Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure Job Summary Kaspar Companies is seeking a Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure to maintain dependable technology operations while modernizing and standardizing infrastructure across our operating companies. This hands-on role supports employees, resolves advanced technical issues, and engineers practical improvements across Microsoft 365, Windows Server, identity, endpoints, virtualization, networking, backups, and related infrastructure. The position combines approximately 40% operational support with 60% infrastructure engineering and improvement work. Reporting to the IT Director/IT Manager, the successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, communicate clearly, document work thoroughly, reduce recurring issues, and help deliver reliable, scalable technology across Kaspar facilities. Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure Responsibilities Infrastructure Operations & Reliability • Administer and troubleshoot Windows servers, virtualized environments, and core services while monitoring health, performance, capacity, and availability. • Maintain backup and restoration capabilities, test recovery procedures, and improve disaster-recovery readiness. • Plan patches, upgrades, deployments, and scheduled maintenance; perform root-cause analysis and implement durable fixes that reduce downtime. Microsoft Cloud, Identity & Endpoint Management • Administer Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, and related identity and access services. • Support employee onboarding and offboarding, account lifecycle activities, permissions, and secure access. • Manage Microsoft Intune, endpoint compliance, software deployment, and standardized cloud, identity, and device configurations across operating companies. Networks & Multi-Site Technology • Support LAN, WAN, wireless, firewall, VPN, internet, and site-to-site connectivity across Kaspar facilities. • Troubleshoot connectivity and performance issues and coordinate with carriers, vendors, and service providers. • Maintain network diagrams, configuration records, equipment information, and recovery documentation while supporting multi-site standardization. Support & Service Delivery • Provide helpdesk support and take ownership of advanced infrastructure, identity, network, and endpoint escalations. • Communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, confirm resolution, and document devices, accounts, and systems touched. • Balance urgent support with planned engineering work and create knowledge articles and standard work that reduce recurring issues. Projects, Automation & Continuous Improvement • Execute prioritized infrastructure projects from requirements and planning through testing, deployment, documentation, and handoff. • Use PowerShell or similar scripting tools to automate repetitive administration and improve consistency. • Evaluate technical requests, recommend practical alternatives, and coordinate outside providers while strengthening Kaspar's internal capability. Security & Business-System Partnership • Implement approved hardening and remediation with the Security Analyst and assist with incident recovery as the infrastructure resource. • Support the hosting, identity, connectivity, and integration needs of ERP and other business systems without owning application functionality or business-process configuration. • Partner with Operations, Engineering, ERP, and Security to deliver solutions that fit business and manufacturing needs. • All other duties as assigned by management. Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure Skills and Competencies • Trusted technical partner who improves systems through hands-on problem solving. • Clear communication and disciplined documentation. • Practical automation and continuous improvement. • Ability to balance immediate support with long-term reliability and standardization. Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure Qualifications • 3-5 years of hands-on systems administration, systems engineering, or infrastructure experience. • Practical experience with Windows Server, Active Directory and/or Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, endpoint administration, and networking fundamentals. • Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, identity and access, endpoint troubleshooting, and core infrastructure services. • Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, communication, and documentation skills. • Ability to work independently, collaborate with employees and technical partners, and balance support with planned engineering work. • Ability to participate in occasional scheduled evening or weekend maintenance and travel occasionally to Kaspar facilities. Systems Engineer - IT Operations & Infrastructure Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Microsoft Azure, Intune, virtualization platforms, firewalls, VPNs, backup and recovery systems, and infrastructure monitoring. • PowerShell or similar scripting and automation experience. • Experience supporting multi-site or manufacturing environments. • Experience with IT service management, technical knowledge bases, or standard-work practices. • Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, or comparable certifications; bachelor's degree in a related field preferred, with equivalent experience accepted. Physical Requirements • Ability to work primarily on-site and move between office, server-room, and manufacturing areas. • Ability to travel occasionally between Kaspar facilities. • Ability to use required personal protective equipment in manufacturing environments. Work Environment • Based in Shiner, Texas, in a primarily on-site role. • Includes multi-site support and occasional facility travel. • May require planned evening or weekend maintenance. • Requires PPE use in manufacturing areas. Benefits • Health Insurance • Vision Insurance • Dental Insurance • 401(k) • Paid Time Off • Profit Sharing • Counseling