Since our founding in 1995, Next Step Systems has remained committed to one simple mission: helping companies hire exceptional technology professionals while helping talented IT professionals find opportunities where they can thrive. Over the past 31 years, the technology landscape has evolved dramatically, but our dedication to personalized service, integrity, and long-term relationships has remained unchanged.

Founded by Mike Stapinski, who continues to serve as President, Next Step Systems has built a reputation for delivering outstanding recruiting solutions through industry expertise, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to both clients and candidates.

Although our headquarters are proudly located in Naperville, Illinois, our reach is national in scope. We partner with organizations across the United States to recruit top talent in software engineering, data and analytics, cybersecurity, infrastructure, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, executive leadership, and many other specialized IT disciplines.

Our longevity is a direct reflection of the trust our clients and candidates have placed in us over the past 31 years. We are grateful for the lasting partnerships we’ve built and for the opportunity to contribute to the success of so many organizations and technology professionals.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look toward the future. Technology continues to transform every industry, creating exciting opportunities for businesses and IT professionals alike. Next Step Systems remains committed to staying ahead of these changes and continuing to provide the exceptional recruiting expertise and personalized service that have defined our company since day one.

Thank you to our clients, candidates, business partners, and dedicated team members for being part of our journey. Your trust and support have made the past 31 years possible.

Here’s to the next chapter – and to many more years of helping companies build exceptional technology teams and helping IT professionals take the next step in their careers.

Happy 31st Anniversary, Next Step Systems!

jobs@nextstepsystems.com

Email your resume to us today at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Senior IT Manager, NetSuite Experience Required, Hybrid in Morrisville, PA:

The Senior IT Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s information technology strategy, infrastructure, systems, cybersecurity, and IT operations. This role ensures the reliability, security, and efficiency of all technology resources while supporting business objectives, driving continuous improvement, and managing IT staff, vendors, and projects. The Senior IT Manager serves as the organization’s senior technology leader and works closely with executive leadership to ensure technology solutions support operational efficiency, cybersecurity, scalability, and long-term business growth. The Senior IT Manager will lead the IT team, have direct reports, and oversee the Company’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, business systems, and NetSuite ERP environment. Candidates should have strong leadership experience and a proven background managing enterprise IT Operations and ERP initiatives. NetSuite Experience Required. This position is Hybrid in Morrisville, PA. A hybrid schedule of up to two remote workdays per week may be considered after the initial onboarding period, based on business needs and management approval.

Senior IT Manager Responsibilities:

– Develop and execute the organization’s IT strategy in alignment with business objectives.
– Lead and manage all IT operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems administration, and end-user support functions.
– Lead ERP, business application, and systems integration initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reporting capabilities, and business processes.
– Oversee network infrastructure, servers, cloud services, telecommunications, enterprise applications, and business systems, including NetSuite ERP.
– Oversee the administration, support, maintenance, integration, security, reporting, and optimization of the Company’s NetSuite ERP platform and related business applications.
– Ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and security of all technology systems.
– Develop and maintain cybersecurity policies, procedures, and incident response protocols.
– Manage IT budgets, forecasting, technology investments, and vendor relationships.
– Lead technology projects, system upgrades, implementations, and digital transformation initiatives.
– Oversee user access management, software licensing, hardware procurement, and asset lifecycle management.
– Establish and monitor IT performance metrics, service levels, and operational KPIs.
– Collaborate with executive leadership and department managers to identify and implement technology solutions that support business needs.
– Partner with executive leadership to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support organizational growth and operational excellence.
– Ensure compliance with applicable cybersecurity, data privacy, regulatory, and industry specific requirements, including support for quality, audit, and compliance initiatives.
– Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
– Recruit, mentor, develop, and evaluate IT personnel.
– Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, customer service, and continuous improvement.
– Ensure timely resolution of technology issues and provide exceptional internal customer support.
– Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned based on business needs.

