Systems Engineer – Operational Technology (OT)

Position Summary

As a key member of the Systems & Infrastructure team, the Systems Engineer – Operational Technology (OT) is responsible for the administration, security, and operational readiness of critical OT systems that support real-time transmission and generation operations. This role ensures high availability, system integrity, and regulatory compliance within a highly regulated critical infrastructure environment.

The position performs system administration functions in alignment with industry best practices, including installation, configuration, patch management, backup and recovery, performance monitoring, and cybersecurity hardening. The role also contributes to change management, compliance initiatives (including NERC CIP), and continuous improvement of infrastructure processes and standards.

Participation in a 24×7 on-call support rotation is required.

Technical Environment

Core Technologies & Skills

• Linux system administration (RHEL 8.x preferred)

• Windows Server (2012 R2 through 2022)

• VMware vSphere (8.x) virtualization

• On-premises infrastructure (non-cloud focused)

• Bash and PowerShell scripting

• Server patching (Linux & Windows)

• System performance tuning and lifecycle upgrades

• New server commissioning and project implementation

• Security hardening and compliance controls

Preferred Experience

• Operational Technology (OT), EMS, or SCADA environments

• Highly regulated industries (e.g., utilities, energy, critical infrastructure)

• NERC CIP compliance support

• Infrastructure automation and configuration management tools

Key Responsibilities

System Administration & Infrastructure Support

• Administer and maintain VMware-based physical and virtual OT server environments, including hypervisors and storage components.

• Perform installation, commissioning, patching, upgrades, backup/recovery, and performance monitoring of OT infrastructure.

• Implement cybersecurity hardening guidelines and ensure adherence to security standards.

• Support incident response activities and provide emergency coverage as required.

Process Improvement & Governance

• Develop, document, and maintain system administration procedures to ensure consistency and operational excellence.

• Identify and implement opportunities for automation, documentation improvements, and operational efficiency.

• Participate in Change Management processes to ensure controlled and compliant system modifications.

• Collect and maintain evidence required for NERC CIP compliance audits.

Collaboration & Project Support

• Partner with cross-functional teams to support Power Technology and infrastructure projects.

• Serve as a technical contributor—or lead engineer when appropriate—for infrastructure initiatives.

• Coordinate with technology vendors for support, licensing, and subscription renewals.

• Collaborate with leadership to perform root cause analysis, identify operational gaps, and support budget planning.

Leadership & Mentorship (Desired/Advanced Level)

• Act as a technical lead for system administration activities.

• Provide training, mentoring, and guidance to junior staff members.

• Serve as a subject matter expert across system administration, security, networking, EMS, or SCADA domains.

• Drive continuous improvement across departmental policies, processes, and standards.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a proactive, business-minded professional who:

• Is a self-starter with strong ownership and accountability

• Thrives in fast-paced, mission-critical OT environments

• Understands the business impact of infrastructure decisions

• Enjoys solving complex technical challenges

• Demonstrates strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Work Conditions

• Participation in a rotational 24×7 on-call support schedule

Availability to provide emergency support during incident response situations

The compensation range for this position is $100K to $150K      
(dependent on factors including but not limited to client requirements, experience, statutory considerations, and location).
*Note: Disclosure as required by the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (CO), NYC Pay Transparency Law, and sb5761 (WA)
 
Synergis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
 
For consideration, please forward your resume to dwicks@synergishr.com
 
If you require assistance or an accommodation in the application or employment process, please contact us at dwicks@synergishr.com.
 
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including but not limited to, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
 
Synergis is a workforce solutions partner serving thousands of businesses and job seekers nationwide. Our digital world has accelerated the need for businesses to build IT ecosystems that enable growth and innovation along with enhancing the Total Experience (TX). Synergis partners with our clients at the intersection of talent and transformation to scale their balanced teams of tech, digital and creative professionals. Learn more about Synergis at ww.synergishr.com.