Systems Engineer - job 1 of 2

As a Systems Engineer at Ardent, your primary responsibilities include managing the full suite of Microsoft 365 applications and infrastructure while ensuring seamless integration across IT platforms. You will oversee daily IT operations, service desk management, and compliance participation in initiatives like CMMI, CMMC, and ISO audits, ensuring that each aspect runs smoothly and efficiently.

To qualify for the Systems Engineer position at Ardent, candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, along with a minimum of 4 years of experience managing M365 environments. Relevant M365 certifications and ITIL 4 Foundation certification are highly desirable to ensure you’re equipped to meet the challenges of the role.

At Ardent, the work environment is collaborative and supportive, embracing flexibility and professionalism. The hybrid/remote model encourages a balanced work-life integration while fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork that empowers Systems Engineers to excel in their roles and contribute to our mission.

Ardent is deeply committed to the growth and professional development of its employees, providing resources like training programs, workshops, and access to the latest IT trends and technologies. This enables Systems Engineers to stay current in their field while pursuing their career goals within the company.

As a Systems Engineer at Ardent, you will work extensively with Microsoft 365 products including MS Azure, Azure AD (Entra), and security tools like Defender and Intune. You will also be involved in integrating these technologies to maintain operational excellence across various platforms and support compliance requirements.

When answering this, share specific examples of M365 projects you've led, highlighting your role in administration, integration, and compliance. Mention any challenges faced and how you resolved them to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your familiarity with security features within M365, such as Conditional Access and eDiscovery. Provide examples of how you’ve implemented security measures and participated in compliance audits to align with frameworks like CMMC and ISO.

Talk about your approach to training and education. Mention how you have engaged users through workshops or hands-on sessions to enhance understanding and reduce dependency on support while ensuring a smooth transition to new technologies.

Provide an overview of your organizational strategies, such as using task management tools, creating SLAs, or having regular check-ins with your team. This showcases your ability to balance multiple priorities effectively.

Discuss your leadership style, emphasizing communication, support, and continuous improvement. Provide examples of metrics you track for team performance and how you address issues to boost user satisfaction.

Share your experience in supporting compliance initiatives, detailing any specific roles you’ve played in audits, documentation, and process adherence. This highlights your understanding of the regulatory environment.

Mention specific IT service management (ITSM) platforms and monitoring tools you are proficient with, explaining how they help streamline IT operations and improve service delivery.

Share strategies such as following industry blogs, attending conferences, or participating in online courses. Emphasizing continuous learning demonstrates your commitment to staying at the forefront of technology.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate the context of the issue, your role in the resolution, the steps you took, and the positive results that followed.

Express genuine interest in Ardent's mission, culture, and values, highlighting alignment with your professional goals. This personal touch helps establish a connection with the interviewers.