Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Systems Engineer
• Company: Johns Hopkins University
• Location: Baltimore, MD, USA
• Job Type: Full-Time, Remote
• Category: DevOps, Infrastructure
• Date Posted: July 30, 2025
• Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Lead and support email-related projects, develop documentation, and provide input for internal roadmap planning.
• Key Technologies: Email technologies (Cisco IronPorts, Listserv, Microsoft Exchange), Windows and Linux-based systems, scripting, and system management tools.
• Key Skills: Systems analysis, project management, server administration, troubleshooting, and security principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in email systems and server management, with a focus on project leadership and collaboration.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Support:

  • Lead and support email-related projects, including migrations, upgrades, and integrations.
  • Develop and maintain documentation, diagrams, SOPs, and training materials for junior staff and other teams.
  • Provide input for internal roadmap planning and infrastructure decisions.
  • Oversee project operations and provide support for ticket assignments.

• Systems Analysis & Design:

  • Design complex business, clinical, education, or infrastructure solutions by meeting with customers to understand current processes and issues.
  • Develop new methods to improve service processes, performance, and functionality.
  • Research, recommend, and implement new technologies based on their value to the institutions.

• Installation & Configuration:

  • Install and configure complex server hardware, operating systems, and infrastructure applications.
  • Implement a schedule of system backups and archive operations.

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting:

  • Provide server-level administration, including hardware/software management, maintenance, upgrades, and patches.
  • Monitor and tune systems to achieve optimum performance levels.
  • Develop scripts and solutions to automate systems management.
  • Design and/or integrate security authorization and access control.
  • Generate and maintain complex periodic and ongoing system-specific reports.

• Project Collaboration & Lifecycle Participation:

  • Implement changes while adhering to change management policies and procedures.
  • Develop RFPs from requirements gathered by following institutional and purchasing guidelines.
  • Evaluate vendor proposals and assist vendors, consultants, and internal enterprise groups in developing applications.
  • Participate in scheduled project team meetings and institutional/departmental committees and initiatives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Five years of related experience in systems engineering, server administration, or a similar role.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of email technologies (Cisco IronPorts, Listserv, Microsoft Exchange)
• Strong experience with Windows and Linux-based systems
• Proficiency in scripting and system management tools
• Excellent project management and leadership skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of security principles and best practices
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with enterprise-level email systems and infrastructure
• Familiarity with IT service management frameworks (ITIL, etc.)
• Knowledge of healthcare or academic environments
• Experience with virtualization and cloud technologies

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

• Portfolio Essentials:

  • Include examples of email system migrations, upgrades, or integrations you've led or supported.
  • Showcase your documentation and training materials for email systems and server management.
  • Demonstrate your ability to develop and maintain complex system-specific reports.

• Technical Documentation:

  • Provide examples of your system analysis and design work, including diagrams and SOPs.
  • Include examples of your scripting and automation efforts for systems management.
  • Showcase your project management and leadership skills through case studies or testimonials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,300 - $128,300 annually (commensurate with experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plans with employer contributions
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Employee discounts and perks

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher education and healthcare

Company Size: Large (over 20,000 employees)

Founded: 1876

Team Structure:

• The IT@JH Enterprise Directory and Messaging team is part of the University Administration personnel area.
• The team works closely with various departments and teams across Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.
• The role reports to the Manager of IT@JH Enterprise Directory and Messaging.

Development Methodology:

• The team follows IT service management frameworks, such as ITIL, to ensure quality and consistency in service delivery.
• Agile methodologies are used for project management and software development.
• The team collaborates with vendors, consultants, and internal enterprise groups to deliver quality products to customers.

Company Website: Johns Hopkins University

📝 Enhancement Note: Johns Hopkins University is a leading research university with a strong focus on healthcare and academic environments. The IT@JH Enterprise Directory and Messaging team plays a critical role in supporting the university's email and messaging infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Systems Engineer

Reporting Structure: The Systems Engineer reports to the Manager of IT@JH Enterprise Directory and Messaging and collaborates with various teams across Johns Hopkins University and Medicine.

Technical Impact: The Systems Engineer has a significant impact on the university's email and messaging infrastructure, ensuring reliable, secure, and efficient communication for faculty, staff, students, and administrative departments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions. Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in the field.
• Leadership Development: Develop your project management and leadership skills by taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior team members.
• Architecture & Design: Contribute to the development of the university's email and messaging architecture, driving strategic decisions and roadmap planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (remote work with occasional on-site meetings and events)

Office Location(s): Baltimore, MD, USA

Workspace Context:

• The remote work environment allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance.
• Occasional on-site meetings and events provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration and networking.
• The team uses various collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, to communicate and share information.

Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, with on-call responsibilities on a rotating basis

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment at Johns Hopkins University offers a balance between remote work flexibility and on-site collaboration opportunities, fostering a productive and engaging work experience.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your technical background and cultural fit.
2. Technical Deep Dive: A detailed discussion of your experience with email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges, and outcomes.
3. On-Site Interview: A final round of interviews with key stakeholders, including the Manager of IT@JH Enterprise Directory and Messaging and other team members. This round may include a presentation or case study component.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your leadership and project management skills in email system migrations, upgrades, or integrations.
• Showcase your documentation and training materials, demonstrating your ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Include examples of your system analysis and design work, as well as your scripting and automation efforts.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of email technologies, server management, and infrastructure solutions.
• Prepare for scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to make strategic decisions.
• Familiarize yourself with the Johns Hopkins University and Medicine environment, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a large academic and healthcare institution.