Senior IT Manager Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field required.
– Master’s degree preferred.
– Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, Microsoft, Cisco, or equivalent are preferred.
– Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive IT experience.
– Minimum of 5 years of leadership or management experience overseeing IT operations and personnel.
– NetSuite experience is required.
– Experience developing IT strategies, technology roadmaps, and cybersecurity programs aligned with organizational objectives.
– Proven experience managing enterprise infrastructure, networks, cloud environments, and cybersecurity programs.
– Experience leading ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, or optimization initiatives preferred.
– Experience leading complex technology projects, system implementations, and vendor relationships.
– Experience supporting business applications, ERP systems, and Microsoft environments.
– Experience supporting ERP administration, integrations, reporting, user provisioning, and business process optimization preferred.
– Experience supporting manufacturing, technical service, or ISO-compliant environments preferred.
– Financial management, budgeting, and forecasting experience.

Senior IT Manager Skills and Competencies:

– Strong leadership, team development, and employee management skills.
– Extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and business systems.
– Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
– Experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, virtualization technologies, and endpoint management solutions.
– Strong project management and change management capabilities.
– Data-driven decision-making and IT operational reporting capabilities.
– Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
– Strong understanding of IT governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
– Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
– Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
– High attention to detail, accountability, and operational accuracy.
– Strong knowledge of disaster recovery, business continuity, and cybersecurity best practices.
– This position is primarily onsite and requires frequent interaction with employees, vendors, and technology infrastructure.
– Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use a computer for extended periods.
– Occasional lifting of equipment up to 25 pounds.
– Ability to travel occasionally between company locations or vendor sites as needed.

Interviewing now! All positions are fully onsite in Charlotte, NC. Email your resume to us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Director of Platform Engineering & Operations (Charlotte, NC):

The Director of Platform Engineering & Operations is responsible for the entire technology platform, overseeing both customer-facing systems and internal infrastructure to ensure 24×7 availability, security, and scalability across Azure Cloud and on-premises environments. This hands-on leadership role balances technical execution and strategic management, including building a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, implementing security controls, and supporting the company’s rapid growth.

Product Owner/Scrum Master (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking an experienced Product Owner/Scrum Master to partner with the development team and deliver high-quality software products in an agile environment. This dual-role position bridges business needs and technical execution by owning the product backlog, driving Scrum ceremonies, and supporting overall sprint health. The role focuses on the full product lifecycle of branded applications and emerging technologies, working closely with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into prioritized development work and guide features from concept through release. This position reports to the Manager of Project Services and requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across distributed teams and time zones.

Product Owner/Business Analyst (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking an experienced Product Owner/Business Analyst to partner with the development team and deliver high-quality software products in an agile environment. This dual role position bridges business needs and technical execution by owning the product backlog and supporting overall sprint health. The role focuses on the full product lifecycle of branded applications and emerging technologies, working closely with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into prioritized development work and guide features from concept through release. This position reports to the Manager of Project Services and requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across distributed teams and time zones.

Senior Network/Infrastructure Engineer (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking a Senior Network/Infrastructure Engineer with strong experience in designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise networks and modern infrastructure platforms. This hands-on role focuses on secure data transfer, infrastructure optimization, and day-to-day management of networking hardware, virtualization, and cloud workloads, with a strong bias toward automation and operational rigor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer, Video Analytics (Charlotte, NC):

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer, Video Analytics will work with a team that builds GPU accelerated video analytics for real time safety monitoring across large fleets and industrial environments. The system processes high volume video streams, runs YOLO based detection models, performs temporal tracking and smoothing to reduce false positives, and identifies actionable safety violations. Inference results are published to downstream APIs and integrated with Azure Event Hub, Blob Storage, and cloud monitoring systems. If you enjoy pushing GPU performance limits, crafting resilient Machine Learning (ML) pipelines, and building real world safety applications that make an impact, you will fit right in.

