Senior On-Premises Exchange & Messaging Infrastructure SME (Contract)

About GEM Technologies

GEM Technologies is a cybersecurity-focused Managed Services Provider (MSP) supporting organizations that depend on secure, reliable, and highly available technology infrastructure.

We are seeking a Senior On-Premises Exchange & Messaging Infrastructure Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our team as a long-term independent contractor.

This role is designed for an expert who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, mentoring experienced engineers, and serving as a trusted advisor for architecture, escalated production issues, and advanced troubleshooting. It is not a help desk position or a role for someone whose experience is limited to routine Exchange administration.

What You'll Do

As our Senior On-Premises Exchange & Messaging Infrastructure SME, you will provide expert guidance on complex on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server environments while working alongside our engineering team.

Your responsibilities will include

• Troubleshooting complex Exchange production issues and providing architectural guidance.
• Large-scale enterprise messaging environments
• Supporting upgrades, migrations, disaster recovery, performance optimization, and Exchange Hybrid deployments.
• Supporting Exchange environments utilizing Citrix NetScaler (ADC) and Citrix CVAD.
• Mentoring our engineers through collaborative troubleshooting and knowledge transfer.
• Recommending best practices for security, reliability, and performance.
• Creating technical documentation and participating in scheduled maintenance or critical production support when needed.

Required Technical Expertise

Candidates must have extensive, hands-on experience with on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server and related infrastructure, including:

• Microsoft Exchange Server 2013, 2016, 2019, and Subscription Edition
• Exchange Hybrid with Microsoft 365
• DAGs, mail flow, transport services, Autodiscover, certificates, SMTP, DNS, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC
• Active Directory, Windows Server, Group Policy, PowerShell, Microsoft Entra ID, and Azure AD Connect
• High availability, disaster recovery, and Exchange security hardening
• Citrix NetScaler (ADC), including Exchange publishing, reverse proxy, SSL offloading, and load balancing
• Citrix CVAD administration and troubleshooting
• VMware or Hyper-V

This position is focused on on-premises Microsoft Exchange Server. Candidates whose experience is primarily limited to Exchange Online or Microsoft 365 administration without significant on-prem Exchange experience are not likely to be a good fit.

Engagement Details

• Independent contractor position
• Remote within the United States
• Long-term consulting relationship
• Flexible workload based on client demand

Hourly Contract Rate

$100–$150 per hour, based on experience, technical expertise, certifications, interview performance, and the complexity of the engagement.

Candidates must

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Reside within the United States.
• Demonstrate expert-level Microsoft Exchange knowledge during the interview process.
• Be comfortable mentoring engineers and documenting solutions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with technical team members.

Preferred

• Has worked for a Managed Services Provider or consulting firm
• Comfortable being an advisor and teacher, not just a doer
• Can quickly diagnose complex Exchange environments
• Microsoft Exchange on prem experience
• Can work independently and join calls when needed
• Strong communication skills

Interview Process

Qualified candidates should expect a technical interview focused on real-world troubleshooting, Exchange architecture, disaster recovery, PowerShell, mail flow, hybrid deployments, load balancing, and related Microsoft infrastructure technologies.

We value practical experience and problem-solving ability over memorized interview answers or certifications alone.

Compensation: $100–$150 per hour depending on experience and certifications. Final rate will depend on experience, certifications, and scope of engagement.