Position Overview 
Emerald Technical Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to lead the architecture, optimization, and modernization of the Town of Elkton’s IT infrastructure. This role provides senior-level engineering expertise across on-premises systems, virtualization, networking, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud strategy.
This position plays a critical role in strategic planning, security alignment, and infrastructure evolution, ensuring compliance with NIST, CJIS, and Maryland SMCS standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Infrastructure Engineering & Architecture

• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of:
  • Hyper-V virtualization environments
  • Windows Server infrastructure (AD, DNS, DHCP, GPO)
  • Exchange 2019 and migration to Exchange Online
• Evaluate and modernize infrastructure with hybrid cloud solutions (Azure / M365)

Strategic Modernization

• Develop and execute a phased IT modernization roadmap
• Lead migration initiatives:
  • Exchange Online
  • Azure AD (Entra ID) hybrid identity
  • Cloud-based backup and DR
• Provide cost-benefit and risk analysis for all modernization efforts

Cybersecurity Leadership

• Align systems with:
  • NIST CSF 2.0
  • CIS Benchmarks
  • CJIS Security Policy
• Lead vulnerability management and remediation planning (Tenable Nessus)
• Design and enforce:
  • MFA and privileged access controls
  • Network segmentation and firewall policies
• Support incident response planning and tabletop exercises

Network & Systems Engineering

• Oversee management of:
  • Arista Untangle, SonicWall, Juniper SRX300
  • VPN architecture and site-to-site connectivity
• Optimize network performance, redundancy, and security

Backup, DR, and Continuity

• Architect and validate Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Plans (DR/BCP)
• Define and enforce RPO/RTO targets
• Oversee Veeam backup architecture and recovery testing

Law Enforcement Systems Oversight

• Ensure CJIS-compliant operation of:
  • Cody RMS
  • Axon systems (AxonMain, Alpha1)
  • Livescan and access control systems
• Coordinate with vendors while maintaining security compliance

Transition & Documentation Leadership

• Lead transition activities including:
  • Full infrastructure discovery and validation
  • Risk identification and mitigation planning
• Deliver Transition Completion Report and 90-day roadmap

Mentorship & Oversight

• Provide technical leadership to on-site technicians
• Establish SOPs, standards, and best practices
• Review and approve system changes (Change Management)

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering, or related field
• 8+ years of IT experience
• Deep expertise in:
  • Windows Server & Active Directory architecture
  • Virtualization (Hyper-V)
  • Networking (firewalls, VPNs, routing)
  • Microsoft 365 / Azure cloud services
• Experience with enterprise backup and DR solutions
• Candidates must undergo and pass CJIS-compliant fingerprint-based background screening, in addition to Emerald Technical Solutions’ internal background investigation

 
Preferred Qualifications 

• Microsoft: AZ-305 (Solutions Architect) or AZ-104
• VMware or Hyper-V certification
• CISSP, CISM, or Security+ (required for security-heavy environments preferred)
• Cisco (CCNP) or equivalent networking certification

Benefits 

• Competitive compensation and benefits 
• Salary range $100,000 – $120,000 based on experience and qualifications 
• Professional development and certification support 
• Collaborative, supportive team environment