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Lead Systems Engineer
Kforce
Location : Union,NJ
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $170,000 - 200,000 Annually
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
Lead Systems Engineer
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DescriptionKforce is working with a client in search of a Lead Systems Engineer to join their team! This position is full time, direct hire and on-site 4 days a week near Maplewood, NJ. Responsibilities:
- Contribute to infrastructure architecture design that bridges on-prem and cloud environments-supporting a transition to hybrid infrastructure centered around AWS, with potential use of Azure or Google Cloud
- Configure, manage, and monitor SAN storage arrays; support provisioning, performance tuning, and capacity planning
- Administer Linux and Windows systems in a hybrid environment (Debian, Photon OS, Windows Server)
- Apply infrastructure-as-code methodologies using tools like PowerShell, Ansible, and Terraform to automate builds and configuration
- Architect, deploy, and manage VMware infrastructure including ESXi hosts, vSphere clusters, and vCenter across production data centers and integrated cloud environments
- Lead support and development of the Horizon VDI environment, including gold image creation, performance tuning, and operational stability
- Build and cable physical hypervisor servers, ensuring proper integration with network, power, and storage infrastructure
- Collaborate closely with the Networking team to align switching, VLANs, and virtual networking within the VMware ecosystem
- Monitor and upgrade VMware infrastructure with awareness of evolving licensing and platform changes resulting from the Broadcom acquisition
- Partner with the Director of Systems on infrastructure roadmaps and long-term cloud strategy, leading hybrid initiatives that transition appropriate workloads to AWS, while maintaining critical on-premise operations
- Support DevOps workflows by providing infrastructure support for tools like Nomad, Consul, and Vault within the VMware ecosystem
- Evaluate cloud-based tools and services (e.g., Azure AD, Exchange Online, GCP workloads) to enhance reliability, scalability, or collaboration for internal teams
Nice to have:
- 8+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, including 5+ years hands-on with VMware
- Deep technical expertise in VMware vSphere, vCenter, ESXi, and Horizon (VDI)
- Demonstrated experience architecting and supporting high-availability virtual environments
- Strong knowledge of SAN storage configuration, data center power/cooling, and rack-and-stack practices
- Experience with Linux (Debian, Photon OS) and Windows Server administration
- Automation and scripting using PowerShell, Bash
- Comfortable working in or migrating to AWS, with awareness of Microsoft 365/Azure for core IT services
- Familiarity with HashiCorp Nomad (container orchestration), Vault (secrets management), and Consul (service discovery).
- Experience with Kubernetes
- Use of IaC tools (Terraform, Ansible)
- Awareness of VMware licensing changes and product strategy post-Broadcom acquisition.
- Exposure to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) or Azure in addition to AWS.
- Relevant certifications: VMware VCP/VCAP, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, HashiCorp Terraform Associate.
- Understanding of ITIL, service management, and compliance standards like SOC 2.
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Freqently Asked Questions
Operating as a Systems Engineer near Union, NJ means navigating hybrid cloud infrastructures with a strong focus on VMware and AWS environments. Local businesses often require seamless integration between on-premises data centers and cloud platforms, demanding expertise in SAN storage management, Linux and Windows server administration, and infrastructure automation.
In New Jersey’s competitive tech scene, a Lead Systems Engineer not only manages complex virtualized environments but also spearheads infrastructural transitions to hybrid clouds. This role blends hands-on VMware expertise with leadership in automation and cloud strategy, setting it apart from general IT leadership roles focused more on oversight than technical depth.
Professionals in Union, NJ aiming to excel as Systems Engineers often prioritize certifications such as VMware VCP/VCAP, AWS Solutions Architect Associate, and Microsoft Azure Administrator. These credentials align well with local employer demands, especially for roles involving hybrid cloud deployments and virtual infrastructure management.
Kforce’s emphasis on hybrid cloud infrastructure means Lead Systems Engineers must adeptly bridge on-premises systems with AWS and potentially Azure or Google Cloud. This requires strong collaboration skills, advanced automation via tools like Terraform and Ansible, and proactive management of VMware environments to maintain operational stability.
At Kforce, the Lead Systems Engineer works closely with networking teams to harmonize virtual networking setups, including VLANs and VMware integrations. This cross-functional collaboration ensures infrastructure resilience, efficient resource allocation, and alignment with strategic cloud migration goals.
Salary for a Lead Systems Engineer in Union, NJ typically spans from $110,000 to $150,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and technical expertise. Kforce’s compensation considers these factors alongside local market rates, ensuring competitive pay within the hybrid cloud and VMware specialization niche.
Union, NJ benefits from a growing demand for Lead Systems Engineers, driven by the region’s expanding cloud adoption and enterprise virtualization needs. Candidates with hybrid cloud skills, VMware mastery, and automation experience find themselves well-positioned amid moderate competition, particularly with certifications in AWS and Azure.
Systems Engineers specializing in VMware and hybrid cloud stand out through their capacity to architect resilient virtual infrastructures, automate deployments with Terraform or Ansible, and manage complex SAN storage setups. This contrasts with general IT engineers who may not engage deeply with cloud migration or advanced virtualization technologies.
Lead Systems Engineers in the Union, NJ area often advance towards senior infrastructure architect or cloud strategy leadership roles. Mastery of VMware ecosystems, cloud orchestration tools, and team leadership fosters growth into positions overseeing enterprise-wide hybrid cloud transformations or IT operations management.
Navigating VMware licensing shifts post-Broadcom acquisition demands that Systems Engineers at Kforce stay informed on evolving terms, which can affect cost structures and feature availability. This requires proactive planning and collaboration with procurement and IT leadership to ensure continuous compliance and optimal platform utilization.
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