Server Engineer - Centurion, South Africa - Alinta Tech Solutions

Description

The main objective of the Server Engineer position is to maintain the reliability, integrity, and efficient functionality of the information systems that are critical to the core functions of the organization. This role involves monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and enhancing all networked software and associated operating systems. The Server Engineer will utilize strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities to identify issues, communicate them effectively, and solve them to optimize the return on IT systems investments. Responsibilities also include maintaining the availability, performance, scalability, and security of production systems. Emphasizing a customer-focused attitude, the Server Engineer will collaborate closely with various internal teams, external vendors, and stakeholders to develop and deploy technological solutions that meet the strategic goals of the organization and address user requirements.

Main Duties:

Server Management

• Responsibilities: Ensure server and network uptime and availability; perform routine maintenance and updates.
  
• KPIs: Achieve a server and network uptime of at least 99.95% per month.
  

Performance Optimization and Scalability

• Responsibilities: Ensure the infrastructure can scale to meet increasing demand; implement load balancing, caching, and performance tuning techniques.
  
• KPIs: Percentage improvement in system performance.
  

Issue Response and Resolution

• Responsibilities: Respond to critical server issues within the set timeframe; perform effective troubleshooting and problem resolution.
  
• KPIs:
  1. Mean time to resolution (MTTR) for infrastructure incidents.
     
  2. Incident resolution success rate.
     

System Updates

• Responsibilities: Perform necessary server software and firmware updates.
  
• KPIs: Complete 100% of server updates within one week of release.
  

Security and Compliance

• Responsibilities: Ensure compliance with relevant cybersecurity laws and regulations; implement security controls; monitor for threats; respond to security incidents.
  
• KPIs:
  1. Compliance rate with regulatory requirements and best practices.
     
  2. Meantime to remediate vulnerabilities.
     
  3. Number of exceptions.
     
  4. Average age of open vulnerabilities.
     

Backup Management

• Responsibilities: Perform routine backups; ensure a high success rate.
  
• KPIs: Maintain a backup success rate of at least 98% each month.
  

Disaster Recovery

• Responsibilities: Test and document disaster recovery procedures.
  
• KPIs: Successfully conduct and document disaster recovery tests bi-annually.
  

Professional Development

• Responsibilities: Pursue relevant certifications and expand technical capabilities.
  
• KPIs: Obtain one relevant professional certification within the first year of employment.
  

Vendor Management

• Responsibilities: Monitor and manage third-party vendor service level agreements (SLAs).
  
• KPIs:
  1. Vendor SLA compliance rate.
     
  2. Number of successful contract renewals and amendments.
     

Technology Implementation

• Responsibilities: Implement significant server technology upgrades or improvements.
  
• KPIs: Successfully implement at least one server technology upgrade or improvement per year.
  

Team Collaboration

• Responsibilities: Participate in cross-functional projects; enhance system integration and collaboration.
  
• KPIs: Participate in at least one major cross-functional project per year.
  

Documentation

• Responsibilities: Document all system changes, incidents, and maintenance activities.
  
• KPIs: Document 100% of system changes, incidents, and maintenance activities within 24 hours of completion.
  

Miscellaneous and General

• Responsibilities: Complete any assigned work-related duties and responsibilities.
  
• KPIs:
  1. Completion rate of assigned duties and responsibilities.
     
  2. Overall satisfaction rate in the performance of miscellaneous duties
     

Requirements

1. Knowledge Areas

• Cloud Platforms: Extensive knowledge of leading cloud platforms including AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, focusing on configuration, deployment, and service management.
  
• Server Technologies: Expertise in server-based operating systems like Linux/UNIX and Windows Server, with capabilities in server management, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  
• Hardware: Proficiency in server hardware setup, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
  
• Virtualization Technologies: Knowledge of virtualization platforms such as VMware and Hyper-V for resource deployment optimization.
  
• Networking: Skilled in network systems, protocols, and standards like TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, along with network hardware including routers, switches, and firewalls.
  
• Storage Technologies: Understanding of storage solutions including SAN, NAS, and RAID, and their roles in data availability and protection.
  
• Security Principles for Infrastructure: Deep knowledge of cybersecurity practices, firewall setups, patch management, and adherence to security policies.
  
• Databases: Proficient with SQL and NoSQL databases management, backup, and restoration.
  
• Disaster Recovery: Acquaintance with disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
  
• Scripting Languages: Skilled in scripting with Python, Bash, or PowerShell for task automation and server maintenance.
  
• IT Service Management Frameworks: Familiarity with IT service management frameworks like ITIL.
  

2. Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields. Relevant experience or certifications may substitute for formal education.
  
• Industry Certifications: Desirable certifications include Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Professional Cloud Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CompTIA Server+, Cisco CCNA, VMware Certified Professional, etc.
  
• Additional Certifications: ITIL and/or COBIT certifications.
  

3. Experience

• Server Administration: 3-5 years in server hardware and software installation, configuration, and maintenance.
  
• Cloud Platforms: 2-3 years in deploying and managing services on major cloud platforms.
  
• Networking: Extensive experience in network system management and troubleshooting.
  
• Security: Experience in server security management, including firewall setup and compliance enforcement.
  
• Virtualization Technologies: Working knowledge of VMware or Hyper-V.
  
• Database Management: Experience with database systems like SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL.
  
• Infrastructure Design and Management: 3-5 years in infrastructure design and management in complex settings.
  
• Project Participation: Involvement in infrastructure projects and team collaboration.
  
• Troubleshooting and Problem-solving: Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities.
  
• Vendor Interaction: Experience with vendor management and contract negotiations.
  
• Managing Security and Compliance: Managing security and compliance in technology infrastructure.
  
• Technical Guidance: Providing technical support and guidance to teams.
  

4. Technical Skills

• Server Operating Systems: Mastery of Windows Server, Linux, and UNIX systems including setup and maintenance.
  
• Cloud Platforms: Expertise in AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.
  
• Networking: Solid foundation in networking principles and technologies.
  
• Database Systems: Competence in administering common databases such as MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.
  
• Security: Strong knowledge of security tools and practices.
  
• Virtualization: Proficiency in virtualization technologies and security best practices.
  
• Hardware: Understanding of server hardware and its functionality.
  
• Scripting Languages: Capability in scripting with PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
  
• IT Service Management Frameworks: Knowledge of frameworks like ITIL.
  
• System Monitoring Tools: Experience with performance monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
  
• Backup and Recovery: Understanding of backup and recovery strategies and technologies.
  

5. Personal Attributes/Behavioral Competencies

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems and explore solutions.
  
• Detail-oriented: Strong attention to detail in planning, execution, and troubleshooting.
  
• Pro activity: Anticipating potential issues and staying updated with technology trends.
  
• Resilience: Maintaining composure under pressure and managing multiple tasks.
  
• Communication: Excellent communication skills, able to convey technical concepts.
  
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Strong team collaboration and positive contribution to team dynamics.
  
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to continuous skill enhancement and industry knowledge.
  
• Customer Focus: Dedication to satisfying customer needs and managing expectations effectively.
  
• Problem-Solving: Robust problem-solving skills with a methodical approach.
  
• Ethics and Integrity: High ethical standards and integrity in all actions.
  

Benefits

Salary is market related