Microsoft Enterprise Sr Systems Engineer [CAMPUS ONLY]

This is a CAMPUS ONLY recruitment. Only current employees, or former employees with current Preferential Rehire rights will be considered for this position. Former employees with Preferential Rehire rights should apply through the external candidate gateway and identify themselves as such in their application to be considered for this position.

Current UCSC employees must apply to the job posting in the Internal Candidate Gateway. If you accessed this recruitment through the Internal UCSC gateway, you can apply via the "Apply" button at the bottom of this job posting. If you accessed this recruitment through the external gateway, you should access the internal job posting by going to the jobs.ucsc.edu weblink and clicking the "Internal Staff Applicants" button.

If you are a current UCSC employee and apply through the External Candidate Gateway, you will not be considered for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 03-05-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Information Technology Services (ITS) is the center for IT services and support at UC Santa Cruz. We are a team of over 200 diverse, enthusiastic people with a mission to deliver exceptional, modern, accessible, and secure technology services and support to nearly 25,000 students, faculty, and staff. We are constantly striving to meet the evolving needs of our campus while fostering a culture that embraces the rich variety of perspectives and experiences within our community.

We are looking for people who are curious, hard-working, resourceful, kind, and committed to inclusion. We strive to continually improve service quality, experience, and value for UC Santa Cruz students and employees, and are in search of people who can help our team continue to meet that goal. ITS is committed to strengthening our internal values of equity, work-life balance, and fostering a supportive culture. Prioritizing career paths is important to us and we devote resources to skill and professional development for our staff. We encourage you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every qualification for the position but possess transferable skills and experience.

University of California offers competitive benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans, University of California (UC) retirement, Paid Family Leave, and Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave. Visit the UC benefits page for more information at UC Compensation and Benefits.

JOB SUMMARY

The Microsoft Enterprise Senior Systems Engineer applies advanced, in-depth systems engineering expertise to administer, maintain, and enhance the campus Windows server and identity management infrastructure. This position provides technical leadership and operational support for complex, enterprise-scale Windows environments, including on-premises, virtualized, and cloud-based systems.

The incumbent serves as a primary technical resource for Windows Server and Active Directory/Entra ID infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and reliability of mission-critical services that support campus academic, administrative, and research operations. The role independently resolves highly complex technical issues, develops automation to improve operational efficiency, and partners with campus and ITS stakeholders to design and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions. This position requires strong analytical judgment, the ability to lead technical initiatives across teams, and a commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $122,620 - $143,700/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000520 (SYS ADM 4) - Grade 25

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Systems Engineering and Administration

• Administer, maintain and upgrade campus Windows servers and Active Directory, on-prem, in VI and in the Cloud.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for issues at the OS level on Windows Servers and Active Directory infrastructure, for example, monitoring, Microsoft DNS, fire walls.
• Perform regular system OS patching.
• Perform both routine and emergency systems administration tasks for daily operations of Windows infrastructure, including large complex production systems.
• Diagnose, resolve and document complex problems. Initiate and coordinate the escalation of problems to other support staff, others on campus or outside vendors as required.
• Develop scripts and other automation in support of systems management, log analysis and other system-administration duties.
• Coordinate with other systems engineers/administrators to ensure both routine and non-routine systems administration tasks are reliably and consistently completed.
• Ensure key production systems are up 24x7x365.

25% - Project Planning and Implementation

• Apply operating system/systems engineering expertise in the planning, analysis, design and implementation of solutions for campus, for infrastructure, for customers.
• Communicate and partner with staff outside of ITS to ensure their Windows systems are reliable, secure and appropriately meet their needs.
• Assist in the design and implementation of reliable Windows servers and Active Directory/EntraID infrastructure.
• Assist in the architecture and implementation of Windows systems in Virtual Infrastructure environments (i.e. HyperV, ProxMox, VMWare).
• Assist in the architecture and implementation of Cloud based Windows systems (AWS).
• Document implementations.
• Recommend modifications, including upgrades, additions or deletions to complex systems and services.
• Provide analysis and justification for recommendations, which may include operational data, feasibility, technological motivations, customer demand or need.
• Provide technical direction and leadership to other technical groups (i.e., Linux, OSX, Networking, DBAs) through the planning and implementation processes.

5% - Training and Development

• Keep abreast of industry trends and new technologies. Recommend new technologies as appropriate.
• Share knowledge of current activities, software, operational standards, and current installation methods with other ITS staff.
• Participate in the development of campus standards and processes.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training.
• Demonstrated knowledge of how to design, develop, and adapt technologies and systems to meet business needs.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing scripts, and in the selection and configuration of automated tools, used to perform system maintenance and administration.
• Advanced knowledge of computer security best practices and policies, including demonstrated experience securing server-based software.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows server operating systems.
• Understanding of system performance monitoring, and actions that can be taken to improve or correct availability or performance.
• Demonstrated comprehensive understanding of how system management actions affect other systems, system users and dependent/related functions.
• Advanced knowledge of Active Directory, and Active Directory concepts like Group Policy, Groups, Organizational Units.
• Demonstrated experience with Virtualization technologies: VMWare, HyperV, Proxmox.
• Demonstrated experience with Cloud technologies: AWS, EntraID/M365.
• Demonstrated experience using systems-management tools, including BigFix and SCOM.
• Knowledge of Information Technology security functions and practices.
• Ability to elicit and communicate technical and non-technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a highly-collaborative team. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and other commitments.
• Ability to learn new technical skills quickly.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with Macintosh OSX and the Linux operating systems.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The selected candidate will be providing secondary support to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department, and therefore must pass a thorough background investigation of personal and work history, including a fingerprint check of criminal history, and a credit check, and must possess a valid license to drive in the State of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program. As part of the background investigation process, you may be subjected to a detection of deception examination, such as a polygraph or voice stress analysis to verify the truthfulness of information that applicants have provided during the University application and recruitment process and to the background investigator directly.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work on-call.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.