Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer job description

The Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organisation’s IT infrastructure to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and security. This role plays a critical part in supporting both on-premises and cloud-based environments across the enterprise.

Systems Engineer duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a Systems Engineer include:

Designing and deploying infrastructure solutions aligned with business needs

Managing and maintaining servers, storage, and virtualisation platforms

Monitoring system performance and resolving hardware or software issues

Implementing security protocols and ensuring compliance with standards

Supporting cloud services integration (e.g. Azure, AWS, GCP)

Collaborating with cross-functional teams on system upgrades and migrations

Documenting infrastructure configurations and procedures

Providing Tier 2/3 technical support for escalated issues

Participating in disaster recovery planning and testing

Managing patching schedules and software deployments

Supporting automation through scripting and configuration management tools (e.g. Ansible, Puppet)

Performing capacity planning and performance tuning

Contributing to IT asset and license management processes

Supporting DevOps environments and infrastructure-as-code practices

Using monitoring tools to proactively identify and address system issues

Typical Systems Engineer job qualifications and requirements

A degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field is required, along with relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, VMware, or Cisco CCNA/CCNP. Hands-on experience with enterprise systems is essential.

Proven experience managing Windows and/or Linux server environments

Strong knowledge of networking, storage, and virtualisation technologies

Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, or GCP) and hybrid environments

Scripting skills (e.g. PowerShell, Bash) for automation and system management

Familiarity with configuration management and deployment tools (e.g. Ansible, Puppet, Chef)

Experience with system monitoring tools (e.g. Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, or System Center)

Understanding of ITIL practices and change management procedures

Awareness of cyber security standards (e.g. ISO 27001, Essential Eight, NIST)

Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills

Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional and DevOps teams

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Salary for Systems Engineer

110000 - 145000

25th percentile

110000

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.

50th percentile

135000

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.

75th percentile

145000

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Network Engineer

115000

135000

150000

Infrastructure Manager

135000

155000

175000

DevOps Engineer

130000

155000

175000

Cloud Engineer

125000

155000

170000

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