Associate System Engineer

ABOUT THE ROLE The Associate Systems Engineer is a technical role responsible for supporting, monitoring, documenting, troubleshooting, and improving systems used by the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. This position is intended for a motivated IT professional who wants to grow in systems engineering, scripting, task automation, and infrastructure operations. The engineer will work with senior technical staff to support Microsoft Windows Server environments, application platforms, and automation scripts. The role may also involve the thoughtful use of AI tools to support research, code exploration, and workflow efficiency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Monitor and support departmental systems, applications, scheduled jobs, reports, interfaces, and automation processes - Troubleshoot technical issues related to Windows servers, applications, user access, network connectivity, and scripts - Review system health, job status, log files, alerts, and dashboards to identify issues and recommend next steps - Support scheduled scripts, task automation, data imports and exports, and system integrations - Assist with developing, maintaining, testing, and documenting automation scripts using PowerShell, Python, or batch scripting - Support routine system administration tasks in Windows Server environments, including service checks, event logs, and file permissions - Assist with account access, group membership, and role-based access control in Active Directory - Create, update, and maintain technical documentation, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides - Provide technical support to MIS staff, help desk, business users, vendors, and other City technology teams - Escalate complex issues to senior staff while clearly documenting symptoms, troubleshooting steps, and business impact MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Recent graduates in STEM, technical certificates, military technical training, or equivalent experience in information technology, computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, data analytics, or a related field. 2. Professional experience in IT support, systems administration, desktop support, help desk escalation, application support, scripting, task automation, or infrastructure support. 3. Experience troubleshooting technical issues in a professional, academic, military, internship, lab, homelab, or self-directed learning environment. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Demonstrated interest in systems engineering, scripting, task automation, infrastructure support, cloud, DevOps, monitoring, cybersecurity, or application support - Knowledge or experience in Microsoft Windows operating systems, Windows Server administration, PowerShell, Python, batch scripting, and Active Directory concepts - Knowledge of basic networking concepts, including IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, ports, firewalls, and connectivity troubleshooting - Experience or interest in using AI-assisted tools to support scripting, documentation, or problem-solving is a plus - Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Review: Evaluation of the submitted application and mandatory cover letter to ensure minimum qualifications are met. 2. Interview and Assessment: Standard City of Philadelphia hiring procedures to assess technical, troubleshooting, and systems engineering skills. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit a completed application through the official City of Philadelphia careers portal. 2. Include a cover letter, as applications without one will be considered incomplete. 3. Ensure all relevant technical experience and qualifications are clearly detailed in your application materials. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Philadelphia, Office of Innovation & Technology - Residency Requirement: Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire - Benefits: Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer, 25% tuition discount program, comprehensive health coverage, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and generous retirement savings options - Equal Employment Opportunity: The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer