IT Systems Engineer

Bright Ridge Job Opening: IT Systems Engineer

Location: Johnson City, TN

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Bright Ridge, a leading provider of electric power and fiber broadband services in Northeast Tennessee, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated IT Systems Engineer to join our team. This position is critical to maintaining the reliability, security, and performance of our core enterprise infrastructure, spanning networking, virtualization, storage, and cloud services across multiple sites.

The IT Systems Engineer will be responsible for the management, configuration, and maintenance of our essential IT infrastructure, including:

• Network Management: Managing and maintaining LAN/WAN hardware
  , network segments, Internet, and intranet infrastructure.
• Virtualization & Hyperconvergence: Administering multi-site VMware ESXi virtualization and hyperconverged infrastructure solutions (e.g., HPE Simpli Vity) for both Linux and Windows servers
  .
• Routing & Switching: Configuring and maintaining internal and external network routing (
  IPv4/IPv6
  ) utilizing advanced protocols like BGP and OSPF
  .
• Data Protection: Overseeing multi-site and cloud-based backups and disaster recovery operations for servers and data stores.
• Security Operations: Implementing and managing firewall protection
  , intrusion detection/prevention,
  VPNs
  , and secure remote access.
• Fiber Network Support: Supporting a fiber-optic wide-area Ethernet network connecting multiple corporate sites.
• Performance & Reliability: Monitoring and optimizing network reliability, bandwidth, and security.
• End-User Computing: Supporting Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) environments and cloud-hosted Exchange email systems
  .
• Documentation: Maintaining detailed documentation of systems, configurations, processes, and procedures.

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency and experience in the following areas:

• Operating Systems: Proficiency in Linux (Red Hat/CentOS/Ubuntu) and Windows Server administration
  .
• Advanced Networking: Strong understanding of OSI Layer 2 and 3 networking
  , VLAN management (802.1Q), and subnetting (IPv4/IPv6).
• Virtualization: Extensive experience managing VMware virtualization and hyperconverged infrastructure (e.g., HPE Simpli Vity, Nutanix).
• Monitoring & Logging: Experience with network monitoring, performance tuning, and SIEM/logging tools.
• Soft Skills: Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Mindset: A strong focus on security, reliability and customer service.

• Experience: 5 years of experience maintaining a LAN/WAN environment.
• Education:
  Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Cloud:
  Familiarity with cloud infrastructure (Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud) and hybrid environments.
• Certifications: VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA/CCNP, or relevant security certifications are a plus.

Be a part of a vital organization serving the Northeast Tennessee community. At Bright Ridge, your expertise will directly impact the reliability and security of essential services. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a stable, collaborative work environment in the beautiful Appalachian Highlands.