Software Development Engineer in Test, Level 3 (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Test Engineer (SDET) with a strong development background to build scalable, high quality test solutions and ensure end-to-end product quality. This role blends software engineering and quality engineering, requiring hands on coding, automation framework development, and deep involvement in the software development lifecycle. You will work within an Agile team, collaborating with developers, product managers, and QA engineers to design robust test strategies, implement automation, and drive quality engineering practices across the organization.

Account Manager (Charlotte, NC):

The Account Manager is responsible for coordinating client-facing activities and internal delivery efforts to ensure the successful execution of client projects and ongoing account operations. This role serves as a primary point of contact for assigned clients, manages project planning and tracking, supports new client on-boarding, and ensures alignment between client needs, internal teams, and delivered solutions. The Account Manager plays a critical role in maintaining strong client relationships, managing account health, and ensuring development, deployment, hardware fulfillment, and support activities are executed efficiently and transparently.

Charlotte IT Recruiters

Next Step Systems’ IT recruiters understand the information technology marketplace in the Charlotte area for technical staffing. Our Charlotte IT recruiting firms will help find qualified information technology experts for all levels of technical staffing.

Employers, contact our IT recruiters

CONTACT our tech recruiters to find out how we can work with you to find qualified information technology professionals quickly.

Qualified candidates must have prior Artificial Intelligence experience. Hiring at all levels. Company is based in San Francisco, CA but all positions can be fully remote. Resumes can be emailed to us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Job openings include the following job titles (click on each job title to view the full job description):
 

About Next Step Systems, IT Recruiting Firm and IT Recruiters

Next Step Systems is a group of IT recruiters ready to go to work to help our clients’ staffing needs. We are an IT recruitment agency and staffing company with expert IT recruiters.

San Francisco IT Recruiters for Technical Staffing

Next Step Systems’ San Francisco IT recruiters understand the information technology marketplace in the San Francisco area for technical staffing. Our San Francisco IT recruiting firms will help find qualified information technology experts for all levels of technical staffing.

Interviewing now! All positions will be onsite in Charlotte, NC. Email your resume to us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Director of Platform Engineering & Operations (Charlotte, NC):

The Director of Platform Engineering & Operations is responsible for the entire technology platform, overseeing both customer-facing systems and internal infrastructure to ensure 24×7 availability, security, and scalability across Azure Cloud and on-premises environments. This hands-on leadership role balances technical execution and strategic management, including building a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, implementing security controls, and supporting the company’s rapid growth.

Scrum Master (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking an experienced Scrum Master to support the Development Team and ensure the successful delivery of high quality software products in an agile environment. The Scrum Master is responsible for driving Scrum execution, facilitating ceremonies, supporting sprint health, and removing impediments to enable consistent, predictable delivery. The Scrum Master partners closely with cross functional teams, technical leads, and Project Services leadership to promote Agile best practices, ensure adherence to Scrum methodology, and foster continuous improvement. The Scrum Master reports directly to the Project Services Manager and requires strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams and time zones.

Senior Network/Infrastructure Engineer (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking a Senior Network/Infrastructure Engineer with strong experience in designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise networks and modern infrastructure platforms. This hands-on role focuses on secure data transfer, infrastructure optimization, and day-to-day management of networking hardware, virtualization, and cloud workloads, with a strong bias toward automation and operational rigor.

Software Development Engineer in Test, Levels 1-3 (Charlotte, NC):

We are seeking a highly skilled Software Test Engineer (SDET) with a strong development background to build scalable, high quality test solutions and ensure end-to-end product quality. This role blends software engineering and quality engineering, requiring hands on coding, automation framework development, and deep involvement in the software development lifecycle. You will work within an Agile team, collaborating with developers, product managers, and QA engineers to design robust test strategies, implement automation, and drive quality engineering practices across the organization.

Charlotte IT Recruiters

Next Step Systems’ IT recruiters understand the information technology marketplace in the Charlotte area for technical staffing. Our Charlotte IT recruiting firms will help find qualified information technology experts for all levels of technical staffing.

Employers, contact our IT recruiters

CONTACT our tech recruiters to find out how we can work with you to find qualified information technology professionals quickly.

