Smart Ass Nerds

IT Systems Engineering & Support Intern –
Summer 2026 to Winter 2027

In‐Person • Hands‐On • Livonia, Michigan

About Smart Ass Nerds

Smart Ass Nerds is a diverse technology services provider supporting micro‐businesses, large enterprises, and government agencies. While we’re rooted in Metro Detroit, we support clients across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.K.

Our Hands‐On Training & Certification Program

Your internship isn’t just a job — it’s a structured, multi‐phase IT training journey designed to build real‐world skills quickly. All training takes place in person at our Livonia, Michigan office so you can learn directly from experienced engineers and use our full technical lab.

Phase 1: Foundations (Weeks 0–4)

·        Understanding ticketing & documentation

·        PC imaging, setup, configuration, repair

·        Networking fundamentals using real gear

·        Intro to Microsoft 365, Active Directory & user management

·        Lab simulations to prep for live support

Phase 2: Real‐World Service Desk (Months 0–6)

·        Take live tickets via phone, chat, and remote tools

·        Troubleshoot PCs, servers, printers, VoIP, cameras

·        Shadow senior engineers; weekly learning labs

·        Certification cost reimbursed after you pass

Phase 3: Engineering & Field Work (Months 2–6)

·        On‐site deployments; configure switches, APs, VoIP

·        Virtualization: Hyper‐V, VMware

·        Build full environments in our lab

·        Learn cabling, fiber, racking basics

Phase 4: Specialization & Career Pathing (Months 2 – 6)

·        Help Desk / Support Engineering

·        Systems Engineering

·        Project & Field Work

·        Special Projects (VoIP, security, access control)

What You’ll Do Day‐to‐Day

·        Provide remote & in‐person tech support using phone, chat, and remote tools

·        Work on PCs, servers, networks, VoIP, cameras, printers, access control & more

·        Deploy hardware/software at client sites

·        Communicate professionally and follow up with users

·        Lift up to 50 lbs for installs and equipment moves

·        Research issues, document solutions, and work independently

·        Build and test systems in our lab before client deployments

·        Create and update documentation for users and internal teams

Hours & Schedule

·        Part‐time: 16–32 hours/week

·        First‐shift hours with weekend options

·        Some after business hours or weekend work may be required

Requirements

·        Eager to learn and take on challenges

·        Great communication and customer service skills

·        Able to follow directions and work independently

·        Reliable transportation; on‐time attendance

·        Willingness to work weekends/holidays when needed

·        Desire for long‐term career growth

·        High school diploma/GED OR High School Senior with 3.2+ GPA (Juniors considered with online/co‐op coursework)

·        Must have held a job, volunteer role, or enrolled in education within the past 6 months

A Strong Candidate Will Have

·        Worked toward an IT certification or related degree

·        0–2 years of tech support experience or strong desire to learn

·        Basic PC hardware/software skills (including Microsoft Office)

·        Understanding of networking basics (CAT6/7, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, 802.11 standards, fiber, switches, etc.)

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

·        Active Directory or Azure AD; Microsoft/Office 365

·        Virtualization (Hyper‐V, VMware, etc.)

·        macOS, Linux, Adobe, POS systems, VoIP, CCTV, access control

·        Cisco, Juniper, or Arista experience

·        Smartphone/tablet configuration; MDM / Intune

·        Experience helping non‐technical users

·        HIPAA or medical tech familiarity; Hosting/server management (VPS, web)

·        MSP, VoIP, fiber or structured cabling experience

Other Important Info

·        Background and credit check required

·        U.S. Citizenship required (government client work)

·        No visa sponsorship provided; No relocation assistance

·        Must be able to commute to our Livonia, Michigan office

Disqualifications

·        Higher than a bachelor's degree (overqualified for this role)

·        Non US Citizen (Required for our government contracts)

·        Only looking for remote work

·        Unable to regularly come into the office.

·        Criminal convictions and/or poor financial management

·        Not having a valid driver's license

·        More than 2 points on driver’s license, DUI/OWI, and other serious driving violations