AT&T

Principal Windows Server Engineer

AT&T$128K — $215K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years of Windows Server administration in a large enterprise environment
  • Hands-on experience with Windows Server 2016/2019/2022, Active Directory, and Group Policy
  • Proficiency in PowerShell scripting
  • Experience with enterprise patching solutions and virtualized environments (VMware or Hyper-V)
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills

Responsibilities

  • Engineer, deploy, configure, and maintain enterprise Windows Server environments
  • Manage server OS, including installing, updating, and decommissioning servers
  • Plan, schedule, and execute operating system patching activities
  • Lead Windows Server upgrade and migration initiatives
  • Develop and automate software deployment processes
  • Monitor Windows Server performance and identify bottlenecks
  • Provide Level 3 engineering support for critical incidents

Benefits

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays (minimum of 23 vacation days and 9 holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Employee discounts up to 50% on eligible services
Full Job Description

Principal Windows Server Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Windows Server Engineer to join our Infrastructure Engineering team. This role is responsible for the engineering, administration, security, automation, and lifecycle management of enterprise Windows Server platforms supporting critical business applications and services. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Windows Server administration, patch management, operating system upgrades, performance optimization, infrastructure automation, software deployment, compliance reporting, and server lifecycle management. This position will collaborate with application owners, security teams, storage teams, virtualization teams, cloud engineers, and operations personnel to ensure a secure, reliable, and highly available server environment.

Primary Responsibilities
Windows Server Administration

• Engineer, deploy, configure, and maintain enterprise Windows Server environments.

• Manage server operating systems including Windows Server 2016, 2019, and 2022.

• Perform server builds, provisioning, decommissioning, and lifecycle management activities.

• Maintain server standards, hardening guidelines, and operational procedures.

• Support physical, virtual, and cloud-based Windows infrastructure.

Patch & Vulnerability Management

• Plan, schedule, and execute operating system patching activities.

• Coordinate maintenance windows with application and business stakeholders.

• Remediate security vulnerabilities identified through internal and external scans.

• Ensure compliance with corporate security and regulatory requirements.

• Produce patching compliance metrics and executive-level reporting.

Operating System Upgrades

• Lead Windows Server upgrade and migration initiatives.

• Develop migration strategies from legacy operating systems.

• Perform impact assessments and compatibility analysis.

• Coordinate application validation and testing activities.

• Maintain upgrade roadmaps and lifecycle plans.

Software Deployment & Tooling Management

• Install, configure, and maintain infrastructure software agents and management tools.

• Support deployment of:

• Monitoring agents

• Backup agents

• Security software

• Endpoint management tools

• Vulnerability scanning tools

• Logging and observability platforms

• Develop automated software deployment processes.

Automation & Infrastructure as Code

• Develop automation using:

• PowerShell

• Desired State Configuration (DSC)

• Ansible

• Infrastructure-as-Code frameworks

• Automate repetitive operational and administrative tasks.

• Create self-service capabilities where appropriate.

• Improve operational efficiency through workflow automation.

Performance & Capacity Management

• Monitor and analyze Windows Server performance.

• Identify CPU, memory, disk, and network bottlenecks.

• Perform root cause analysis for performance issues.

• Develop capacity forecasts and growth recommendations.

• Optimize operating system configurations for performance and stability.

License & Asset Compliance

• Maintain inventory of Windows Server assets.

• Track software licensing consumption and compliance.

• Produce audit support documentation and reports.

• Partner with asset management and procurement teams.

• Support internal and external compliance reviews.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain security baselines.

• Support Active Directory and Group Policy administration.

• Ensure compliance with SOX, security, and infrastructure standards.

• Participate in security incident response activities.

• Drive remediation efforts for identified risks and vulnerabilities.

Incident & Problem Management

• Provide Level 3 engineering support for critical incidents.

• Participate in outage investigations and root cause analyses.

• Develop permanent corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

• Support after-hours maintenance and incident response when required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain architecture diagrams and operational documentation.

• Develop standard operating procedures and technical runbooks.

• Create executive and operational dashboards.

• Report on patch compliance, server health, vulnerability status, and lifecycle metrics.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

7+ years of Windows Server administration experience in a large enterprise environment.

Hands-on experience with:

• Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

• Active Directory

• Group Policy

• PowerShell scripting

• Microsoft IIS

• Windows Failover Clustering

• DNS and DHCP

• Experience with enterprise patching solutions.