Email resumes to us today at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

We are looking for recent graduates from Elite Ivy League universities for this CTO role. Only considering candidates with less than 10 years of experience.

Elite universities include Brown University, California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Rice University, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, Los Angeles, University of California, San Diego, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, University of Washington, and, Yale University.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Onsite in New York, NY:

Our client is looking for an exceptional hand-on CTO to lead technology, product architecture, and engineering execution for a new AI healthcare payments company. This is a funded, early-stage venture built around a high-conviction thesis at the intersection of healthcare, payments, revenue cycle, and AI. The company is focused on improving complex financial workflows across the healthcare ecosystem, including provider-payer payment processes, claims workflows, revenue cycle operations, payment reconciliation, denials, and administrative automation. We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who can build the product, architect the platform, recruit the early engineering team, and move quickly from Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to scalable commercial product. The company is developing an AI-enabled healthcare payments application designed to improve how healthcare organizations manage payment, claims, and revenue-cycle workflows. The platform will use AI, workflow automation, data integrations, and secure infrastructure to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, accelerate payment processes, and create better visibility across healthcare financial operations. This position is 100% Onsite in New York, NY.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Responsibilities:

– Own the technology vision, architecture, and engineering roadmap.
– Build and launch the initial product.
– Evaluate and select the technical stack.
– Design secure, scalable systems for healthcare payment workflows.
– Build AI-enabled workflow automation into the product from the beginning.
– Lead integrations with healthcare, claims, payment, billing, and data systems.
– Recruit and lead the early engineering team.
– Work directly with the CEO, investors, advisors, and early customers.
– Turn a validated thesis into a scalable commercial product and company.

Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Qualifications:

– Experience building products from concept to production.
– Strong coding background with experience designing scalable, secure systems.
– Experience building AI-powered products, automation platforms, or intelligent workflow systems.
– Understanding of claims, payments, reimbursement workflows, financial operations, or other transaction-heavy regulated environments.
– Experience hiring, building, and leading engineering teams while owning the technology roadmap.
– Need elite technical or academic background.
– Need experience as a CTO, VP Engineering, Head of Engineering, founding engineer, or senior architect.
– Experience with a Startup or high-growth company exposure.
– Should have hands-on technical credibility.
– Ability to lead product and engineering strategy.
– Experience with AI, data, infrastructure, platform, SaaS, or scalable systems where relevant.
– Ability to communicate well with founders, investors, and executive stakeholders.
– Former founder or early technical leadership experience.
– Structured technical training in computer science, engineering, or a related field.
– Graduate of top 10 schools (e.g., Penn, Columbia, UChicago, etc.)
– Experience in top-tier engineering environments, high-growth startups, or complex technical organizations (think 1-2 years with Palantir in a Health Tech role).
– Ability to personally build while also recruiting and leading an engineering team.
– Strong product instincts and comfort working with customers, commercial leaders, investors, and advisors.
Interest or experience in healthcare, payments, fintech, revenue cycle, or healthcare infrastructure.
– Healthcare payments experience is strongly preferred but not required if the candidate has strong technical leadership experience in a regulated, data-heavy, workflow-heavy, or transaction-oriented environment.

The NetSuite Administrator/Developer will support a NetSuite implementation and ongoing ERP application needs. This role focuses on NetSuite configuration, reporting, NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW), integrations, scripting, SuiteApps, and business process improvement.

Email resumes to us for review at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

NetSuite Administrator/Developer, Hybrid (Waukegan, IL):

We are seeking a NetSuite Administrator/Developer to support a NetSuite implementation and ongoing ERP application needs. This role focuses on NetSuite configuration, reporting, NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW), integrations, scripting, SuiteApps, and business process improvement. Working closely with the business, this position will translate operational requirements into scalable NetSuite solutions while operating independently in a small-team environment. General IT and infrastructure support are secondary backup responsibilities only. This is a Hybrid position with 1-2 days per week Onsite required.