ATS Keywords:

• Programming Languages & Tools: Python, Bash, PowerShell, Microsoft Exchange, Cisco IronPorts, Listserv, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, ITIL, Agile
• Server Technologies: Windows Server, Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS), virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)
• Databases: Active Directory, LDAP
• Infrastructure Tools: Microsoft System Center, SolarWinds, Nagios, Zabbix
• Methodologies: ITIL, Agile, project management
• Soft Skills: Leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, analytical thinking
• Industry Terms: Email systems, server management, infrastructure solutions, higher education, healthcare

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Systems Engineer role at Johns Hopkins University is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience with email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Email Technologies:

• Cisco IronPorts (email gateway)
• Listserv (list management software)
• Microsoft Exchange (email server)

Operating Systems:

• Windows Server (2012, 2016, 2019)
• Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS)

Virtualization:

• VMware vSphere
• Microsoft Hyper-V

Infrastructure Tools:

• Microsoft System Center (Configuration Manager, Operations Manager, Virtual Machine Manager)
• SolarWinds (Network Performance Monitor, Server & Application Monitor)
• Nagios (open-source monitoring tool)
• Zabbix (open-source monitoring tool)

Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Teams
• SharePoint

Project Management & Ticketing:

• JIRA Service Desk
• Confluence

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for the Systems Engineer role at Johns Hopkins University includes a mix of commercial and open-source tools, with a focus on email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

• User-Centric: Focus on the needs and expectations of faculty, staff, students, and administrative departments when designing and implementing email and messaging solutions.
• Collaborative: Work closely with various teams across Johns Hopkins University and Medicine to deliver quality products and services.
• Innovative: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions.
• Reliable: Ensure the availability, performance, and security of the university's email and messaging infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with various teams, including faculty, staff, students, and administrative departments, to understand their needs and deliver tailored email and messaging solutions.
• Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and knowledge-sharing sessions to ensure the quality and consistency of email system configurations and server management practices.
• Peer Programming: Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot complex issues, share knowledge, and improve processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture at Johns Hopkins University values collaboration, innovation, and user-centricity, fostering a productive and engaging work environment for Systems Engineers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Email System Migration: Plan and execute complex email system migrations, ensuring minimal downtime and user disruption.
• Infrastructure Optimization: Identify and implement performance optimizations and scalability improvements for the university's email and messaging infrastructure.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure the security and compliance of the university's email and messaging infrastructure, adhering to relevant regulations and best practices.
• Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions, and integrate them into the university's environment as appropriate.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions through training, certifications, and hands-on experience.
• Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers, learn about emerging technologies, and share best practices.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Seek mentorship opportunities from experienced team members and develop your leadership skills through project management and team-building activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and growth opportunities for the Systems Engineer role at Johns Hopkins University require a strong technical background, continuous learning, and a commitment to staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and best practices.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Email System Migration: Describe your experience with email system migrations, including planning, execution, and post-migration support. How did you ensure minimal downtime and user disruption?
• Infrastructure Optimization: Explain your approach to optimizing email system performance and scalability. What tools and techniques have you used to identify and implement improvements?
• Security & Compliance: Discuss your experience with email system security and compliance. How have you ensured that email systems adhere to relevant regulations and best practices?
• Emerging Technologies: Describe your experience with emerging technologies in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions. How have you integrated them into existing environments, and what challenges have you faced?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Johns Hopkins University Environment: Explain what you understand about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a large academic and healthcare institution. How have you addressed these factors in your previous roles?
• Team Collaboration: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How have you ensured effective communication and collaboration, especially when working remotely?
• User-Centric Design: Discuss your approach to designing and implementing email and messaging solutions that meet the needs and expectations of users. How have you gathered and incorporated user feedback into your work?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Email System Migration Case Study: Present a detailed case study of an email system migration project you've led or supported. Include an overview of the project, your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
• Documentation & Training Materials: Showcase your documentation and training materials for email systems and server management. Explain how you've ensured that these resources are clear, concise, and effective in communicating complex technical concepts.
• System Analysis & Design: Present an example of your system analysis and design work, including diagrams, SOPs, and any relevant code snippets. Explain your approach to designing complex business, clinical, education, or infrastructure solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for the Systems Engineer role at Johns Hopkins University is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience with email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions in detail, and demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a large academic and healthcare institution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Engineer position at Johns Hopkins University:

1. Review the Job Description: Thoroughly read and understand the job description, highlighting key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications.
2. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments in email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions.
3. Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your leadership and project management skills in email system migrations, upgrades, or integrations. Include documentation, training materials, and system analysis and design work.
4. Research the Company: Learn about Johns Hopkins University's unique environment, understanding the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a large academic and healthcare institution.
5. Practice Interview Questions: Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions, focusing on your experience with email systems, server management, and infrastructure solutions.
6. Submit Your Application: Apply through the Johns Hopkins University careers website, including your tailored resume and portfolio.

⚠️ 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.