate IT environment, including Active Directory, Microsoft Entra, Azure, Intune, SentinelOne, and other enterprise-level solutions.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls from Ubiquiti, Cisco, Fortinet, and similar vendors.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts and tools using Bash, PowerShell, Ansible, and related technologies.
• Automate system provisioning, configuration management, and recurring administrative tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate virtualization technologies such as vSphere and Hyper-V.
• Support containerization technologies including Docker and cloud-based resources when applicable.
• Assist with cybersecurity assessments, vulnerability scanning, remediation, and security documentation.
• Document cybersecurity findings in accordance with NRC RG 5.71, NEI 08-09, and applicable industry best practices.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, runbooks, configuration documentation, and standard operating procedures.
• Configure and administer Active Directory, including Group Policy.
• Configure and support Azure SAML authentication integrations with third-party vendors.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support a diverse range of IoT devices, including cameras, motion sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
• Support day-to-day IT and systems operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve system, network, virtualization, and application issues promptly.
• Assist with maintaining secure, reliable, and highly available IT infrastructure.
• Travel up to approximately 20% as required.\
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• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on and field experience will be considered.
• 4–6 years of professional experience in systems engineering.
• Strong experience with Windows and Linux server administration.
• 4–6 years of professional experience with virtualization and containerization technologies, including Proxmox.
• VCP or other relevant virtualization certifications are a plus.
• Strong understanding of networking, switching, and routing.
• Experience with Microsoft Entra (Azure AD), Office 365, and Active Directory.
• Experience with Active Directory Group Policy and enterprise authentication.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of JIRA and Confluence is desired.

• Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles and compliance frameworks, including NIST, NRC/NEI/DOE regulations, and role-based access controls.
• Experience with NetBox and Snipe-IT.
• Experience with SMB-level storage infrastructure, including SAN/NAS.
• Experience supporting secure or highly controlled technology environments.
• Ability to travel approximately 20%.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

• U.S. Citizenship is mandatory. Non-U.S. Citizens cannot be considered.
• Must possess a compliant REAL ID.
• Must be willing and able to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation and drug screening in accordance with applicable requirements, including 10 CFR 73.56.
• Must be able to work 100% on-site in Willowbrook, Illinois.
• No remote or hybrid work option is available for this position.

• Competitive salary of $80,000–$125,000, based on experience.
• Bonus eligibility.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development and certification opportunities.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on cutting-edge security technology and critical infrastructure.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.