Virtual Systems Engineer Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and supporting Microsoft-based enterprise infrastructure across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. This position specializes in Microsoft Windows Server, Hyper-V virtualization, Active Directory, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, storage systems, networking, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and enterprise infrastructure modernization.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise, excellent troubleshooting abilities, and the capability to independently manage complex infrastructure projects while providing exceptional customer service. This role supports business-critical systems for commercial, government, and Tribal organizations, ensuring high availability, security, and operational efficiency.

Experience supporting Linux server environments is considered a strong asset. Candidates with knowledge of Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu Server, or other enterprise Linux distributions will have opportunities to support hybrid Microsoft/Linux environments and cloud-based infrastructure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Microsoft Server Administration

• Install, configure, administer, and maintain Microsoft Windows Server environments.
• Perform operating system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle management.
• Configure and maintain Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS).
• Administer DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, Certificate Services, and File Services.
• Monitor server health, capacity, and system performance.
• Perform routine patch management using Windows Update Services or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.

Hyper-V Virtualization

• Design, deploy, and administer Microsoft Hyper-V clusters.
• Create and manage virtual machines, virtual networking, storage, checkpoints, and replication.
• Configure Failover Clustering and Live Migration. (VMware ESXi to Hyper-V preferred)
• Optimize virtual infrastructure performance and resource allocation.
• Perform virtual server migrations and disaster recovery planning.

Microsoft Azure Administration

• Deploy and manage Microsoft Azure resources.
• Configure Azure Virtual Machines, Virtual Networks, Storage Accounts, Azure Backup, and Azure Site Recovery.
• Implement hybrid cloud solutions using Azure Arc and Azure AD Connect.
• Manage Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID).
• Configure identity synchronization between on-premises Active Directory and Azure.
• Monitor Azure environments using Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
• Assist with cloud migration planning and execution.

Microsoft 365 Administration

• Administer Microsoft 365 tenants.
• Manage Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, and OneDrive.
• Configure Conditional Access Policies and Multi-Factor Authentication.
• Manage user provisioning and licensing.
• Implement Microsoft Defender security features.

Infrastructure Engineering

• Design scalable server and storage architectures.
• Configure SAN and NAS storage solutions.
• Administer backup systems and disaster recovery platforms.
• Implement high-availability and redundancy solutions.
• Document infrastructure designs and operational procedures.

Linux Systems Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain Linux server operating systems.
• Perform system updates, patch management, and security hardening.
• Configure Linux networking, storage, and file systems.
• Assist with Linux server migrations and deployments.
• Integrate Linux systems into Microsoft Active Directory and hybrid environments.
• Troubleshoot Linux operating system and application issues.
• Support open-source infrastructure solutions where appropriate.

Cybersecurity

• Implement Microsoft security best practices.
• Maintain secure Active Directory environments.
• Configure Microsoft Defender for Servers.
• Perform vulnerability remediation.
• Assist with incident response.
• Implement least-privilege administrative models.
• Monitor infrastructure for suspicious activity.

Monitoring and Maintenance

• Monitor server health and system performance.
• Analyze event logs and performance metrics.
• Respond to infrastructure alerts.
• Perform preventative maintenance.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation.
• Participate in scheduled maintenance windows.

Customer Support

• Provide Tier III technical support.
• Escalate and resolve complex infrastructure issues.
• Mentor junior IT personnel.
• Participate in on-call support rotation as required.
• Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical users.

Project Responsibilities

• Lead server implementation projects.
• Perform infrastructure assessments.
• Participate in cloud migration initiatives.
• Develop technical standards and documentation.
• Recommend technology improvements that enhance performance, reliability, and security.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience administering Microsoft server environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with Hyper-V virtualization.
• Experience administering Microsoft Azure.
• Experience supporting Microsoft 365.
• Strong understanding of Windows networking technologies.
• Experience with enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel to customer locations as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)
• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800/AZ-801)
• Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert
• VMware experience
• Veeam Backup & Replication experience
• Experience with PowerShell scripting and automation
• Experience supporting hybrid cloud environments
• Experience working within an MSP environment
• Experience supporting Tribal Governments, government agencies, healthcare, education, or enterprise organizations

• 
  Experience administering Linux server environments (Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu Server, or Debian) is highly desirable.
• 
  Experience integrating Linux systems with Microsoft Active Directory and hybrid infrastructure.
• Familiarity with Linux virtualization, networking, storage management, and system security.
• Experience with Red Hat Identity Management (IdM), LDAP, Samba, or similar identity management solutions is a plus.

• Experience with container technologies such as Docker or Podman is a plus.

Technical Skills

Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/2025
• Windows 10/11
• Microsoft Hyper-V Server
• Linux:
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
  • Rocky Linux
  • AlmaLinux
  • Ubuntu Server
  • Debian

Microsoft Technologies

• Active Directory
• Azure Active Directory (Microsoft Entra ID)
• Azure
• Microsoft 365
• Exchange Online
• SharePoint Online
• Teams
• Intune
• Group Policy
• DNS
• DHCP
• DFS
• Certificate Services
• PowerShell

Virtualization

• Microsoft Hyper-V
• Failover Clustering
• Live Migration
• Hyper-V Replica
• Redhat and VMware a Plus

Cloud Platforms

• Microsoft Azure
• Azure Virtual Machines
• Azure Networking
• Azure Storage
• Azure Backup
• Azure Site Recovery
• Azure Monitor
• Azure Arc

Backup & Recovery

• Veeam Backup & Replication
• Azure Backup
• Windows Server Backup
• Disaster Recovery Planning

Networking

• TCP/IP
• VLANs
• VPN
• Routing
• Switching
• Firewall Management
• Wireless Networking

Security

• Microsoft Defender
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Conditional Access
• BitLocker
• Microsoft Sentinel (preferred)
• Microsoft Purview (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to install and rack server and network equipment.
• Ability to work in data centers and telecommunications rooms.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in confined spaces when necessary.
• Ability to travel to customer sites.

Work Environment

This position operates in office environments, customer locations, data centers, and remote work settings. The Systems Engineer may be required to work evenings or weekends during maintenance windows or emergency response situations.

Success Factors

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• High standards of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.