NGS Senior System Engineer

Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and technology, and the partner of choice for government lotteries. From cutting-edge backend systems to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We push game designs to the next level and are pioneers in data analytics and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, legendary performance, and unwavering security to responsibly propel the global lottery industry ever forward.

*CANDIDATE SPONSORSHIP IS NOT AVALABLE FOR ROLE*

*CANDIDATE MUST RESIDE IN THE UNITED STATES, PREFERABLY RESIDING IN, EST/EASTERN OR CST/CENTRAL TIME ZONES*

The Senior Technical Operations Engineer serves as a Tier 3 escalation point for mission critical operations in a 24/7 environment. This role combines deep technical expertise with hands-on support for production, UAT, Dev, and QA environments. The ideal candidate will be proficient across Linux and Windows platforms, skilled in automation, and capable of supporting complex implementations. They will also be expected to influence system architecture, establish operational standards, lead technical initiatives, and mentor other engineers while ensuring high availability and performance of production systems. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited about supporting critical transaction systems, we encourage you to apply!

Job Duties / Key Accountabilities

Primary Job Functions:

• Production Support: Provide Tier 3 support for the NGS system, which consists of Linux and Windows servers, ensuring the stability and performance of real-time transaction processing platforms. This includes expert-level troubleshooting, proactively managing system health, and collaborating with development, QA, and networking teams to drive rapid resolution. Lead escalated incidents, conduct root cause analysis, and support a wide range of services, including Active Directory, DNS, SMTP, SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS, IIS, WildFly, Java-based applications, containerization, monitoring applications (prometh and proprietary systems.
• New implementations: Lead and own infrastructure components of new lottery system implementations, including integration, compliance, and vendor coordination. Architect, deploy, maintain scalable and secure systems in Ubuntu Linux and Windows Server (all versions) across Dev, QA, UAT and production. Provide onsite support during system implementations and system overhauls.
• Mentorship: Mentor, train, and guide junior system administrators, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with other engineering and operations teams (e.g., UAT testers, QA, and development) to resolve platform issues and implement enhancements. Interface with network engineers to oversee port configurations, VLAN segmentation, and troubleshoot network-layer issues.
• Documentation: Maintain clear documentation for troubleshooting steps, platform configurations, and process automation.
• Database Management: Manage, and troubleshoot high availability database environments, including MSSQL (Always-on Availability Groups) and PostgreSQL.
• Automation & Scripting: Own automation strategy using Ansible, Bash, and PowerShell.
• Incident Management & Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve issues related to system performance, database optimization, transaction failures, or server anomalies. Investigate root causes of problems and implement preventative measures.
• Compliance: Ensure all environments meet industry security and compliance standards, with a focus on regulatory requirements in the lottery sector.
• Containerization: Manage, deploy, and troubleshoot using Docker or Podman.

Required:

• 5–7 years of hands-on experience in system administration.
• Strong proficiency in Ubuntu Linux and Windows Server (2008–2022) administration.
• Hands-on experience in database management with MSSQL (Always On) and PostgreSQL.
• Experience with automation using Ansible.
• Proficient scripting in Bash, PowerShell, and Python
• Understanding of containerization technologies like Docker or Podman in production settings.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale infrastructure projects, preferably in the lottery or regulated gaming industries.
• Strong networking awareness: VLANs, firewall rules, port diagnostics (coordination with dedicated network teams).
• High competency with infrastructure services: AD, DNS, SMTP, SFTP, web stack protocols, IIS, and WildFly.
• Experience working under 24/7 operational requirements, including on-call rotations.
• Knowledge and experience working with VMWare.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to approach problems methodically and propose innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and user interactions.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical users.

• Education: Associate degree in a related field of study required; bachelor's degree preferred
• Relevant certifications, such as Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) or PostgreSQL certifications.
• Experience in the lottery and gaming industry would be considered a strong asset
• Experience with Apache, nginx, flask and python-env.
• Leadership, mentoring, and cross-team communication skills.
• Experience learning, troubleshooting, and documenting a proprietary system.
• Demonstrate understanding of RESTful APIs, with hands-on experience using tools like Postman to perform manual tests, construct requests, and validate endpoint responses.

• This position has no financial decision-making authority.

• Work Environment: The role requires the support of a 24x7 production environment, which involves working during non-standard hours, including weekends and holidays.

• Location: Flexible or hybrid work options depending on company policies.

Education and Years of experience

• Associate degree in a related field of study required; bachelor's degree preferred or Minimum 4 years of experience in a Tier 2 or similar technical support role.

SG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If you’d like more information about your equal employment opportunity rights as an applicant under the law, please click here for EEOC Poster.