M365 Platform Engineer - Austin, TX | Hybrid | Contract-to-Hire

Robert Half is excited to partner with a leading Austin-based client seeking a talented M365 Platform Engineer to join their innovative technology team. This hybrid role in the heart of Austin, Texas, offers a contract-to-hire opportunity for a mid-to-senior level professional who excels in managing enterprise Microsoft 365 environments. With expert-level Exchange skills (both on-premises and cloud-based), you'll provide hands-on oversight of critical messaging infrastructure while driving modernization initiatives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Austin's thriving tech scene provides the perfect backdrop for this role, where you'll challenge the status quo, translate strategic vision into actionable execution, and collaborate across infrastructure, security, and end-user support teams. If you thrive on solving complex email delivery challenges, optimizing spam filtering, and leading platform re-architecture projects, this M365 engineering position at our client's organization—through Robert Half—could be your next career-defining move.

About the Role

As an M365 Platform Engineer, you'll take ownership of the enterprise Exchange environment, ensuring seamless mail flow, robust security, and optimal performance. This isn't just administration—it's strategic engineering. You'll manage hybrid Exchange setups, troubleshoot intricate issues, and spearhead migrations toward fully modernized M365 ecosystems. Working hybrid in Austin, TX, you'll balance hands-on technical work with high-level roadmap development, governance policy creation, and cross-functional partnerships. Ideal for engineers passionate about Microsoft technologies, this role demands expertise in Exchange Online, distribution list management, and multi-layered spam filtering solutions. Join Robert Half's network and contribute to enterprise transformation in one of America's fastest-growing tech hubs.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will be dynamic and impactful:

• Exchange Ownership: Fully own and support the Exchange environment, handling distribution lists, mail flow management, hybrid administration, and optimization of multiple spam filtering solutions like Exchange Online Protection (EOP) and third-party tools.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex email delivery failures, security threats, and performance bottlenecks across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid configurations.
• Stability & Security: Maintain the highest standards of reliability and security for all messaging services, implementing best practices for compliance and threat mitigation.
• Team Collaboration: Partner closely with infrastructure engineers, security analysts, and end-user support to deliver swift, efficient resolutions and proactive improvements.
• Strategic Roadmap Development: Co-create M365 governance frameworks, processes, and policies that align with broader business and IT strategies.
• Platform Leadership: Lead the re-architecture of the Exchange and mail platform, identifying simplification opportunities and driving modernization to cloud-native solutions.
• Innovation & Optimization: Proactively seek ways to streamline and enhance the overall M365 tenant, from Power Platform integrations to advanced security features.
• Documentation & Communication: Author comprehensive architectural documentation and present impacts clearly to both technical stakeholders and executive leadership.

Required Qualifications

To succeed, you'll bring:

• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Exchange (on-premises and Exchange Online) within large-scale enterprise settings.
• Deep hands-on experience with hybrid Exchange deployments, mail flow routing, and multi-vendor spam filtering optimization.
• Mid-to-senior level tenure in dynamic M365 environments, with a track record of turning strategy into execution.
• Proven troubleshooting prowess for email security, deliverability, and performance challenges.
• Strong skills in M365 governance, roadmap planning, and policy development.
• Excellent collaboration abilities across IT disciplines and communication for diverse audiences.
• Experience leading platform migrations and modernizations, ideally with Azure AD, Intune, or related Microsoft stacks.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent; relevant certifications like Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert highly preferred.

Bonus: Familiarity with PowerShell scripting, Azure infrastructure, and SIEM integration for enhanced M365 security.

Why Join Us

Partnering with Robert Half means access to top-tier opportunities in Austin's booming tech landscape. This contract-to-hire role offers hybrid flexibility, competitive compensation (estimated $110K-$145K annually based on experience), and a pathway to permanent employment with comprehensive benefits. Work on transformative projects that modernize enterprise messaging, surrounded by a supportive team in the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin's vibrant culture, tech innovation, and outdoor lifestyle await—plus Robert Half's unmatched career support, training resources, and professional network. Elevate your M365 career today. Apply now and let's build the future of enterprise collaboration together!

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