NetSuite Administrator/Developer Responsibilities:

– Support the NetSuite ERP implementation, configuration, roles, workflows, records, forms, saved searches, and troubleshooting.
– Build and maintain NetSuite reporting, NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW)/SuiteAnalytics workbooks, SuiteQL queries, dashboards, and data extracts.
– Develop NetSuite customizations using SuiteScript, SuiteFlow, SuiteApps, SuiteLets, RESTlets, and related tools.
– Support ERP integrations, Orderful EDI, third-party data flows, and transaction issue resolution.
– Assist with NetSuite releases, sandbox testing, UAT, data conversion, cutover, and post-go-live stabilization.
– Support internal web tools, APIs, application integrations, and business process automation.
– Evaluate and recommend ERP and process improvements based on business needs and platform capabilities.
– Provide limited backup support for Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Windows servers, desktops, hardware, and connectivity issues.
– Assist with backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and infrastructure troubleshooting when escalation or coverage is needed.

NetSuite Administrator/Developer Qualifications:

– Strong customer focus with the ability to manage competing priorities in a small-team setting.
– Experience supporting ERP or business applications in a production environment.
– NetSuite implementation, administration, or development experience strongly preferred.
– Experience with NetSuite Analytics Warehouse (NSAW), SuiteAnalytics, SuiteQL, saved searches, dashboards, or data validation.
– Experience with SuiteScript, SuiteFlow, SuiteApps, RESTlets, SuiteLets, APIs, or similar development tools.
– Working knowledge of SQL concepts; Oracle, SQL Server or SSRS experience helpful but not required.
– Experience with ERP integrations, EDI, data conversion, testing, and post-go-live support preferred.
– JavaScript, PHP, Angular, or application development experience a plus.
– Familiarity with Microsoft 365, Active Directory, servers, networking, or desktop support helpful for backup coverage.

Chicago IT Recruiters

Next Step Systems is a Chicago IT recruiting firm for information technology professionals. As the heart of our business and the city from which Next Step Systems originally grew, Chicago is our hometown and a place our Chicago IT recruiters and technical staffing firm is very much in tune with. We are a group of Chicago IT recruiters with years of IT recruiting and technical staffing experience ready to find qualified IT candidates for your open positions.

Contact Our IT Recruiters

Next Step Systems helps employers find technical information technology professionals on a contingency basis. We are IT recruiters for your technical staffing needs. Contact our tech recruiters to find out how we can work with you to find qualified information technology professionals quickly.

All positions require a current/active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph. All security cleared job openings can be viewed HERE.

Please email your resume to us for immediate review at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Full Stack Developer (Annapolis, MD):

We have an available for a Full Stack Developer in Annapolis Junction, MD. The Full Stack Developer will support the development and sustainment of a reporting and collaboration application suite for a federal client. The Full Stack Developer will focus on maintaining and enhancing existing applications that support request tracking, workflow management, data organization, and collaborative review across distributed user communities. The position involves working with an established codebase while also delivering enhancements based on evolving user and business requirements. Responsibilities include implementing new features, performing maintenance and bug fixes, improving performance and reliability, and collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders to ensure the applications continue to meet operational needs. An active TS/SCI with a Full Scope Polygraph Security Clearance is required. This position is 100% Onsite and not Remote.

Full Stack Developer Qualifications:

– An active TS/SCI with a Full Scope Polygraph security clearance is required.
– Looking for 1 to 20 years of experience is required with a bachelor’s degree. 4 years of additional experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. 4 years less experience is ok for candidates with a graduate degree.
– Required technical skills include Java 8+, Elasticsearch, MongoDB, Oracle, Spring Boot, Angular, RESTful Web Services, and Solr. Understanding, maintaining, and troubleshooting interfaces between multiple applications
– Additional desired technical experience includes Amazon Web Services (AWS), Primefaces, Node.js, Agency reporting and dissemination tools, Agency classification policies, and Working in an agile environment using JIRA and Confluence.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer (Annapolis Junction, MD):

