What are the responsibilities and job description for the Subject Matter Expert - Hybrid Cloud position at ASCENDING?
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Location: Remote (U.S. Based - EST Time Zone Preferred)
Employment Type: 12-Month Contract (Extensions)
Primary Focus: Messaging, Security & Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
Position Summary
We are seeking a high-level Subject Matter Expert to provide technical leadership and operational excellence across our enterprise IT ecosystem. This critical role is responsible for the health, security, and optimization of our global messaging platforms, core virtualization infrastructure, and identity services.
The ideal candidate brings an "expert-level" depth in Exchange (Hybrid/On-Prem) and Proofpoint, combined with the broad infrastructure experience required to manage complex VMware and Azure environments. You will be the primary point of contact for high-impact migrations, security hardening, and automation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Messaging & Collaboration (SME Focus)
- Exchange Architecture: Design, implement, and maintain Exchange Server (2013–2019) and Microsoft 365 hybrid environments.
- M365 Migrations: Lead complex tenant-to-tenant or on-premises to cloud migrations, ensuring zero data loss and minimal user disruption.
- Security & Compliance: Manage and optimize Proofpoint email security solutions, including DLP, encryption, threat protection, and policy development.
- Protocol Governance: Implement and audit email security standards including SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
Infrastructure & Identity Management
- Cloud & Directory Services: Administer Active Directory and Azure AD, managing identity/access protocols such as OAuth, SAML, and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Virtualization: Manage and provision VMware-based virtualized Windows server infrastructure, focusing on performance tuning and scalability.
- Security Investigation: Partner with security teams to investigate and remediate email-related threats and infrastructure incidents.
Automation & Documentation
- PowerShell Automation: Develop advanced scripts to automate routine administration and complex workflows across M365, Azure, VMware, and Proofpoint.
- Technical Documentation: Maintain high-quality documentation for system architectures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and disaster recovery plans.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 7 years of Systems Engineering experience with a heavy focus on Microsoft enterprise technologies.
- Messaging Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience with Microsoft Exchange (2013, 2016, 2019, and Online) in hybrid configurations.
- Security Mastery: Deep proficiency in administering Proofpoint (policy management, filtering, and protection).
- Virtualization: Direct experience managing VMware environments supporting Windows Server workloads.
- Scripting: Advanced proficiency in PowerShell for cross-platform automation.
- Networking & Identity: Solid understanding of AD/Azure AD, identity management, and core networking concepts relevant to email flow and cloud connectivity.
Preferred Qualifications
- Migrations: Proven track record in tenant-to-tenant or legacy-to-cloud migrations.
- Advanced Security: Experience with Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
- Certifications: Microsoft (MS-102, MS-203), Proofpoint Certified Protection Professional, VCP (VMware), or Azure Administrator certifications.
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.