Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 25 global research firms in 2010. The employee-owned company has multiple offices in the U. S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries.

Minimum Qualifications:
BA/BS with 3 – 5 years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Responsibilities:
Responsible for desktop and laptop configuration and application deployments supporting domestic staff. Utilize current Microsoft and 3rd party tools such as SCCM to configure applications for distribution across the enterprise in accordance with established integration and deployment strategy; use personal initiative to aid in improving this strategy. Ensure appropriate documentation is prepared and testing performed for all applications deployed. Respond quickly to emergency push out of critical updates and patches in the event of an external threat. Participate in enterprise level computing projects as required by project managers.

Test, evaluate, and recommend current computing hardware and software technology choices where applicable to Abt’s mission. Provide procedures and documents for the deployment and maintenance of the standard desktop software environment and all associated programs. Act as 3rd tier support for integration projects. Train and assist technical support staff on trouble shooting The Desk Top Engineer will eventually manage a junior developer position and work with this individual on a daily basis.

Build workstation images and automate the imaging process with SCCM and 3rd party tools. Setup, test, document, maintain and oversee deployment of a stable computing environment for all desktop and laptop computers used by Abt Associates employees in support of business processing requirements (e.g., management, remote control, and hardware/software inventory). Perform analytical technical and administrative work in the planning, design and installation of new and existing user computer systems.

Train all technical staff on advanced trouble shooting and emerging technologies and act as third tier level of support to the IT Service Center and Abt employees.

Manage SCCM environment to support the automatic distribution of applications in addition to appropriate off the shelf software to support requirements of all business applications. Respond to external IT threats to the enterprise. Develop and maintain a comprehensive operating system hardware and software configuration database/library of all supporting documentation of modifications completed and verified.

Conduct business and technology assessments for key areas defined by senior IT management. Evaluate industry trends, current state, current state of peer companies, and making recommendations to IT Management Team.

Participate in enterprise infrastructure planning by taking the technical initiative in enterprise level computing projects as required by project manager. Add content and analytical value to strategic architecture planning at the enterprise level by engaging IT senior management, business and internal technology leaders. Develop business cases and strategic implementation plans for technology introduction in consultation with project managers.

Participate in Process Reengineering and Change Management to ensure the integrity of Abt’s IT infrastructure: Use technical analysis and application development skills to institute universally accessible, yet secure, repositories of change histories, configuration files, logs and other live process management and system audit information. Aid in development, improvement and implementation of Enterprise Configuration Management strategy.

Any other tasks as defined or required by manager.

Skills Prerequisites:
Intricate knowledge of SCCM and Windows operating systems and how they interact with software application deployment, configuration, patching, and removal. Experience with GPO management supporting USGCB and other common industry standards. Knowledge of network architecture and internet services. Experience re-packaging Windows application setups. Above average knowledge of a wide range but commonly used software applications, i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, McAfee Anti-virus, VPN. Strong scripting ability in at least one language (WSH, Vbscript, Perl, Winbatch). Ability to work in a high-pressure environment while juggling many responsibilities.

(3 — 5) years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates and/or Training (list Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist–System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM).

****This position is available in Cambridge, MA or Bethesda, MD****

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE: http://jobs-abtassociates.icims.com/ to job requisition #6477

• Location: Bethesda, MD
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