We have an immediate need for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer who will work closely with system and software engineers to design, prototype, and integrate AI advancements into the existing RAD architecture. This is a transformative position focused on building solutions that augment human intelligence, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall effectiveness of intelligence operations. An active TS/SCI with a Full Scope Polygraph Security Clearance is required. This position is Onsite in Annapolis Junction, MD with 1-2 Remote days/week depending on tasking.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer Responsibilities and Qualifications include:

– Must have an active TS/SCI Full Scope Polygraph security clearance.
– Looking for 1 to 20 years of experience is required with a bachelor’s degree. 4 years of additional experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. 4 years less experience is ok for candidates with a graduate degree.
– Design and Development: Lead the design and development of AI-driven solutions from conception to deployment, ensuring seamless integration with the existing software architecture. This includes prototyping new models, writing production-quality code, and maintaining existing AI systems.
– Collaboration and Communication: Serve as a key technical liaison, collaborating with cross-functional teams including system engineers, software developers, and domain experts. Effectively present and articulate recommended AI approaches, discussing the tradeoffs and implications of different implementations with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
– Data Analysis and Modeling: Conduct Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) on diverse datasets (both structured and unstructured) to inform the data model, identify data quality issues, and determine optimal input formats for AI models.
– Model Building and Evaluation: Develop, train, and evaluate a variety of machine learning models, ensuring they meet performance and reliability requirements. Implement robust testing and validation strategies to ensure models are accurate and unbiased.
– Continuous Improvement: Stay current with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, continuously seeking opportunities to apply new technologies and methodologies to improve existing systems and solve complex problems.
– Cloud Platforms: Have experience with the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing platform and machine learning operations (MLOps) tools for deploying and managing machine learning models at scale.

DevOps Engineer (Annapolis Junction, MD):

We are currently looking for a DevOps Engineer for a great opportunity in Annapolis Junction, MD. Senior level candidates needed with strong Kubernetes, Terraform and AWS. An active TS/SCI with a Full Scope Polygraph Security Clearance is required. This position is onsite in Annapolis Junction, MD

DevOps Engineer Responsibilities:

– Provide optimization and automation across multiple platforms and applications.
– Drive consistency for deployment and build processes.
– Utilize modern tools like Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services, Ansible, Terraform, Python, Linux, and much more.

DevOps Engineer Qualifications:

– An active TS/SCI with a Full Scope Polygraph security clearance is required.
– Looking for 1 to 20 years of experience is required with a bachelor’s degree. 4 years of additional experience can be substituted for a bachelor’s degree. 4 years less experience is ok for candidates with a graduate degree.
– Experience with AWS (S3, VPCs & Networking, EC2, ECS/EKS).
– Experience with Containerization (Docker, k8s, Registries)
– Experience with IaC (Terraform/Cloud Formation).
– Experience with CI/CD (Jenkins/ GitHub Actions).
– You have worked with teams before on large and demonstrable projects, preferably built on with AWS and familiarity with scripting languages such as Bash, Ruby, Python.
– Familiarity with containerization tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
– Experience setting up a CI/CD pipeline.
– Understand Agile software development and DevOps practices and can work closely with your peers and other mid-to large size teams.
– Focus on understanding customers’ needs and translating those needs from product specifications into functional, production ready code and infrastructure.

Government Contract Expertise For IT

Next Step Systems is an IT recruiting company with federal government contract recruiting expertise for IT / technical permanent and contract employment. We are ready to assist you in finding IT experts for your technical staffing needs.

Security-Cleared Job Seekers

Our top-rated firm, Next Step Systems, places IT professionals in both full-time and contract positions for a range of information technology skill sets.

Contact our IT Recruiters and IT Recruiting Firm!

Contact Us! Our IT recruiting agency helps job seekers find information technology jobs near Chicago, Illinois and other major cities. Next Step Systems specializes in IT staffing for large corporations, mid-size companies, and fast-growing startups.

Qualified Directors of Engineering, please email your resumes to us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com.

