SYSTEMS ENGINEER

IT Systems Engineer

Department: Information Technology  

At Daniel Defense Only the Best Build the Best…  

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission to honor God and defend Freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting. 

As a IT Systems Engineer at Daniel Defense, you will be responsible for designing and implementing resilient, scalable systems that serve as the technological foundation of advanced manufacturing. Your mission is to ensure maximum uptime, optimize performance through intelligent automation, and enable secure, seamless operations that drive competitive advantage.

At Daniel Defense, we are redefining how technology accelerates industrial performance. In this role, you’ll work across disciplines to build robust infrastructure, fine-tune orchestration pipelines, and safeguard mission-critical assets. You’ll play a vital part in integrating legacy systems with cutting-edge technologies, eliminating inefficiencies, and driving forward-thinking IT strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental, health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
• Design, deploy, and maintain VMware, Windows Server, Palo Alto, HPE Aruba network environments.
• Manage and support HP servers and associated data center infrastructure, ensuring high availability and security.
• Oversee system configurations and updates to optimize performance, stability, and scalability across all platforms.
• Implement and manage automation processes using tools like Ansible and Terraform to streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
• Continuously monitor data center and network infrastructure, addressing issues promptly to minimize downtime and ensure production stability.
• Provide specialized support for manufacturing IT environments, understanding the criticality of uptime and unique production needs.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and data center teams to address technical challenges and maintain operational continuity.
• Work within a Service Desk environment, handling tickets, troubleshooting issues, and providing timely resolutions to end-users.
• Prioritize and manage Service Desk requests effectively, escalating issues as necessary to maintain productivity and minimize downtime.
• Implement and enforce cybersecurity best practices, ensuring the security and integrity of all systems and data.
• Perform regular vulnerability assessments, patch management, and security audits to safeguard infrastructure and prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor systems for security incidents, respond to threats, and conduct investigations and root cause analysis to mitigate future risks.
• Manage relationships with vendors and external Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to ensure timely and effective support.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting across data center, network, and cloud infrastructure.
• Identify areas for process improvement, leveraging automation and best practices to increase efficiency and reliability.
• Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
• Ensure efficient task assignment and alignment with project goals, team capacity, and business priorities.
• Mentor and coach team members, providing guidance in both technical skills and career development.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes trust, open communication, and shared ownership of outcomes.
• Lead by example in upholding documentation standards, security practices, and process consistency.
• Encourage continuous learning by promoting training opportunities, certifications, and participation in professional communities.
• Participates in the company’s efforts to continuously improve in Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
• Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment
• Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Required

• B.S. in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience to effectively perform the essential functions of the job.
• 5+ years of experience in IT systems engineering, with a focus on VMware, Windows Server, HPE Aruba networking, HP servers, and Office 365 administration.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure or Amazon AWS.
• Proficient in server, network, and application monitoring tools.
• Demonstrated experience in managing vendors and external MSPs, including contract negotiation and performance evaluation.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a passion for mentoring and coaching team members.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with an ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• Ability to participate in 24x7 on-call rotation.
• Travel requirements: Up to 10% of the year.  Air travel may be necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize and work with our Permission to Play Values.

Preferred

• Advanced proficiency in managing cloud infrastructure, especially Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS), including identity management, hybrid integrations, and cost optimization.
• Experience supporting and optimizing IT systems within a manufacturing, warehousing, or industrial automation environment, including knowledge of plant-floor technologies and ruggedized networking.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust architecture, NIST cybersecurity frameworks, or CMMC compliance.
• Hands-on experience implementing or managing SIEM tools, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, or vulnerability management platforms.
• Practical experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools such as Terraform, Ansible, or PowerShell DSC in enterprise or hybrid cloud settings.
• Experience configuring and supporting Palo Alto firewalls, including VPNs, dynamic routing, and global protect environments.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Intune, Endpoint Manager, or mobile device management (MDM) best practices.
• Background in supporting IT systems in manufacturing, data center, or industrial settings.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the work day.
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.

Daniel Defense is an EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability employer and promotes a "Drug Free Workplace".

Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job.  This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job.  Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at will employer.