Summary:
The Wintel Engineer/Administrator/Systems Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and support of Windows-based server infrastructure and related technologies. This role ensures the stability, security, and optimal performance of IT systems, supporting critical business operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Server Management:
- Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server operating systems (e.g., 2016, 2019, 2022) on physical and virtual hardware (Intel x86/x64 platforms).
- Administer and manage server roles and features such as File Services, Print Services, IIS, DNS, DHCP, NPS, PKI, etc.
- Perform regular system health checks, performance monitoring, and capacity planning.
- Conduct server builds, upgrades, migrations, and decommissioning.
- Active Directory Management:
- Administer and troubleshoot Active Directory services, including user accounts, group policies (GPOs), authentication protocols, and trust relationships.
- Manage DNS and DHCP services within the Active Directory environment.
- Implement and maintain Active Directory security best practices.
- Virtualization:
- Deploy, manage, and troubleshoot virtualization platforms, primarily VMware vSphere (ESXi) and/or Microsoft Hyper-V.
- Manage virtual machine (VM) resources, performance, and snapshots.
- Implement and maintain virtual networking configurations (e.g., vSwitches, DVS).
- Security & Patch Management:
- Implement and monitor security measures, including antivirus, anti-malware, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.
- Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Perform timely patching and updates of Windows servers and applications using tools like WSUS or SCCM.
- Ensure compliance with organizational security policies and industry regulations.
- Backup & Disaster Recovery:
- Design, implement, and manage data backup and recovery solutions (e.g., Windows Server Backup, Veeam, Commvault, NetBackup).
- Develop and regularly test disaster recovery (DR) plans to ensure data integrity and availability.
- Automation & Scripting:
- Develop and implement automation scripts using PowerShell to streamline routine administrative tasks, configurations, and deployments.
- Identify opportunities for automation to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- Troubleshooting & Support:
- Provide Tier 2/3 technical support for complex issues related to Windows servers, applications, and infrastructure.
- Investigate and troubleshoot hardware, software, operating system, network, and storage-related issues.
- Participate in on-call rotations for 24/7 support as required.
- Perform root cause analysis for incidents and outages.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
- Technical Skills:
- In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with various versions of Microsoft Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022).
- Strong expertise in Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, and DHCP.
- Proficiency in virtualization technologies (VMware vSphere/ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V).
- Solid understanding of networking concepts (TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, firewalls, VPNs).
- Experience with storage solutions (SAN/NAS) and backup/recovery strategies.
- Strong scripting skills, particularly with PowerShell.
- Familiarity with patch management and vulnerability remediation processes.
- Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., SCOM, SolarWinds).
- Knowledge of cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure or AWS is increasingly beneficial.
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Attention to detail and a thorough approach to tasks.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with new technologies.
- Certifications (Highly Valued):
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) / Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
- VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
- ITIL v3/v4 Foundation (for understanding IT service management processes)
Experience:
- Typically 3+ years of experience in Wintel administration or a similar role, with senior roles requiring 5+ or 8+ years of experience and potentially leadership responsibilities.
This comprehensive outline should provide a good basis for understanding and creating Wintel job descriptions. Remember to tailor specific duties and requirements based on the seniority of the role and the specific needs of the organization.