Director of Engineering, Hybrid in Salt Lake City, UT

The Director of Engineering role sits at the center of a rebuild. It involves leading a globally distributed developer organization while actively redesigning, implementing, and continuously improving the companies’ next generation technology. Example work includes launching next-generation shipping platform globally, redesigning ERP and Data Warehouse architecture for optimized latency in the face of significant user growth and making pragmatic decisions about where AI meaningfully improves development and operations. This is not a maintenance role. The mandate is to build the next generation while keeping the current business running. We are looking for someone who has led engineering teams across regions, understands the realities of operating globally, and brings deep experience with commercial platforms, ERP systems and underlying data infrastructure. Must pass a Java coding test. This is a Hybrid position.

Director of Engineering Responsibilities:

– Lead the full-lifecycle rebuilding of global logistics eCommerce and custom ERP platform, migrating from a legacy PHP monolith to a modular Java 24/Spring Boot 3 system using containerized microservices architecture for scalability, resilience, and carrier-level performance across international markets.
– Architect and deliver a Platform as a Service (PaaS) carrier integration platform exposing standardized REST APIs for rating, shipping, tracking, and label generation, enabling hundreds of global carriers to integrate seamlessly; built a pluggable Java/Spring Boot integration framework using the adapter pattern to translate heterogeneous carrier protocols into unified REST endpoints, secured via OAuth 2.0 and JWT, and documented with OpenAPI specifications for self-service partner onboarding.
– Collaborate with Technology leadership (e.g., Head of Product, Lead Architect), Commercial and Operations leadership to ensure considerations are incorporated into deliverables.
– Lead, grow, and inspire a multinational engineering team of 30+ front-end, back-end, quality, and DevOps engineers and managers across multiple time zones, building a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement. Tech leadership will be based in Salt Lake City, Utah, with developer resources being distributed between Europe and India.
– Champion AI-augmented engineering throughout the software development lifecycle. Embedding tools like Claude into requirements gathering, code generation, code review, testing, documentation, and deployment workflows.
– Define and own the technical roadmap, partnering closely with product, operations, and executive leadership to align engineering delivery with business strategy.
– Establish and continuously improve engineering excellence standards, including architecture reviews, CI/CD pipelines, on-call culture, incident response.
– Oversee developer productivity, including development, tracking, and performance management of KPI dashboards critical to code quality and velocity.
– Provide executive-level visibility into engineering progress, risks, and performance through clear communication and structured reviews.

Director of Engineering Qualifications:

– Minimum 10 years of software engineering experience, with at least 4 years in an engineering leadership role.
– Hands-on engineering approach with active participation in design discussions, architecture reviews, and code-level problem-solving alongside the team.
– 7+ years of hands-on Java 17+ experience building high-throughput, enterprise-scale Java systems; fluent in JVM performance, design patterns, and modern Java ecosystems.
– Proven track record leading and scaling multinational engineering teams, ideally including direct management of engineering managers.
– Demonstrated ability to build, grow, and retain high-performing distributed engineering teams.
– Strong API design and development experience, specifically REST, event-driven architecture, and integration patterns at scale.
– Experience using Claude AI or other Artificial Intelligence LLM-based tooling to accelerate and improve how software teams build and ship.
– Experience operating in Agile environments with CI/CD, sprint planning, and cross-functional delivery teams.
– Experience with cloud-native architectures on AWS.

Director of Engineering Preferred Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
– Experience with Agile, AI-Assisted Development (Claude AI, LLM Tooling), API, AWS, Carrier/Logistics APIs, CI/CD, Confluence, Containerization, Data Warehouse, Distributed Systems, eCommerce, ERP, Event-Driven APIs, Java, Jenkins, Jira, JVM, Microservices, MySQL, PHP, Platform as a Service, PaaS, REST, and Spring Boot.
– Experience building or operating a Platform as a Service (PaaS) or API integration platform, ideally with external partner or third-party connectivity.
– Background in logistics, shipping, supply chain, or freight technology.
– Hands-on experience with ERP systems including implementation, integration, or custom development.
– Familiarity with carrier APIs, EDI standards, or parcel/freight data protocols.

