Level 2 Systems Engineer

Role Overview

We are looking for a Level 2 Systems Engineer to build, maintain and troubleshoot our Windows Server and Hyper-V infrastructure, including Failover Clusters and the Windows networking that supports them.

This role suits a hands-on engineer who is methodical, takes pride in accurate documentation, and believes good process is what keeps systems stable.

Key Responsibilities

Build and deployment

• Build, configure and commission physical and virtual Windows servers to agreed build standards and checklists.
• Deploy and configure Hyper-V hosts, virtual machines, virtual switches and storage.
• Build, validate and maintain Windows Server Fail over Clusters, including cluster networks, quorum and Cluster Shared Volumes.
• Rack, cable and label servers and associated equipment in line with data centre standards.

Support and troubleshooting

• Act as the escalation point for Level 1 / Service Desk on server, virtualization and network issues.
• Diagnose and resolve incidents across Windows Server, Hyper-V and clustering, working to agreed SLAs.
• Troubleshoot Windows networking issues including DNS, DHCP, IP addressing, VLANs, NIC teaming / SET and firewall rules.
• Carry out root cause analysis and escalate to Level 3 or vendors with clear, complete information.

Maintenance

• Apply patches and updates to servers and hosts, including cluster-aware updating.
• Monitor system health, capacity and performance, and act on alerts.
• Support backup, restore and disaster recovery testing.
• Participate in an on-call rota and planned out-of-hours deployments

Essential skills and experience

• 3+ years in a Level 2 infrastructure or systems support role.
• Strong hands-on experience building and troubleshooting Windows Server (2016, 2019 and 2022).
• Solid experience with Hyper-V: host configuration, VM management, virtual switching, checkpoints and live migration.
• Practical experience building and supporting Windows Server Failover Clustering, including quorum, CSVs and cluster validation.
• Good working knowledge of Windows networking: TCP/IP, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, NIC teaming / Switch Embedded Teaming and Windows Firewall.
• Working knowledge of Active Directory and Group Policy.
• Basic hardware knowledge: able to rack, cable (power, copper and fibre) and label servers, and identify common hardware faults.
• Experience working within ITIL-based processes, including incident, problem and change management.
• Clear, accurate technical documentation skills.
• Basic PowerShell scripting for administration and troubleshooting.

Desirable skills

• Experience with Windows Admin Center.
• Familiarity with SAN / iSCSI storage

Personal attributes

• Process driven: follows standards, checklists and change control consistently, and does not cut corners.
• Methodical, logical approach to troubleshooting.
• High attention to detail in builds, tickets and documentation.
• Clear communicator with both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Calm and organised under pressure, including during major incidents.
• Takes ownership of issues through to resolution.
• Keen to learn and grow towards a Level 3 / senior role.