📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer
Company: Affiliated Monitoring
Location: Union City, New Jersey, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: DevOps / System Administration
Date Posted: June 18, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site only

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibility 1: Lead and mentor a team of systems engineers, driving high-performance culture and continuous learning.
Key Responsibility 2: Architect, implement, and manage hybrid infrastructure bridging on-prem and cloud environments, with a focus on AWS.
Key Responsibility 3: Design, deploy, and maintain scalable, resilient system architectures across compute, storage, cloud, and network tiers.
Key Responsibility 4: Collaborate with IT, security, and operations teams to ensure high availability, scalability, and security across infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader with a deep understanding of VMware technologies and cloud services, capable of driving infrastructure projects and guiding junior engineers.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Contribute to infrastructure architecture design, supporting a transition to hybrid infrastructure centered around AWS.
Responsibility 2: Configure, manage, and monitor SAN storage arrays, supporting provisioning, performance tuning, and capacity planning.
Responsibility 3: Plan and implement scalable, resilient system architectures across compute, storage, cloud, and network tiers.
Responsibility 4: Administer Linux and Windows systems in a hybrid environment, applying infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
Responsibility 5: Lead support and development of the Horizon VDI environment, including gold image creation, performance tuning, and operational stability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves hands-on system administration and architecture tasks, requiring a strong technical skill set and experience with relevant tools and platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus (VMware VCP/VCAP, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, HashiCorp Terraform Associate).

Experience: 8+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, including 5+ years hands-on with VMware technologies. Proven leadership experience in a team lead or project lead capacity.

Required Skills:

Deep technical expertise in VMware vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and Horizon (VDI).
Strong knowledge of SAN storage configuration, data center power/cooling, and rack-and-stack practices.
Experience with Linux (Debian, Photon OS) and Windows Server administration.
Comfort with automation and scripting using PowerShell, Bash, or similar.
Strong troubleshooting and incident response skills with a calm, analytical approach.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Foundational knowledge of cloud services with demonstrated experience supporting or planning hybrid infrastructure.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with HashiCorp Nomad, Vault, and Consul.
Experience with Kubernetes.
Use of Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform, Ansible).
Awareness of VMware licensing changes and product strategy post-Broadcom acquisition.
Exposure to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Azure in addition to AWS.
Understanding of ITIL, service management, and compliance standards like SOC 2.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience with VMware technologies, including architecture, deployment, and management of virtual environments.
Showcase projects that highlight your ability to design, implement, and optimize hybrid infrastructure using AWS and other cloud services.
Include examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, such as guiding junior engineers or driving team projects.
Highlight your troubleshooting and incident response capabilities with real-world examples.

Technical Documentation:

Document your approach to system architecture, including design decisions and trade-offs.
Provide examples of your scripting and automation skills, demonstrating how you've used tools like PowerShell, Bash, Terraform, or Ansible to streamline processes.
Include case studies or project overviews that showcase your ability to manage and optimize SAN storage arrays.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 per year (based on regional market rates for senior systems engineers with relevant experience)

Benefits:

Competitive Compensation
Comprehensive Benefits
Collaborative Culture

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on regional market rates for senior systems engineers with relevant experience in the New Jersey area. Benefits and working hours are based on the information provided in the job listing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Affiliated Monitoring operates in the security and monitoring services industry, providing life-saving services to customers through its alarm monitoring centers.

Company Size: Medium-sized company with a focus on reliability, security, and customer service.

Founded: 1977, with a history of innovation and growth in the alarm monitoring industry.

Team Structure:

The Systems team is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the company's infrastructure, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security.
The team consists of systems engineers, with the Lead Systems Engineer role reporting directly to the Director of Systems.
The team collaborates closely with IT, security, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of infrastructure components.

Development Methodology:

The company follows a structured approach to infrastructure management, with a focus on continuous improvement, documentation, and knowledge sharing.
Infrastructure projects are driven by strategic objectives, with a focus on enhancing reliability, scalability, and security.
The company embraces emerging technologies and industry trends, with a commitment to staying at the forefront of the alarm monitoring industry.

Company Website: Affiliated Monitoring

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is focused on reliability, security, and customer service, with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. The team structure and development methodology reflect this focus, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer / Technical Lead

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Systems, with responsibility for guiding and mentoring junior engineers.

Technical Impact: The Lead Systems Engineer role has a significant impact on the reliability, scalability, and security of the company's infrastructure, directly influencing the performance of alarm monitoring services and customer experience.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in cloud services, emerging technologies, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
Leadership Growth: Develop your leadership and mentoring skills, driving team performance and guiding junior engineers in their career development.
Architecture & Strategy: Contribute to long-term infrastructure roadmaps and cloud strategy, shaping the company's technical direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for technical and leadership development, with the potential to make a substantial impact on the company's infrastructure and technical direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Union City, New Jersey, United States

Workspace Context:

The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication between team members, with a focus on open communication and information sharing.
The team has access to the latest tools and technologies, with a commitment to providing the resources necessary for success.
The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on driving continuous improvement and innovation.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines. The work schedule may vary depending on the needs of the business and the demands of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with a focus on driving continuous improvement and providing the resources necessary for success. The work schedule is flexible, with a commitment to supporting the needs of the business and the demands of the role.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your technical skills, focusing on your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management.
On-site Interview: A comprehensive on-site interview, including a tour of the facility, meetings with key stakeholders, and a discussion of your approach to leadership, mentoring, and team building.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your performance throughout the interview process, with a focus on your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management.
Include examples of your leadership and mentoring skills, demonstrating your ability to guide and support junior engineers.
Showcase your troubleshooting and incident response capabilities, with real-world examples of your problem-solving skills and analytical approach.
Provide detailed documentation of your approach to system architecture, including design decisions and trade-offs.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management.
Familiarize yourself with the company's products and services, understanding the role that infrastructure plays in supporting its business operations.
Prepare for questions about your leadership style, mentoring approach, and team-building skills.

ATS Keywords: [Provide a comprehensive list of relevant keywords, organized by category, for resume optimization and interview preparation]

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit, with a focus on your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management. The portfolio review tips and technical challenge preparation are tailored to help you showcase your strengths and demonstrate your fit for the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Frontend Technologies: N/A (not applicable for this role)

Backend & Server Technologies:

VMware vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and Horizon (VDI)
AWS (primary cloud provider, with potential use of Azure or Google Cloud)
Linux (Debian, Photon OS) and Windows Server
SAN storage arrays (NetApp, EMC, or similar)
Infrastructure-as-Code tools (PowerShell, Bash, Terraform, Ansible)
Container orchestration (Nomad, Kubernetes)
Secrets management (Vault)
Service discovery (Consul)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version control (Git)
CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or similar)
Infrastructure automation (Terraform, Ansible)
Monitoring and logging (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK Stack, or similar)
Cloud-based tools and services (AWS CloudFormation, AWS Lambda, Microsoft 365, Azure AD, or similar)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects the company's focus on hybrid infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on VMware technologies and cloud services. The development and DevOps tools are designed to support continuous integration, deployment, and infrastructure management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Reliability: A commitment to ensuring high availability, scalability, and security across the company's infrastructure.
Innovation: A focus on embracing emerging technologies and driving continuous improvement.
Collaboration: A commitment to open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork.
Customer Focus: A dedication to providing exceptional customer service and support.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with IT, security, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of infrastructure components.
Code Review Culture: A focus on documentation, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
Peer Programming: Regular pair programming and code review sessions to ensure high-quality, maintainable infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is focused on reliability, innovation, collaboration, and customer focus, with a commitment to open communication, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. The collaboration style reflects this focus, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional integration, code review culture, and peer programming.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Designing, implementing, and managing hybrid infrastructure that bridges on-prem and cloud environments, with a focus on AWS.
Ensuring high availability, scalability, and security across the company's infrastructure, with a focus on supporting critical alarm monitoring services.
Staying informed on industry trends, especially related to VMware's roadmap under Broadcom, and guiding cloud and infrastructure planning accordingly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in cloud services, emerging technologies, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership and mentoring skills, driving team performance and guiding junior engineers in their career development.
Architecture & Strategy: Contribute to long-term infrastructure roadmaps and cloud strategy, shaping the company's technical direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities reflect the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the role, with a focus on driving continuous improvement and innovation. The learning opportunities are tailored to help you develop your technical and leadership skills, with a commitment to supporting your career growth and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Question 1: Can you describe your experience with VMware technologies, including architecture, deployment, and management of virtual environments?
Question 2: How have you approached designing, implementing, and managing hybrid infrastructure using AWS and other cloud services?
Question 3: Can you provide an example of your leadership and mentoring skills, demonstrating your ability to guide and support junior engineers?

Company & Culture Questions:

Question 1: How do you approach collaboration with IT, security, and operations teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of infrastructure components?
Question 2: Can you describe your approach to troubleshooting and incident response, with a focus on real-world examples of your problem-solving skills and analytical approach?
Question 3: How do you stay informed on industry trends, especially related to VMware's roadmap under Broadcom, and how do you guide cloud and infrastructure planning accordingly?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Strategy 1: Highlight your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management, with a focus on your leadership and mentoring skills.
Strategy 2: Showcase your troubleshooting and incident response capabilities, with real-world examples of your problem-solving skills and analytical approach.
Strategy 3: Provide detailed documentation of your approach to system architecture, including design decisions and trade-offs, with a focus on enhancing reliability, scalability, and security.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical and company & culture questions are designed to assess your technical skills, leadership potential, and cultural fit, with a focus on your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management. The portfolio presentation strategy is tailored to help you showcase your strengths and demonstrate your fit for the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Systems Engineer position:

Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management, with a focus on your leadership and mentoring skills. Include relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems.
Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your experience with VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management, with a focus on your leadership and mentoring skills. Include detailed documentation of your approach to system architecture, including design decisions and trade-offs.
Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on your knowledge of VMware technologies, cloud services, and infrastructure management. Familiarize yourself with the company's products and services, understanding the role that infrastructure plays in supporting its business operations. Prepare for questions about your leadership style, mentoring approach, and team-building skills.
Company Research: Research the company's products, services, and industry trends, with a focus on understanding the role that infrastructure plays in supporting its business operations. Prepare questions to ask during the interview process, demonstrating your interest in the role and the company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Lead Systems Engineer