Principal Systems Engineer at Ascend Technologies – Little Rock, Arkansas

Principal Systems Engineer

This is a fully remote position

PURPOSE:
We are seeking a client-facing engineer with strong hands-on experience in enterprise environments. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise, professionalism, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple concurrent priorities.

This role requires direct engagement with clients and ownership across the implementation, deployment, support, and optimization of systems solutions. In addition to hands-on technical delivery, the Principal Systems Engineer will lead, mentor, and coach other engineers, providing technical guidance, promoting best practices, and helping elevate the overall capability and consistency of the team.

The Principal Systems Engineer will leverage Ascend’s solutions to design, deliver, and support secure, reliable, and scalable client environments while serving as a trusted technical advisor to both clients and internal team members.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, install, configure, and support systems technologies including servers, storage, Active Directory, MS Azure, MS 365, Sharepoint, and Intune.
• Strong understanding of networking, routing, switching, Firewalls and WIFI.
• Provide consulting to clients on integration of new technologies into existing infrastructure.
• Work with various engineering teams within Ascend to implement advanced business solutions to meet customer needs in critical environments.
• Work efficiently to track hours against client agreements and maintaining agreement profitability.
• Report to team with work progress on a daily basis.
• Review existing documentation and provide new detailed documentation to required parties.
• Participate in all required activities as scheduled by leadership.

MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Strong Intune with mobile device experience.
• Strong MFA experience.
• 10 years of Systems Engineering.
• 4 years of Network experience.
• 4 years of hands-on experience with M365 administration.
• Knowledge of MS Windows Server Platforms and Desktop Operating Systems.
• Experience developing and maintaining systems documentation.
• Experience with change management, product lifecycles, and customer service.

PREFERRED SKILLS, EDUCATIN OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems/computer science or 10+ years applicable systems role preferred.
• Experience with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is a plus
• Must have strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to obtain and maintain industry standard professional-level certifications such as below:
• Cloud solutions: M365, Azure, AWS
• Virtualization: VMware, Citrix, Hyper-V
• Converged and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
• Microsoft: Windows Server, MCSA
• MS Sharepoint, Intune
• Networking: Fortinet, Aruba, Palo Alto

Starting Compensation: $140,000/yr.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.

Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.

At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.

CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:

• Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
• One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
• Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
• Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).