• Experience supporting virtualized environments using VMware or Hyper-V.

• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.

• Experience managing infrastructure in regulated environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Microsoft certifications (AZ-800, AZ-801, Azure Administrator, etc.).

Experience with:

• Azure

• AWS

• SCCM / MECM

• Tanium

• ServiceNow

• Splunk

• Dynatrace

• SolarWinds

• Ansible

• Terraform

• Experience with infrastructure security and vulnerability management programs.

• Experience supporting large-scale environments consisting of hundreds or thousands of servers.

• Familiarity with disaster recovery and business continuity processes.

Technical Skills
Operating Systems

• Windows Server 2016/2019/2022

• Windows Core Administration

Automation

• PowerShell

• DSC

• Ansible

• Terraform

Monitoring & Reporting

• Splunk

• Dynatrace

• Grafana

• SolarWinds

Virtualization & Cloud

• VMware vSphere

• Hyper-V

• Microsoft Azure

• AWS

Security

• Active Directory

• Group Policy

• MFA

• Vulnerability Management

• Security Hardening

This position requires office presence of a minimum of 5 days per week and is only located in the location(s) posted. No relocation is offered.

AT&T will not hire any applicants for this position who require employer sponsorship now or in the future. 

Our Principal Systems Administration jobs earn between $128,400.00 - $215,800.00 USD Annual. Not to mention all the other amazing rewards that working at AT&T offers. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training.

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Caregiver Leave
  • Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected
  • Adoption Reimbursement
  • Disability Benefits (short term and long term)
  • Life and Accidental Death Insurance
  • Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Extensive employee wellness programs
  • Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Alpharetta, Georgia, Bothell, Washington, Dallas, Texas, Plano, Texas, USA:GA:Atlanta / 1057 Lenox Park Blvd Ne - Adm:1057 Lenox Park Blvd Ne

Salary Range:

$128,400.00 - $215,800.00

About AT&T

Cricket Wireless is a U.S.-based company that offers prepaid wireless voice, text, and data services. Cricket Wireless was founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, Inc. Currently, it operates as a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.

AT&T Careers

Joining AT&T means becoming part of a global team known for driving innovation and leading the telecommunications industry. It's an opportunity to grow your career at one of the most diverse and resource-rich companies in the world. Work You'll Do At AT&T, we're not just about phone lines and data plans. We're about connecting people and fostering relationships. As a member of our team, you'll help deliver cutting-edge solutions across various sectors, ensuring that our services are not only available but also transformative. Lead with Innovation Embrace a role at AT&T where technology meets creativity. Our professionals lead the market in developing and deploying technology solutions that transform how people communicate and do business. We are pioneers in creating new paths for technology, with a focus on sustainable and responsible innovation. Join a Diverse and Inclusive Team AT&T is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees can thrive. We are proud to offer diversity training and leadership programs that empower our team members to grow professionally and personally. Our culture is one of inclusivity, where every voice is heard and valued. Explore Job Opportunities Whether you're looking for an entry-level position or a more senior role, AT&T offers a range of job opportunities across various fields. From engineering to marketing, our team is composed of skilled professionals who are leaders in their respective areas. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with an AT&T internship. Gain hands-on experience, work on real projects, and learn from leaders in the industry. Our internships provide a robust platform for learning and growth, helping you build skills that are crucial for future success. Benefits and Growth AT&T is dedicated to the growth and development of its employees. We offer comprehensive benefits, including health care, retirement plans, and continuous professional development opportunities. With resources like career coaching and resume workshops, we support your journey every step of the way. Networking and Professional Development Expand your professional network within AT&T through various networking events, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects. Our focus on career development is designed to help you reach your professional goals, enhancing your skills and preparing you for leadership roles. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the career you've always wanted by exploring the open positions at AT&T. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team. Check out our current job listings and find where your skills and interests align with our needs. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the professionals who are part of our team. AT&T is a place where you can make an impact, leading the way in the telecommunications industry. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by signing up for job alerts that match your career preferences. Stay ahead of the curve and be the first to know about exciting and rewarding opportunities at AT&T. At AT&T, your career is poised for success, equipped with the right tools, culture, and team to make it happen. Join us and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse workforce.
Learn more about AT&T
Size
203,000 employees
Market Cap
$131.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$5.1 billion
Founded
1983
5 Year Trend
+0.6%
Revenue
$171.7 billion
NASDAQ

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