Benefits include medical insurance, retirement plan, PTO, etc.

Business Systems Analyst with CRM and Epicor/Kinetic Experience Required – Hybrid in St. Louis, MO

The BSA is responsible for day-to-day ownership, optimization, and support of the company’s CRM platform. This role serves as the primary liaison between business teams and the CRM vendor, ensuring the system is effectively used to support sales and marketing objectives. The position combines CRM administration, data analysis, user training, and light business systems analysis to drive adoption, data integrity, and actionable reporting. We are looking for someone with strong Epicor/Kinetic technical skills that can improve processes, develop BAQs, BPMs and work with Automation Studio on workflows and tasks. This is a Hybrid position with onsite requirements of at least 1 week a month at the Kansas City, MO facility.

Business Systems Analyst Essential Functions:

Work cooperatively with a variety of individuals. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively internally and externally. Employ resourcefulness when problem solving to meet customer needs. Ability to translate business needs into system solutions. Strong understanding of data management, reporting, and analytics. Ability to train and support users with varying levels of technical expertise. High attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and process compliance.

CRM Ownership & Support
– Serve as the primary point of contact for the CRM system (e.g., SugarAI), including vendor coordination and issue resolution.
– Manage day-to-day system administration, including user support, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.
– Monitor system performance and recommend enhancements to improve functionality and user experience.

User Training & Adoption
– Train new and existing employees on CRM functionality, processes, and best practices.
– Develop and maintain training materials, scripts, and user documentation.
– Drive user adoption through ongoing communication, including tips, updates, and best practices.

Data Integrity & Compliance
– Ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness of CRM data through regular audits and maintenance.
– Monitor sales team activity and enforce adherence to established processes and data standards.
– Identify gaps in data quality or usage and implement corrective actions.

Reporting & Analytics
– Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and queries (including Business Activity Query (BAQ)) to support business insights.
– Support sales and marketing teams with reporting, pipeline visibility, and performance tracking.
– Maintain and enhance CRM and related reporting tools to meet evolving business needs.

Business Process Support (Light BSA)
– Partner with sales and marketing to improve workflows, templates, and system utilization.
– Create and standardize tools such as customer review templates and reporting structures.
– Gather user feedback and recommend system or process improvements.
– Support integration and alignment between CRM and other systems (Epicor/Kinetic & Grow).

Business Systems Analyst Other Responsibilities:

– Work with the Operations Systems Project Analyst and coordinate shared reporting and analytics initiatives.
– Coordination of customer portals.
– Work directly with Key Account Reps to manage the customer’s systems and demands.
– Sales development long and short-term Company strategies & implement the plans developed. Communicate ideals and accomplishments to the management team.
– Ensure compliance with operation standards and all department policies and company directives and assist with other projects and tasks as required by management.
– In a timely manner, alert management to conditions that create delays or affect quality and assist with changes needed to meet established deadlines.
– Perform duties safely and maintain a high level of safety awareness.

Business Systems Analyst Qualifications:

– Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred. Course work related to software systems, general business, customer service or industry specific topics desired.
– 2-5+ years of experience working with and analyzing CRM Systems (SugarAI experience preferred).
– Need experience with ERP (Epicor/Kinetic).
– Experience with Grow and Technology Coast Partners (TCP) is preferred.
– Experience developing dashboards, reports, and query development (Business Activity Query (BAQ) experience preferred).
– Excellent project management, documentation & organizational skills.
– Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, formulas & data visualization.
– The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge, business acumen across sales, marketing & service functions.
– Good problem-solving skills a must.
– Candidates should have working competency with all office equipment.
– Leadership & communication skills to collaborate cross-functionally.
– Detail-oriented with a focus on data accuracy and process compliance.

Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Holidays, 401K, Profit Sharing, Travel Expense Reimbursement, $25,000 in life insurance and short-term and long-term disability benefits, etc.