Full-Time

Senior Network/Infrastructure Engineer

Onsite in Charlotte, NC

Next Step Systems

Next Step Systems

11-50 employees

Executive IT recruitment for permanent roles

Compensation Overview

$100k - $135k/yr

Charlotte, NC, USA

In Person

100% onsite in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Category
DevOps & Infrastructure (1)
Required Skills
TCP/IP
Kubernetes
Microsoft Azure
LDAP
Computer Networking
Docker
VMWare
Nutanix

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Requirements
  • 5+ years in a senior network/infrastructure engineering role supporting enterprise environments (hybrid datacenter + cloud)
  • Strong, hands-on experience with Kubernetes, VMware (vSphere/ESX/ESXi), and Microsoft Azure (these are must-haves)
  • Proven experience designing/supporting enterprise networks: LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi, routing/switching, VPNs, QoS, and troubleshooting (packet capture/traffic analysis)
  • Firewall administration experience with one or more of SonicWall, Cisco ASA, and Palo Alto (policy, VPN, logging/triage)
  • Experience with virtualization operations and performance tuning (compute, storage, networking)
  • Windows Server administration experience (including legacy environments as needed), Active Directory, Group Policy, and Exchange in enterprise contexts
  • Working knowledge supporting SQL Server environments (AlwaysOn preferred)
  • Strong operational habits: change management discipline, incident response, documentation, and clear communication
Responsibilities
  • Own day-to-day operations of the VMware environment (vSphere/ESX/ESXi): lifecycle management, capacity, performance tuning, patching, upgrades, backup/DR coordination, and incident response.
  • Partner on the virtualization roadmap, including planning and execution for migration from VMware to Nutanix (or Nutanix-based platforms), minimizing downtime and risk.
  • Operate and optimize storage and compute platforms (e.g., Cisco UCS, SAN/NAS such as NetApp FAS/AFF, FlexPod), including performance troubleshooting and resilience planning.
  • Manage and optimize Microsoft Azure workloads: networking, compute, storage, security controls, cost optimization, and operational monitoring.
  • Operate Kubernetes environments (cluster upgrades, reliability, networking, ingress, policy, and workload troubleshooting).
  • Build, deploy, and support Docker containerized applications and supporting infrastructure (registries, image hygiene, runtime security, scaling).
  • Implement and maintain load balancing solutions (L4/L7), including TLS configuration and operational monitoring.
  • Design, implement, and support enterprise data/voice/video networks across LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi.
  • Configure and support routing/switching and core network services (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, QoS, DHCP/DNS).
  • Administer and harden firewalls/VPNs (SonicWall, Cisco ASA, Palo Alto) and support secure remote access patterns.
  • Maintain secure internal and external data transfer mechanisms (e.g., SFTP/managed file transfer), including certificate/keys, access controls, and auditing.
  • Support vulnerability remediation, security hardening, and practical control implementation aligned to customer/security expectations (e.g., PCI/SOC-related controls where applicable).
  • Own SSL/TLS certificate lifecycle management across infrastructure components.
  • Build repeatable, automated operations (Infrastructure-as-Code and configuration management preferred), reducing manual work and increasing reliability.
  • Improve observability and troubleshooting practices (monitoring, alerting, packet capture, traffic analysis) and drive root-cause prevention.
  • Participate in on-call/after-hours support rotations as needed for high-priority incidents and maintenance windows.
  • Collaborate across internal teams and external vendors/clients to plan changes, execute upgrades, resolve incidents, and document outcomes.
  • Create and maintain clear technical documentation (runbooks, diagrams, standards) to improve operational consistency and knowledge sharing.
Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field and significant datacenter operations experience.
  • Certifications such as CCNA/CCNP, VCP, Nutanix (NCP), Azure (AZ-104/AZ-305), Security+, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with Cisco UCS, NetApp FAS/AFF, and FlexPod architectures in production environments.
  • Familiarity with IIS/Tomcat administration and email security tooling (e.g., SpamTitan).
  • Experience with tools such as Jira, Kace, SolarWinds, PRTG, Cerberus SFTP, Zerto, Trend Micro, WSUS, and related monitoring/endpoint/security platforms.

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

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • 30 years of experience celebrated on August 1, 2025, builds trusted recruiter relationships.
  • Broad openings in Data Engineers, DBAs, and IT Executives sustain placement volumes.
  • Services extend to Canada and England, diversifying beyond U.S. markets.

What critics are saying

  • AI platforms like LinkedIn Recruiter automate sourcing, displacing manual vetting by 2027.
  • Remote work erodes geographic advantages; candidates apply directly nationwide now.
  • Kforce undercuts on price with integrated HR tech for Fortune 500 clients immediately.

What makes Next Step Systems unique

  • Next Step Systems specializes in IT roles like software engineers and cybersecurity experts nationwide.
  • Founded in 1995 by Mike Stapinski, it recruits across 30 U.S. cities including Atlanta and Seattle.
  • Listed in SHRM Directory, it offers contingency-based IT staffing for all organization sizes.

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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

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Stock Options

Company Equity

Conference Attendance Budget

Professional Development Budget

Family Planning Benefits

Fertility Treatment Support

Adoption Assistance

Parental Leave

Home Office Stipend

Commuter Benefits

Gym Membership

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement