Cloud Engineer III – Enterprise Systems

This position is Open until filled. Early applications are encouraged as the position may close before the listed deadline once a suitable candidate is found.

Summary of Job Duties:

The Enterprise IT team is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Cloud Engineer to join our Infrastructure and Operations group. This senior-level position plays a key role in designing, implementing, and maintaining core server and cloud infrastructure that supports enterprise-wide services across the university. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise in Microsoft Active Directory, Entra ID, Azure, virtualization technologies (Hyper-V or VMware ESXi), Windows Server, and PowerShell scripting. 

This role requires strong working knowledge of server compute and storage hardware, and experience supporting infrastructure in both private and public cloud environments. The Lead Systems Administrator will provide technical leadership on strategic initiatives, mentor junior staff, and serve as a subject matter expert for enterprise system architecture and operations. 

Key Responsibilities: 

-Design, implement, and manage core infrastructure systems, including Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, virtualization (Hyper-V/VMware ESXi), and Active Directory environments. 
-Manage and secure Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), including hybrid identity configurations and synchronization with on-prem AD. 
-Develop and maintain automation scripts using PowerShell for system management, reporting, and deployment tasks. 
-Collaborate with internal IT teams to design scalable and secure public and private cloud solutions. 
-Support SQL Server environments at a general systems level (patching, backup, monitoring), in collaboration with DBAs. 
-Monitor system performance and proactively identify areas for improvement, optimization, or redesign. 
-Serve as a senior escalation point for troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues. 
-Contribute to BC/DR planning, documentation, and testing for enterprise systems. 
- Lead technical projects and initiatives; provide guidance to junior team members and cross-functional partners.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)

At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in systems administration and infrastructure support

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory (including GPO, DNS, OU design), and Entra ID (Azure AD)

Strong experience with Azure IaaS/PaaS services, Azure AD Connect, conditional access, and identity governance features

Expertise with virtualization platforms such as Microsoft Hyper-V and/or VMware ESXi

Proficiency with Windows Server administration and M365 tenant-level administration

Scripting and automation skills in PowerShell

Familiarity with basic SQL Server support (install, patch, permissions, monitoring)

Strong understanding of server systems design, networking concepts, and security best practices 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Microsoft certifications such as AZ-104, AZ-800/801, or equivalent

Experience with cloud automation tools and Infrastructure as Code (e.g., ARM templates, Bicep, Terraform)

Experience managing hybrid environments and transitioning on-prem workloads to Azure

Familiarity with backup, monitoring, and endpoint protection solutions

Experience in a higher education or large enterprise environment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication and documentation abilities

Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead technical projects

Commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, Resume

Optional Documents:

License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:

Cory Caldwell, Chief Technology Officer, cory@uark.edu
Crystal Ellis; HR Recruiter, ce031@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.