Demo

Sr. Systems Engineer - SME

ASCENDING
Boston, MA Other
POSTED ON 4/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/9/2026
Sr. Systems Engineer / SME
Remote within the U.S. (EST Time Zone Preferred)
Contract – 6 months (potential for extension)

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer/Subject Matter Expert to join our team, supporting and optimizing a full suite of enterprise IT systems. This role encompasses responsibility for email platforms (Exchange, Microsoft 365, Proofpoint), core infrastructure (Active Directory, Azure, VMware), and related security, reliability, and compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a broad background in systems engineering with deep expertise managing Exchange Server (on-premises and hybrid), Microsoft 365, Proofpoint, Azure services, and VMware environments.
This position is fully remote, with preference for candidates in the EST time zone to align with our business operations.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and maintain Exchange Server (2013/2016/2019/on-premises, hybrid), Microsoft 365 email solutions, and Azure-based mail and directory services
  • Lead migrations and coexistence between on-premises Exchange and Microsoft 365, ensuring minimal downtime and data integrity
  • Manage, configure, and support Proofpoint email security solutions, including policy development, filtering, DLP, encryption, and threat protection
  • Administer VMware environments to support virtualized Windows server infrastructure, including performance tuning, provisioning, and upgrades
  • Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues across email flow, virtual servers, Azure services, and security platforms
  • Manage Active Directory (AD), Azure AD, and identity/access management, including OAuth, SAML, and MFA configurations
  • Implement and maintain email security protocols (DMARC, DKIM, SPF) and advanced transport/security rules
  • Automate routine administrative tasks and workflows using PowerShell for Exchange, Microsoft 365, Azure, VMware, and Proofpoint environments
  • Collaborate with security and compliance teams to investigate and remediate email and infrastructure-related incidents
  • Develop, update, and maintain documentation on system configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides
Required Qualifications
  • 7 years of experience as a Systems Engineer with significant responsibility for Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, and core Windows infrastructure
  • Extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange (2013, 2016, 2019, and Exchange Online), including hybrid and migration projects
  • Strong experience administering Proofpoint, including configuration, policy management, DLP, and encryption
  • Direct experience managing VMware environments for Windows servers and core applications
  • Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and management across multiple platforms
  • Solid hands-on experience with Active Directory, Azure AD, identity management, and access controls
  • Familiarity with security protocols including SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and anti-phishing solutions
  • Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills; ability to take initiative and work independently in a remote environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience performing email/system migrations (on-premises to Microsoft 365, tenant-to-tenant)
  • Experience with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and other advanced email security tools
  • Knowledge of networking concepts relevant to email/email security and virtualized environments
  • Microsoft and Proofpoint certifications (e.g., MS-102, MS-203, Proofpoint Certified Protection Professional), VMware certifications, and/or Azure certifications are a plus
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Hourly Wage Estimation for Sr. Systems Engineer - SME in Boston, MA
$48.00 to $57.00
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