Highlights
The ideal candidate will possess strong experience across Windows and Linux environments, Microsoft technologies, virtualization platforms, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity, along with a proven ability to lead technical teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position combines strategic IT leadership with hands-on technical management, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of critical systems and infrastructure.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Willowbrook, IL |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Salary | $140,000–$165,000 Per Year |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1969 |
| Website | http://www.sterling-engineering.com |
Description
Systems Engineering Manager
Location: Western Suburbs of Chicago, IL
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Compensation: $140,000 - $165,000 + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
Schedule: Full-Time, Onsite
Compensation: $140,000 - $165,000 + Bonus + Comprehensive Benefits
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineering Manager to lead enterprise infrastructure operations in a complex and technology-driven environment. This position combines strategic IT leadership with hands-on technical management, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of critical systems and infrastructure.
The ideal candidate will possess strong experience across Windows and Linux environments, Microsoft technologies, virtualization platforms, network infrastructure, and cybersecurity, along with a proven ability to lead technical teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of infrastructure and systems professionals.
- Manage and support enterprise Windows Server and Linux environments.
- Oversee virtualization platforms including VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, and containerized technologies.
- Administer and support Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Intune, and related enterprise technologies.
- Ensure the performance, security, and availability of network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, wireless networks, and VLANs.
- Lead infrastructure modernization efforts, system upgrades, migrations, and technology deployments.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to strengthen cybersecurity posture, vulnerability management, and compliance initiatives.
- Develop and maintain infrastructure standards, technical documentation, disaster recovery procedures, and operational best practices.
- Monitor system performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement scalable solutions.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex infrastructure, networking, and systems-related issues.
- Manage technology projects from planning through implementation and ongoing support.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 6+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure administration, or enterprise IT operations.
- Previous experience leading or managing technical teams.
- Strong experience supporting Windows Server and Linux environments.
- Hands-on experience with enterprise virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, or Proxmox.
- Expertise with Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft 365, endpoint management, and identity management solutions.
- Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls, and VPN technologies.
- Experience with PowerShell, Bash, infrastructure automation, or scripting tools.
- Excellent communication, troubleshooting, and project management skills.
Preferred
- Experience supporting cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, vulnerability management, and infrastructure security.
- Experience with SAN and NAS storage technologies.
- Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, NetBox, or similar enterprise tools.
- Relevant Microsoft, VMware, Cisco, Linux, or cloud certifications.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary of $140,000 - $165,000
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Professional Development and Training Programs
- Long-Term Career Advancement Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, arrest or conviction record as protected by applicable law, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to notify the company during the hiring process.
About Company
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.