Sr. IT Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior IT Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all IT-related activities across the organization. This role combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, overseeing IT infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networks, to ensure secure and efficient business operations.

Operating within a 24/7 manufacturing environment, the Senior IT Engineer will direct and manage IT functions, maintain network and data security, and support a broad range of IT services. This role partners with operations and administrative teams to support application development and deployment. The ideal candidate remains current with emerging technologies and continuously seeks opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement IT strategies aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Manage overall IT operations, including infrastructure and business applications.
• Oversee the maintenance, performance, and optimization of IT infrastructure (networks, servers, storage, and hardware).
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Design, deploy, and enforce network and system security protocols.
• Protect critical data through routine backups, including nightly and offsite processes.
• Review, test, and deploy vendor updates for network equipment, servers, and end-user devices.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, software, and hardware solutions, lead implementation and integration efforts.
• Manage internet connectivity, firewalls, and VPN access points.
• Configure and maintain network components, including switches, wireless access points, routers, printers, and other connected devices.
• Administer user accounts across platforms such as Microsoft 365, Active Directory, VPN, and SQL environments.
• Provide programming support for front-end applications and backend systems, including MS SQL Server, MS Access (VBA), ERP, and MRP systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Experience, and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Information Technology or a related engineering field.
• Strong technical expertise in network administration, system administration, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Experience with TCP/IP protocols such as NTP, DNS, ICMP, SMB, SQL, and HTTP/HTTPS.
• Proficiency in IP routing, switching, and VLAN configuration in mixed environments.
• Experience configuring Cisco switches and routers.
• Experience with Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP) is preferred but not required.
• Experience in Microsoft Windows environments, including Active Directory and Microsoft 365; familiarity with Entra ID (Azure AD) in hybrid environments is a plus.
• Proven track record of successfully initiating and delivering IT projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds (e.g., servers, network hardware, UPS units).
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach to install and maintain equipment in confined or elevated spaces (e.g., server rooms, network closets, production areas).
• Ability to climb ladders or work at heights as needed for equipment installation and maintenance.
• Manual dexterity to handle tools, cables, and small components with precision.
• Visual acuity to read technical documentation, monitor screens, and inspect equipment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, which may include exposure to noise, temperature variations, and industrial conditions.
• Ability to respond to after-hours calls or emergencies and work flexible hours as required in a 24/7 operation.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of office and industrial manufacturing settings. This role requires time spent in production areas where exposure to machinery, noise, dust, heat, and other industrial conditions may occur. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when working in designated areas. The position may also require occasional work outside of standard business hours to support a 24/7 operation.