Server Engineer

Job Purpose

The Server Engineer is responsible for the administration, maintenance, patching, backup operations, and support of the organization's server environment to ensure systems remain secure, available, and operational. The role includes managing routine server maintenance, patch deployment, backup monitoring, restoration testing, and operational support activities.

The Server Engineer will also support system reliability through proactive checks, incident response, and documentation. Candidates with exposure to network infrastructure, such as firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi, and general LAN/WAN troubleshooting, will have an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

1. Server Operations and Support

• Administer and support the organization's server infrastructure to ensure high availability, performance, and operational stability.
• Monitor server health and respond to operational issues in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoot and resolve server-related incidents, system alerts, and operational issues.
• Support day-to-day server administration activities in line with operational procedures and service expectations.

2. Patch Management

• Perform monthly release checks and coordinate scheduled patching activities.
• Execute manual patching during approved maintenance windows, including academic breaks or planned downtime periods where applicable.
• Verify backup readiness before patch implementation.
• Apply patches, validate successful deployment, and confirm post-patching system stability.
• Ensure critical patches are implemented within 5 business days of release.
• Support best-effort rollback activities where patching issues occur.

3. Backup Management

• Perform daily backup status checks and re-initiate failed backup jobs where required.
• Monitor backup success rates and follow up on unresolved failures.
• Conduct periodic file and server restoration tests to validate backup integrity.
• Monitor storage capacity and raise alerts when thresholds are reached.
• Administer and support backup tools such as Druva Phoenix.

4. Maintenance and Reliability

• Support regular maintenance activities to ensure systems remain secure and up to date.
• Validate that backup, patching, and recovery processes are functioning effectively.
• Assist in improving server performance, reliability, and operational standards.
• Support recovery readiness and operational continuity through proper maintenance practices.

5. Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, including:
• Server support procedures
• Patch records
• Backup status and recovery test records
• Operational guides and standard procedures
• Ensure maintenance activities, incidents, and operational changes are properly documented.
• Support audit, compliance, and governance requirements through accurate record keeping.

6. Vendor and Asset Coordination

• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors where required for server support, maintenance, hardware replacement, or issue resolution.
• Support asset tracking and lifecycle updates for server-related equipment and systems.
• Assist with provisioning, replacement, and repair coordination where necessary.

Nice-to-Have Responsibilities in Network Engineering

Candidates with exposure to the following network-related responsibilities will have an advantage:

Network Support and Administration

• Support basic network operations across WAN, LAN, routers, firewalls, switches, wireless access points, and endpoint network configurations.
• Assist with monitoring and alerting using tools such as SolarWinds.
• Support incident resolution for network-related issues, including connectivity and performance problems.
• Perform minor network changes such as:
• VLAN add/remove/edit
• Firewall rule updates
• Switch configuration changes
• Wireless access point configuration
• Assist with firmware upgrades, configuration backups, and network documentation.

Liaise with vendors such as ISPs, Aruba, Sophos, and Microsoft where required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in server administration, infrastructure support, or a similar role.
• Hands-on experience in patch management, backup administration, and operational support.
• Experience with server maintenance, incident resolution, and documentation.
• Exposure to enterprise network support is an advantage.
• Experience in server administration and infrastructure support.
• Strong understanding of: Patch management processes; Backup monitoring and recovery validation; System maintenance and operational support.
• Familiarity with backup platforms such as Druva Phoenix.
• Knowledge of system health checks, incident troubleshooting, and rollback planning.
• Good documentation and operational record-keeping skills.
• Basic knowledge of network infrastructure and monitoring tools is preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Good planning and execution discipline.
• Strong documentation and organizational ability.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and follow-through.
• Good communication and coordination skills.

Preferred Certifications

• Relevant server or infrastructure certifications are preferred.
• Exposure to the following certifications would be an advantage:
• Microsoft-related infrastructure certifications
• Virtualization or system administration certifications
• For the nice-to-have network scope, the following are beneficial:
• Aruba Certified
• Sophos Certified