IT Systems Engineering & Support Intern –
Summer 2026 to Winter 2027

In-Person • Hands-On • Livonia, Michigan

About Smart Ass Nerds

Smart Ass Nerds is a diverse technology services provider supporting micro-businesses, large enterprises, and government agencies. While we’re rooted in Metro Detroit, we support clients across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the U.K.

Our Hands-On Training & Certification Program

Your internship isn’t just a job — it’s a structured, multi-phase IT training journey designed to build real-world skills quickly. All training takes place in person at our Livonia, Michigan office so you can learn directly from experienced engineers and use our full technical lab.

Phase 1: Foundations (Weeks 0–4)

• Understanding ticketing & documentation
• PC imaging, setup, configuration, repair
• Networking fundamentals using real gear
• Intro to Microsoft 365, Active Directory & user management
• Lab simulations to prep for live support

Phase 2: Real-World Service Desk (Months 0–6)

• Take live tickets via phone, chat, and remote tools
• Troubleshoot PCs, servers, printers, VoIP, cameras
• Shadow senior engineers; weekly learning labs
• Certification cost reimbursed after you pass

Phase 3: Engineering & Field Work (Months 2–6)

• On-site deployments; configure switches, APs, VoIP
• Virtualization: Hyper-V, VMware
• Build full environments in our lab
• Learn cabling, fiber, racking basics

Phase 4: Specialization & Career Pathing (Months 2 – 6)

• Help Desk / Support Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Project & Field Work
• Special Projects (VoIP, security, access control)

What You’ll Do Day-to-Day

• Provide remote & in-person tech support using phone, chat, and remote tools
• Work on PCs, servers, networks, VoIP, cameras, printers, access control & more
• Deploy hardware/software at client sites
• Communicate professionally and follow up with users
• Lift up to 50 lbs for installs and equipment moves
• Research issues, document solutions, and work independently
• Build and test systems in our lab before client deployments
• Create and update documentation for users and internal teams

Hours & Schedule

• Part-time: 16–32 hours/week
• First-shift hours with weekend options
• Some after business hours or weekend work may be required

Requirements

• Eager to learn and take on challenges
• Great communication and customer service skills
• Able to follow directions and work independently
• Reliable transportation; on-time attendance
• Willingness to work weekends/holidays when needed
• Desire for long-term career growth
• High school diploma/GED OR High School Senior with 3.2+ GPA (Juniors considered with online/co-op coursework)
• Must have held a job, volunteer role, or enrolled in education within the past 6 months

 

A Strong Candidate Will Have

• Worked toward an IT certification or related degree
• 0–2 years of tech support experience or strong desire to learn
• Basic PC hardware/software skills (including Microsoft Office)
• Understanding of networking basics (CAT6/7, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, 802.11 standards, fiber, switches, etc.)

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

• Active Directory or Azure AD; Microsoft/Office 365
• Virtualization (Hyper-V, VMware, etc.)
• macOS, Linux, Adobe, POS systems, VoIP, CCTV, access control
• Cisco, Juniper, or Arista experience
• Smartphone/tablet configuration; MDM / Intune
• Experience helping non-technical users
• HIPAA or medical tech familiarity; Hosting/server management (VPS, web)
• MSP, VoIP, fiber or structured cabling experience

Other Important Info

• Background and credit check required
• U.S. Citizenship required (government client work)
• No visa sponsorship provided; No relocation assistance
• Must be able to commute to our Livonia, Michigan office

Disqualifications

• Higher than a bachelor's degree (overqualified for this role)
• Non US Citizen (Required for our government contracts)
• Only looking for remote work
• Unable to regularly come into the office.
• Criminal convictions and/or poor financial management
• Not having a valid driver's license
• More than 2 points on driver’s license, DUI/OWI, and other serious driving violations