N

Next Step Systems

Executive IT recruitment for permanent roles

Tier 3 Systems and Network Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$80k - $100k/yr
Senior
Bachelor's
Mt Prospect, IL, USA
In Person100% onsite in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
IT OperationsSystem Administration

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments is required.
  • Proficiency with endpoint management tools, specifically Microsoft Intune, is required.
  • Strong networking experience including switches, routers, virtual local area networks, virtual private networks, and firewalls is required.
  • Five or more years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or network engineering is required.
  • Strong experience with Windows Server environments (2016, 2019, or 2022) is required.
  • Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, Domain Name System, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, and Group Policy is required.
  • Experience troubleshooting server and network infrastructure issues is required.
  • Experience with virtualization using Hyper-V or VMware is required.
  • Experience with infrastructure monitoring platforms such as Zabbix, or demonstrated ability and willingness to learn, is required.
  • Experience supporting and maintaining line-of-business applications, including patching and vendor coordination, is required.
  • Ability to mentor and support Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians is required.
Responsibilities
  • Act as the highest escalation point for infrastructure, system, and network issues.
  • Maintain, support, and continuously improve existing server, network, and endpoint infrastructure.
  • Engineer and deploy new infrastructure solutions from design through implementation, aligned with business growth and modernization goals.
  • Own and evolve the organization’s network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, switches, virtual local area networks, and virtual private networks, maintaining current environments and designing improvements.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues across servers, endpoints, and network systems.
  • Manage and maintain Windows Server environments and Active Directory infrastructure.
  • Monitor system and network performance using platforms such as Zabbix; deploy and manage infrastructure monitoring and alerting solutions.
  • Architect and lead deployment of new infrastructure solutions aligned with business growth and modernization goals.
  • Own and administer Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Deploy, manage, and maintain endpoint environments using Microsoft Intune.
  • Support and maintain line-of-business applications, including patching, updates, and vendor coordination.
  • Support virtualization environments and ensure system availability and performance.
  • Assist with infrastructure projects, including migrations, deployments, and integrations.
  • Provide technical guidance and escalation support to Tier 1 and Tier 2 teams.
  • Maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, and system procedures.
  • Ensure security best practices, patch management, and system hardening standards are followed.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies to improve infrastructure efficiency and reliability.
Desired Qualifications
  • Certifications such as CCNA, Microsoft certifications in Azure or Intune, or equivalent are preferred.

About the company

Next Step Systems focuses on matching information technology professionals with permanent, full-time jobs across the United States. It covers a wide range of IT areas including software, hardware, networking, storage, database, web, sales, and IT management, and handles roles at all levels. The process involves recruiting, screening, and placing qualified candidates with employer clients, providing end-to-end staffing support. The firm differentiates itself through a long track record (since 1995) and strategic growth, notably the 2014 acquisition of Parallel Partners to broaden its ability to serve both company clients and job seekers. Its goal is to deliver quality, professional service that connects employers with top IT talent and helps candidates find lasting careers.

Company Size

11-50

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

null

Founded

1995

Get referred to Next Step Systems

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The website was updated October 1, 2026, signaling active business development.
  • Its August 3, 2026 blog celebrated 31 years, showing durable market presence.
  • Recent July 2026 posts advertised AI, NetSuite, and engineering roles across multiple geographies.

What critics are saying

  • LinkedIn lists only 1-10 employees, making revenue dependent on a tiny team.
  • The firm still relies on recruiting fees, so client hiring freezes hit immediately.
  • If enterprise clients internalize AI sourcing, Next Step Systems loses its core fee stream.

What makes Next Step Systems unique

  • Since 1995, Next Step Systems has specialized solely in permanent IT recruiting.
  • Its 2026 website markets AI, cloud, data, and cybersecurity placements nationwide.
  • The firm spans Chicago, Cleveland, and other metro pages for hyperlocal candidate sourcing.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Remote Work Options
  • Hybrid Work Options
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Phone/Internet Stipend
  • Tuition Reimbursement