University of South Carolina

Systems Engineer II

University of South Carolina$92K — $109K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with 5+ years of experience in enterprise-class Windows server environments.
  • Advanced experience with Windows Server OS, Active Directory, and virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
  • Hands-on knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and hybrid cloud environments.
  • Strong understanding of IT security best practices and incident response.
  • Proven ability to lead infrastructure modernization projects and provide technical mentorship.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of SLED's IT infrastructure.
  • Manage and optimize Active Directory, Exchange, and cloud services.
  • Serve as technical lead for infrastructure modernization initiatives.
  • Enforce security measures for IT systems, including patching and backup strategies.
  • Conduct research on emerging technologies to enhance infrastructure efficiency.
  • Mentor and train the systems engineering team on best practices.
  • Develop and maintain IT system documentation and disaster recovery plans.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
  • 15 days of annual leave and sick leave each year.
  • Eligibility for paid parental leave.
  • State Retirement Plan with Deferred Compensation options.
  • 13 paid holidays annually.
Full Job Description
Salary: $92,900.00 - $109,000.00 Annually
Location : Richland County, SC
Job Type: FTE - Full-Time
Job Number: 26-032
Agency: State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Division: Information Technology & Security
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: No
Class Code:: AM21
Position Number::
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade: TEC06
Hiring Range - Min.: $92,900.00
Hiring Range - Max.: $109,000.00
Opening Date: 03/18/2026
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: All applicants must complete the on-line State application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application, nor will it be used to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: This position supports 24/7 infrastructure and will be on a rotating on call schedule.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to provide advanced-level design, implementation, and support of the agency's enterprise IT infrastructure. This position is responsible for ensuring the security, performance, and high availability of SLED's critical technology systems across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

General Responsibilities
Provide advanced-level direction to SLED in the use of information technology. Design, configure, install, monitor, and support the agency's server, storage, and cloud environments on an advanced level. Ensures high availability, security, and performance of IT systems by implementing best practices, optimizing resources, and leading infrastructure projects. Oversee the security, integrity, and safety of critical IT systems.

Specific Duties
  • Lead the architecture, configuration, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of SLED's server, storage, virtualization, and cloud environments.
  • Manage and optimize Active Directory, Exchange / M365, Azure AD / Entra ID, Intune, DNS, DHCP, SQL, storage, and backup platforms to ensure maximum performance and reliability.
  • Serve as the technical lead for infrastructure modernization projects, coordinating with vendors, evaluating technologies, providing quotes, and implementing enterprise solutions.
  • Administer and enhance system security by enforcing patching, hardening, backup, and recovery strategies in alignment with agency and state cybersecurity policies.
  • Conduct research and make recommendations on emerging technologies to improve infrastructure scalability, automation, and cost efficiency.
  • Mentor and train the systems engineering team by providing technical guidance and leadership on troubleshooting, design, and best practices.
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, including configuration standards, procedures, and disaster-recovery plans.
  • Respond to critical incidents, lead incident resolution, and post-incident reviews.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned to support SLED's mission and IT infrastructure operations.


Minimum and Additional Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting enterprise-class virtual and physical Windows server environments. Related experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
  • Advanced, hands-on experience with the following technologies is required:
    • Windows Server OS, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy - VMware vSphere / ESXi or Hyper-V
    • Microsoft 365 / Exchange Online, Azure AD / Entra ID, Intune
    • SQL Server, SAN / NAS storage, and enterprise backup solutions
    • Hybrid or cloud environments (Azure preferred)
  • Must have a strong understanding of IT security best practices, including patching, hardening, compliance, disaster recovery, and data protection.
  • A demonstrated ability to lead complex infrastructure projects, evaluate new technologies, and provide technical mentorship.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical teams is required.
  • 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 VMware VCP, Azure Administrator/Architect, other Microsoft certificates, or equivalent.
  • Experience with PowerShell, Terraform, or Ansible for automation and infrastructure-as-code.
  • Familiarity with container technologies (Docker / Kubernetes) and modern cloud architectures.
  • 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.

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 $92,900 and $109,000?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have at least five (5) years of 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, 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 support is for a 24/7 infrastructure and candidate will be on call.
  • 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

About University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It was founded in 1801 and is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System. USC offers more than 350 programs of study, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university is known for its strong programs in business, law, medicine, engineering, and education. USC is also home to the South Carolina Honors College, which offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum to top students. The university has a diverse student body and is committed to providing access to higher education for all.
Learn more about University of South Carolina
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