Systems Engineer (Design)

The Systems Engineer is responsible for the technical ownership, coordination, and successful execution of project integration activities from initial construction survey through final project closeout. This role combines network and technology design, hands-on field implementation, technical leadership, vendor coordination, quality assurance, and project oversight.

The Systems Engineer works closely with project teams, contractors, and vendors to design and implement network, wireless, video surveillance, and related technology systems. Responsibilities include conducting construction surveys, reviewing architectural and engineering drawings, developing network and camera designs, preparing Bills of Materials (BoMs), reviewing MDF/IDF telecommunications spaces, developing technology allocations, overseeing field integration, and producing accurate as-built and CADD documentation.

This position serves as a technical lead within the field engineering team and is responsible for mentoring technical staff, driving process improvements, implementing automation, and maintaining consistent communication. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership, sound decision-making, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic construction and technology environment.

Work Schedule

The standard work schedule for this position is 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to support project implementation and operational requirements. During school breaks, summer months, or as required to support business operations and project activities, the work schedule will transition to 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

This role reports to the Long Island headquarters. Employees should expect to work both in the field and at the office based on project and operational requirements.

Employees are expected to maintain a flexible work schedule and may be required to work adjusted hours based on project timelines, construction schedules, maintenance windows, emergency response, or other business and operational requirements.

What You'll Do:

• Provide technical ownership, resource planning, coordination, and oversight for all technical aspects of assigned project integration activities from construction survey through final integration and project closeout.
• Supervise and coordinate daily field activities, including staff check-ins and check-outs, site status reviews, punch-list management, issue resolution, and identification of next steps.
• Collaborate with project managers, Associate Systems Engineers, technicians, contractors, and vendors, to ensure successful project execution.
• Read, interpret, and review architectural, electrical, telecommunications, data, and construction drawings throughout all phases of project design and construction.
• Develop and submit network, wireless, and video surveillance designs for new construction and renovation projects.
• Assess existing infrastructure to ensure new technology designs provide appropriate capacity, scalability, interoperability, and integration with existing environments.
• Develop accurate Bills of Materials (BoMs) for network and technology equipment procurement based on approved project designs and requirements.
• Conduct onsite project kickoff meetings with contractors, vendors, and key project personnel to review technical requirements, outstanding items, corrective actions, responsibilities, and project milestones.
• Conduct field construction surveys and document the condition and status of pathways, conduits, circuits, equipment, fiber infrastructure, low-voltage terminations, telecommunications spaces, and other project requirements.
• Review MDFs, IDFs, and telecommunications rooms with contractors to validate rack space, equipment placement, electrical requirements, environmental conditions, pathways, grounding, labeling, and other infrastructure requirements.
• Generate end-user technology allocations using construction drawings, architectural plans, furniture vendor layouts, and established customer standards.
• Oversee field integration activities, including network equipment installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, validation, and post-integration support.
• Configure, install, test, and troubleshoot Cisco and Cisco Meraki wired and wireless network infrastructure.
• Configure and support Cisco switches, ASA/Firepower and Meraki firewalls, wireless controllers, wireless access points, and related network technologies.
• Perform Cisco IOS and applicable device firmware upgrades and downgrades in accordance with project and customer requirements.
• Support the implementation and integration of Genetec Security Center, Omnicast, cameras, and related video surveillance technologies.
• Generate and maintain accurate post-integration documentation, including as-built drawings, CADD files, network configurations, equipment records, punch lists, client sign-offs, and issue resolutions.
• Provide detailed written summaries of field activities, project status, outstanding issues, corrective actions, and completed deliverables.
• Manage and coordinate delivery, security, installation, and other third-party vendors to ensure deployments are completed on schedule and in accordance with project requirements.
• Track vendor deliverables, identify schedule or implementation risks, resolve issues proactively, and maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to automate routine engineering and IT processes to improve operational efficiency, consistency, accuracy, and team productivity.
• Develop and maintain scripts and automation solutions that support engineering and program requirements.
• Automate or streamline engineering processes where appropriate, including drawing reviews, engineering documentation, Bill of Materials generation and validation, QA checklists, reporting, and other repeatable workflows.
• Capture lessons learned and technical resolutions from completed projects and apply them to future engagements to continuously improve field processes and project delivery.
• Mentor Associate Systems Engineers, Technicians, and other technical staff on SCA program requirements, engineering standards, technical processes, field procedures, and project deliverables.
• Effectively implement, document, and communicate technical process changes across the engineering team to promote consistent understanding and execution.
• Proactively identify, communicate, and escalate technical, operational, or project-related risks in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform other job-related duties and support additional technology initiatives as assigned.

What You Bring:

• Minimum of 4+ years of hands-on experience with enterprise network infrastructure, network integration, field implementation, and technical documentation.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is required.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing technical expertise and pursuing Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification as part of continued professional development.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City and report to the Long Island HQ as required.
• Ability to work in active construction and new construction environments while conducting surveys, inspections, installations, testing, and network integration activities.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds or more and transport equipment and safely use ladders when required.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction blueprints throughout all phases of the design and construction process.
• Experience to analyze architectural and engineering drawings, particularly electrical, telecommunications, low-voltage, and data infrastructure layouts.
• Strong understanding of enterprise networking concepts and protocols, including TCP/IP, switching, routing, VLANs, WLAN, firewall technologies, and related infrastructure.
• Hands-on experience designing, installing, configuring, and troubleshooting LAN and WLAN environments.
• Knowledge of Cat5e, Cat6, and fiber-optic cabling, standards, connectivity, and termination methods.
• Strong hands-on experience installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco and Cisco Meraki technologies, including:
• Network switches
• Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower, and Meraki firewalls
• Wireless LAN controllers
• Wireless access points
• Experience performing Cisco IOS and network device firmware upgrades and downgrades.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities for automation and process improvement within engineering and IT operations.
• Experience developing or maintaining scripts used to automate technical, administrative, reporting, or engineering processes.
• Ability to automate or streamline workflows involving engineering documentation, drawing reviews, Bills of Materials, QA processes, reporting, or similar operational functions.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and decision-making skills with the ability to assess complex situations, evaluate alternatives, and implement practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to accurately document network configurations, designs, installations, changes, and project activities.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple vendors, deliveries, installations, and technical workstreams while maintaining project schedules and quality requirements.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical teams, project management, contractors, vendors, and client stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, provide technical leadership in the field, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.

Preferred

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification.
• Genetec Security Center Omnicast Technical Certification.
• Extensive experience supporting network and technology projects within NYC DOE school buildings or administrative facilities.
• Experience designing and implementing enterprise video surveillance systems.
• Hands-on experience with Genetec Security Center, Omnicast, or related enterprise security technologies.
• Experience with CADD software and the development or modification of technology as-built drawings.
• Experience developing automation using PowerShell, Python, APIs, or similar scripting and automation technologies.
• Previous experience providing technical leadership, mentoring engineers or technicians, and implementing standardized engineering processes.
• 10-Hour OSHA Construction Safety and Health certification or ability to satisfy required certification requirements prior to performing applicable construction-site work.
• Knowledge of NYC DOE DIIT and SCA network design standards, construction requirements, and technology implementation practices.

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