Senior Systems Engineer - Aviation Security & Public Safety

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that thrives on diversity and is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location:  The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with an opportunity for remote work based on operational requirements, while supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity. 
• Salary: The hiring salary for Senior Systems Engineer is starting at $113,701. The full pay range for Senior Systems Engineer is $97,181-$155,489.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), annual employer funded Lifestyle Spending Account which you can use to invest in your personal development and growth activities, parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: November 8, 2024.

About the Job:

The Aviation Security & Public Safety Department is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to design, implement, and manage network and enterprise systems vital to airport operations and public safety. This impactful role supports the security and integrity of our infrastructure by developing architecture documentation and operating procedures that ensure system resilience. The Senior Systems Engineer will contribute to innovative security solutions, enhancing the safety of our passengers and staff.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with expertise in complex systems and a strong commitment to public safety. This role provides the opportunity to make a tangible impact through advanced security technology while collaborating closely with diverse teams and stakeholders. Working alongside internal teams and vendors, championing the advancement of the department’s mission of operational safety and excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, implement, and support enterprise applications, hardware, and software: Manage a mixed environment of Microsoft, VMware, and vendor solutions, oversee remote systems, Access Control, Video Management Software, and Identity Management Software. Recommend performance improvements, automate tasks, maximize capacity, and apply OS patches and vulnerability remediation per cybersecurity best practices.
• Lead the design, implementation, and support of core technologies: Oversee environments including Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure services, VMware, and 3rd-party software like Hirsh Velocity and HID SAFE to ensure system functionality and security.
• Analyze and resolve complex system issues: Troubleshoot hardware and software problems, optimize system efficiency through automation and scripting, ensure disaster recovery by maintaining backup copies, and execute contingency plans.
• Maintain and strengthen cybersecurity measures: Manage antivirus, anti-malware, web filters, multifactor authentication, email filters, and data encryption; collaborate with auditors on vulnerability assessments, penetration tests, and audits.
• Monitor system performance and resource availability: Verify system integrity, analyze capacity, and recommend upgrades to ensure optimal performance.
• Develop system administration procedures and documentation: Manage Active Directory policies, user access, VPNs, certificates, and DNS records, and participate in a rotating 24x7 on-call schedule for critical systems.
• Mentor and collaborate with team members: Provide guidance to junior staff and work effectively with diverse external and internal stakeholders, tenants, and vendors.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

1. Critical Evaluation: Ability to exercise independent discretion and judgment to analyze and define a problem, evaluate alternative solutions, and identify an optimal solution; listens and clarifies information as needed.
2. Communication:  Effectively exchange information with stakeholders through various avenues, including but not limited to verbal, written, facilitation, and persuasion.
3. Judgement & Decision Making: Ability to use appropriate judgment and confidentiality in selecting procedures, conducting transactions with other departments, vendors, and the public, and solving non-routine problems based on experience-based knowledge. 
4. Customer & Personal Service: Aids and supports internal and external stakeholders on a diverse and specialized range of IT-related functions with a timely, friendly, and welcoming demeanor.
5. Project Coordination: Ability to determine appropriate measures to achieve project goals and prioritize the measures; able to fully engage project participants to deliver an acceptable result in the time allocated.
6. Leveraging Technology: Proficient in wired, wireless, local, and area-wide network systems.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in information technology and associated systems, networking, or security systems, of which one year of experience was serving in a project lead or supervisory capacity over complex technical assignments and any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in computer science, management information systems, or a closely related field.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio, and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Education, Certification, and Licenses:

• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104), Microsoft Certified Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800, AZ-801), Microsoft 365 Certified Fundamentals (MS-900), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, VMware Certified Professional (VCP), ITIL.

**Lacking some of the skills or experiences we've listed? No worries! Here at the San Diego International Airport, we're on a mission to cultivate a workforce as dynamic and diverse as the community we serve. While certain roles may require specific qualifications, we understand that talent comes in many forms. Some of our positions may not require specific degrees, and we're always open to individuals who bring a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. If you think this could be you, we encourage you to apply, and even if this position isn't the right role for you, we will add you to our database to consider for other opportunities in the future that align with your unique knowledge and skills. There's a chance we have the perfect spot for you to land!

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.