System Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: $109,360-$184,613

The Systems Architect is a senior technical leader who combines hands-on systems engineering with infrastructure architecture and serves as deputy to the Systems Manager. The role owns the design and evolution of Yusen's on-premise and cloud infrastructure while remaining directly engaged in building, operating, securing, and troubleshooting the environment. This includes Windows, Linux, and UNIX platforms, virtualization, load balancers, containers, storage, backup, and public cloud.

The Systems Architect defines the technical roadmap for compute, storage, virtualization, containers, and cloud platforms; establishes reference architectures and engineering standards; and provides leadership, coaching, and mentoring to the systems engineering team. Working closely with software engineers, solution architects, and other operations teams, the role ensures that infrastructure solutions are highly available, scalable, secure, and aligned with Yusen's overall technology roadmap.

As deputy to the Systems Manager, the Systems Architect provides leadership and decision-making in the manager's absence, helps set priorities and work schedules, represents the systems team in cross-functional and architectural forums, and is accountable for the continued availability and integrity of Yusen's mission-critical systems. The ideal candidate balances deep technical execution with architectural vision and the leadership judgement to guide both projects and people.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE OF THE FOLLOWING

• Linux, Windows, and UNIX/AIX server operating systems
• Azure, AWS, GCP, and VMware virtualization
• Kubernetes on-premise and in the cloud (AKS, GKE, EKS); Docker and container orchestration
• Azure DevOps and CI/CD pipeline design and administration
• Infrastructure as Code and configuration management - Terraform, Ansible, Helm, Traefik
• YAML and declarative configuration
• Version control tools such as Git
• Scripting and automation with Python, Perl, Bash, and PowerShell
• SAN / storage administration, backup and disaster recovery design
• Core services and protocols: SMTP, TCP/IP, Active Directory, DNS, HTTP, FTP
• Infrastructure security, DMZ design, OS patching, and endpoint protection
• API and system integration patterns; microservices and hybrid-cloud architecture

Architecture & Technical Design

• Design and maintain reference architectures for compute, storage, virtualization, container, and cloud platforms that are scalable, reliable, secure, and cost-effective.
• Develop and maintain a roadmap of infrastructure products and capabilities that aligns with Yusen's overall application and enterprise architecture.
• Translate business and operational requirements into logical and physical infrastructure designs, and tie solutions to program success criteria.
• Create and maintain infrastructure and architecture and engineering standards, guidelines, and patterns that promote consistency, reusability, and quality across the environment.
• Provide governance and architectural guidance; conduct architecture and design reviews; and make key design decisions across on-premise and cloud initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and lead proof-of-concept efforts to inform investment and migration strategies (e.g., cloud migration, hybrid-cloud, containerization).
• Partner with software engineers, solution architects and Enterprise Architects (EA) to ensure infrastructure, applications, and communication networks operate properly together.
• Ability to travel in different major US cities and abroad (Europe, Japan)

Systems Engineering & Operations

• Perform administration and support in a large multi-server, multi-site, 24x7 environment spanning Windows, Linux, UNIX, virtualized platforms, load balancers, containers, and cloud.
• Daily administration of Azure services, VMware, Kubernetes, containers, storage, and backups.
• Administer backup, restoration, and disaster-recovery processes for all Yusen mission-critical systems, including validation, monitoring, and maintenance.
• SAN and general storage administration - capacity planning, performance, forecasting, provisioning, reclamation, archiving, and prevention of capacity issues.
• Deploy, tune, monitor, and patch servers - physical or virtual, cloud or non-cloud based.
• Create and maintain infrastructure security including server settings, DMZ devices, OS patching, and corporate anti-virus/endpoint protection.
• Automate infrastructure capabilities for deployments, backups, security, and monitoring using CI/CD, IaC, and scripting.
• Troubleshoot and resolve high-level technical issues involving multiple systems and networks, on-premise and in the cloud; escalate unresolved problems as appropriate.
• Document installation procedures, system configurations, and their functions; maintain detailed documentation of all infrastructure and its dependencies.

Leadership & Deputy Systems Manager Responsibilities

• Act as deputy to the Systems Manager, providing leadership, direction, and decision-making authority in the manager's absence.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to systems engineers.
• Assist in formulating work schedules and priorities for infrastructure development, maintenance, and project activities.
• Represent the systems team in architectural reviews, project planning, vendor discussions, and cross-functional forums.
• Help establish and maintain standards for server and cloud infrastructure and software; advocate architectural best practices across the organization.
• Provide higher-level technical support and guidance to the Help Desk, Desktop, and server support teams; manage and resolve escalated incidents.
• Collaborate with external vendors and partners to ensure their solutions meet Yusen's security, reliability, and scalability requirements.
• Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered. A Master's degree is a plus.
• 7-10+ years of progressive experience in a large multi-server, multi-site, 24x7 environment, including server infrastructure installation, software upgrades/patches, functional systems design, networking protocols, and technical project management.
• Demonstrated experience across Microsoft Windows, UNIX/Linux, clustered systems, and VMware/hypervisor virtual server administration.
• Hands-on experience designing and deploying cloud-based solutions on Azure and AWS (GCP a plus), including hybrid-cloud architectures and migration strategies.
• Strong experience with Kubernetes, containers, and DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipeline design.
• Experience defining reference architectures, engineering standards, and infrastructure roadmaps.
• Familiarity with SQL databases and a basic understanding of Microsoft SQL (security, maintenance jobs, query execution) is desired.
• One or more of the following certifications is highly desired: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Certified - Professional Cloud Architect, VMware Certified Professional, Cisco Certified Network Associate, or equivalent.
• Experience in the logistics or supply chain industry is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and solve complex problems and to communicate with and support clients.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, including the ability to explain technical information to non-technical people.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent technical expertise in infrastructure and cloud technologies.
• Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Strong architectural judgement with the ability to balance business requirements against technical constraints.
• Inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Demonstrates ability to comply with YLA Core Competencies: Problem Solving & Decision Making, Accountability & Responsibility, Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, and Customer Focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Benefits

Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Standard 10 days PTO 
• Eligible for bonus plan
• 7 Paid Holidays 
• Eligble for OT pay if applicable 
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more

Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.

About Yusen Logistics (Americas)

Yusen Logistics is working to become the world's preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities - through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we're dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world's preferred choice.

www.yusen-logistics.com/

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. values each individual employee and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Los Angeles County Only: Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right's Department Fair Chance Act webpage.