Systems Engineer I

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 26-129
Agency: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Division: Information Technology & Security
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: AM20
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: TEC05
Hiring Range - Min.: $80,000.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $90,000.00
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: This position supports 24/7 infrastructure and will be on a rotating on call schedule.

Job Responsibilities
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking a highly skilled Systems Engineer to provide advanced-level design, implementation, and support of the agency's enterprise IT infrastructure.

General Responsibilities
Recommend, develop, configure, and support the patching of the agency's server and desktop environments. Maintain server images with up-to-date patches and drivers and provide third-party software patching. Deliver monthly and on-demand patching reports to IT leadership. Perform systems engineering functions, including system design, implementation, and optimization, and serve as a technical lead by providing high-level support and troubleshooting expertise.

Specific Duties

• Oversee the installation, configuration, and deployment of hardware and software systems. Monitor system performance, analyze metrics, and implement optimizations to enhance efficiency and reliability. Provide high-level support for system issues, diagnose problems, and implement solutions to minimize downtime.
• Execute the SLED server vulnerability management program. Facilitate monthly, on-demand, and third-party patching of Windows and Linux servers using enterprise patching tools.
• Design and implement disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in the event of system failures or data loss. Maintain the backup environment to ensure data integrity and availability.
• Create and maintain documentation related to system configurations, processes, and procedures for reference and compliance. Provide training and support to end users and other IT staff on system operations and best practices.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and experience in computer system development and modification in an on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid environment. Relevant experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Linux server environments.
• Experience with server patch and vulnerability management using enterprise patching tools, including third-party patching.
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Experience with automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell) and with security best practices.
• Ability to manage projects, solve complex technical issues, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Must have a strong understanding of IT security best practices, including patching, hardening, compliance, disaster recovery, and data protection.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must successfully complete a fingerprint background check.
• Position requires participation in a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule and may involve occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CompTIA, VMware VCP, Azure Administrator/Architect, other Microsoft certificates, or equivalent.
• Experience with PowerShell, Terraform, or Ansible for automation and infrastructure-as-code.
• Experience in a law enforcement or public safety IT environment.

Additional Comments
SLED offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs

Supplemental questions are considered part of the official application. Any misrepresentation of yourself may be grounds for disqualification.

Conditional selection based on candidate education, training, experience, oral interviews and clearance of background investigation.
Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

What is your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

02

What is your major area of study?
03

If offered the position, are you willing to accept a salary offer between $80,000 and $90,000?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience supporting enterprise-class virtual and physical Windows server environments?

• Yes
• No

05

Please describe your experience in computer system administration and modification in either an on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid environment. (ex. IT virtual/physical Windows server environment)
06

Do you have experience with Windows Server OS, Linux, PowerShell, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, vSphere, Hyper-V, VMware, Exchange, M365 and Azure, SQL server, SAN/NAS storage, and enterprise backup solutions? If yes, please describe in detail.
07

I understand if offered this position, I must be able to safely and successfully lift up to 50 pounds.

• Yes
• No

08

I understand that this position may include overnight travel. I also understand that this role will support 24/7 infrastructure and the employee will be on a rotating on call schedule.

• Yes
• No

09

Have you ever used/experimented with any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and last date used.
10

Have you ever purchased or sold any illegal drugs? If yes, provide name of drug and date of action.
11

As a condition of employment, I understand that all sworn and non-sworn employees, including contract and temporary employees will be subject to random drug testing.

• Yes
• No

12

As part of the application process, are you willing to submit to a background investigation to include: a criminal history check, driving record, history of drug use, employer and personal reference checks?

• Yes
• No

13

I understand that these supplemental questions are an official part of this application. Any attempt to misrepresent myself may be grounds for disqualification.

• Yes
• No

14

I have read each question carefully and affirm or attest that all questions answered are true and correct?

• Yes
• No

15

Will you need reasonable accommodations to participate in the selection procedures (e.g., interview, written tests, or job demonstrations)? If yes, contact the human resources office of the S.C. Law Enforcement Division.

• Yes
• No

16

How did you learn about this career opportunity? (Careers.SC.Gov; LinkedIn; Employee Referral; Career Fair; Direct E-Mail; Etc.) Please specify below.
Required Question