Systems Engineer

Ritter Communications has been at the forefront of the local communications industry for more than a century. We began providing telephone service in Northeast Arkansas in 1906.   Today, Ritter Communications serves over 100 communities across Arkansas, northeast Texas, southeast Missouri, and west Tennessee. The company has grown steadily over the years, expanding rapidly and is now the largest privately-held regional broadband fiber, telecom, video and cloud services provider in the Mid-South. Ritter invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer focused experience. 

General Summary:

The Systems Engineer is responsible for evaluating, standardizing, and maintaining server operating systems, applications, management systems, and element management systems, and the security for DCN and DMZ networks used in Ritter Communications’ Service Provider Network.  Excellent communication and project skills needed along with the ability to evaluate new technologies and systems.

Essential Job Functions:

• Maintain Linux, Unix, and Windows servers including Apache and IIS, MySQL and MS-SQL databases, and Linux based mail server software, DNS, backup software and other service provider applications;
• Maintain and design geographic redundant VMware VSphere utilizing VSAN and Hyper-V utilizing Storage Spaces Direct stacks;
• Provides support for all Linux-hosted applications, such as BIND, DHCP, sendmail, as well as other applications not listed;
• Works to establish and deploy security standards, firewall designs, and security documentation;
• Performs and analyzes packet captures when needed;
• Attends various meetings with management, departments and vendors to ensure company objectives are met;  Participates in inter-departmental planning meetings to coordinate and communicate activities related to the successful completion of projects;
• Work closely with IT groups and cross functional teams for integration of systems into hosted environment;
• Work closely with OSS groups for secure auto-provisioning and communication integration with Service Provider Systems;
• Work closely with Product Management to ensure successful delivery of all technical components of new services and service enhancements;
• Work closely with Engineering and NOC to develop best practices and standards for monitoring and element management systems with training packages to ensure services are supportable by the operations group;
• Work with NOC and Engineering departments to establish and maintain DCN and DMZ for element management and AMS systems;
• Running technology and service trials;
• Travel required to project areas and job sites.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Network system design, development methods, and techniques;
• Windows, Linux, and Unix environments in server and virtual environments;
• Network management practices and procedures;
• Skill in problem solving and resolution;
• Read and interpret technical documents, vendor deployment guidelines, white papers and configuration manuals;
• Advanced oral and written communication;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Organize and prioritize multiple work assignments;
• Knowledge and the ability to design Layers 1, 2, and 3 of the OSI model;
• Must have the skill to manage physical or virtual firewalls;
• Knowledge of BRAS backend and frontend is a plus;
• Knowledge of Incognito applications is plus;
• Knowledge of Nokia’s management systems is a plus. (NFM-P, AMS).

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s/Associates degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent plus two years in a Service Provider environment.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!