Senior Application Engineer

(Senior) Application Engineer 2 Openings - one junior/mid-level and one senior level Chicago, IL - 99% WFH, but need to be local for training Summary: These positions will manage the deployment/installation, testing, customization and support of packaged software applications (NOT home grown software) Application Deployment/Installation: As such, Application Engineers deploy on-prem applications to Windows Server and IIS Advanced Application Support: In addition to this, you'll also be providing escalated support on these packaged software applications when the help desk can't resolve the issues, and then working with vendors to resolve escalated support issues when you can't fix yourself Application Enhancements/Customizations playing the BA role : In addition to this, you will also be the main point of contact with these vendors to work through software customizations/enhancements, etc. so you will be the liaison between the business users requesting these changes in the software and the vendors who will primarily be the ones doing the engineering to make the development customizations and then this person will deploy the changes (back to bullet 2) Application Integration: You will be leading the efforts to integrate this software with other software packages as requested by the business, which could mean working with vendors or other internal teams to accomplish this. Application Testing: You won't be doing full blown automated QA Engineering, but you will be testing the applications to be sure you are working properly before deploying Responsibilities Research new applications and/or application features both independently and by management request. Formulate recommendations and implementation plans. These recommendations require analysis of the overall solution both from a backend and front end perspective. In conjunction with other technology teams, establish and maintain appropriate test environments and define application test plans which identify which team is responsible for each level of testing. Evaluate, test and integrate new software and upgrades to existing software. This will also entail configuring the server and storage environment associated with the software as well as identifying web server requirements. Perform all web server installations and configurations for third party business applications. Define packaging requirements and prepare applications for installation into the production environment using standard tools and methodologies. Resolve end user issues as escalated by the Service Desk, including working with software and hardware vendors' technical support to resolve complex problems. Develop and maintain application documentation, including, but not limited to, Software & Hardware Configuration Guides, Application Design Guides, Frequently Asked Questions list, Knowledge Base articles; provide consultation to the training team on associated end-user documentation. Using a variety of means, maintain a high level of current awareness of new technologies and technology trends with assigned applications and areas of discipline. Provide After Hours On Call Support. Work as needed during monthly maintenance window. May be required to perform other duties or special projects as required. Skills we're seeking 2 years of experience with Application Engineering - focus on 3rd party "packaged software" (not home grown software) Experience deploying applications to on-prem infrastructure specifically must have Windows Server and IIS experience Experience with escalated application support, including working with 3rd party software vendors to resolve escalated support issues Experience with SQL Nice to have experience Experience with application testing Experience with application integrations (XML, REST, Postman) Experience acting as a Business Analyst to gather requirements as it relates to software enhancements, customizations, etc. Experience automating deployment processes with Powershell Experience with reporting