System Engineer

Systems EngineerApplied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and HFC networking products the building blocks that power AI datacenters, CATV broadband, telecom, and fiber access networks around the world. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, AOI is a vertically integrated company that designs and manufactures everything from semiconductor laser chips to finished optical transceivers, serving tier-one customers across cloud computing, broadband, and telecom. With R&D operations in Atlanta, GA and global manufacturing presence in Taiwan and China, AOI is publicly traded on the Nasdaq (AAOI) and is actively expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing operations in Sugar Land to meet accelerating demand in the AI datacenter market.Make sure to apply with all the requested information, as laid out in the job overview below.Job ResponsibilitiesEnd-User Support & HelpdeskServe as a primary walk-up and ticketing-based helpdesk resource for employees, including user account provisioning, password resets, device setup, and general troubleshootingDeliver consistently high-quality customer service in a diverse, multicultural environment, translating technical issues into clear, accessible language for non-technical staffSupport new hire IT onboarding, including workstation setup, account provisioning, and first-day connectivityTakes immediate corrective action(s) against unsafe conditions to the best of one's own abilityInfrastructure & Systems AdministrationWork closely with the System Architect and Cyber Security team to administer Active Directory and Group PolicyConfigure and maintain VMware ESXi hosts, SAN, and NAS environmentsInstall and configure servers, operating systems (Windows Server, Linux), and application softwareManage software deployments and Windows Updates across the environmentMonitor system health and performance using monitoring tools; optimize for high availabilityDiagnose and resolve complex technical issues across hardware, software, and network layersRepair and recover from hardware or software failures; coordinate and communicate with impacted departmentsWrite scripts (Python, Bash, PowerShell) to automate repetitive administrative tasksImplement security protocols, manage firewalls, and support backup and disaster recovery strategiesMaximize network performance by monitoring, troubleshooting outages, scheduling upgrades, and collaborating with network architectsResearch and recommend innovative and automated approaches to system administration that leverage existing resourcesPerform additional duties as assigned to support team and organizational objectivesDocumentation & Continuous ImprovementMaintain and improve all technical documentation as required by managementSolicit end-user feedback to identify system pain points and translate those into technical requirements for upgradesStay current through professional development, publications, and professional organizationsParticipate in on-call rotation to support 24/7 production operations (infrequent; phone-based rotation shared across the team)Qualifications & CompetenciesCandidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience will be considered.Experience:Required:35 years of experience administering Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows Server, and Office 3652+ years of experience with VMware ESX/ESXi, SAN, and NASWorking knowledge of UNIX/Linux environmentsStrong networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs)Demonstrated experience in a helpdesk or end-user support capacityProfessional fluency in English requiredExcellent interpersonal skills with a patient, service-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively across a diverse, multicultural environmentAbility to manage competing priorities between infrastructure projects and real-time user supportAbility to work on-call as neededPreferred:CompTIA Network+, MCSE, VMware VCP, or CCNA certificationMandarin bilingualFamiliarity with SAP environmentsFamiliarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Experience with Hyper-VWhy AOI?In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needsEmployer matching on 401(k) deferralsGenerous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the yearRelocation packages available within the United States. xevrcycApplied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.