It Support Specialist

Job Title: IT Support Specialist

Job Description

The IT Support Specialist provides frontline technical support across the organization, resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues while delivering exceptional service to end users. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a secure, compliant, and highly productive technology environment. The position requires hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, along with working knowledge of NIST SP 800-171 controls to support ongoing compliance and security initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Respond to, prioritize, and resolve Tier 1 and Tier 2 support tickets in a timely manner, escalating to Tier 3 or vendor support when appropriate with clear documentation of actions and outcomes.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot software, hardware, network connectivity, and peripheral issues for end users across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
• Image, configure, deploy, and manage desktops, laptops, and peripherals, ensuring devices are properly set up and maintained for end users.
• Maintain accurate hardware inventory records and coordinate repairs or replacements with vendors or internal stakeholders.
• Install, update, and troubleshoot business applications, including Microsoft 365 suite components such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange Online.
• Administer endpoint management tools such as Microsoft Intune, Endpoint Manager, and Group Policy to ensure devices meet defined security baselines.
• Provision and configure user accounts, devices, and access rights for new hires, ensuring a smooth onboarding experience.
• Execute offboarding procedures, including account deactivation, data preservation, and device retrieval, in alignment with security and compliance requirements.
• Administer Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), including user accounts, groups, conditional access policies, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enrollment.
• Manage Microsoft 365 licenses, mailboxes, distribution lists, shared mailboxes, Teams provisioning, and SharePoint/OneDrive permissions.
• Assist in implementing and maintaining controls aligned with NIST SP 800-171 to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Support periodic access reviews, user activity audits, and endpoint compliance activities, including encryption, patching, logging, and Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) remediation tasks.
• Create and maintain knowledge base articles, runbooks, and IT standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support consistent and efficient IT operations.
• Document all support activities, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions in the IT service management (ITSM) system to ensure accurate records and trend analysis.
• Identify recurring issues and propose process improvements, automation opportunities, or training initiatives to reduce ticket volume and enhance the end-user experience.
• Collaborate with other IT and security teams to support broader cybersecurity, compliance, and infrastructure initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of experience in an IT support, helpdesk, or systems administration role.
• Proficiency supporting Windows 10/11, macOS, and Linux (such as Ubuntu or RHEL-based distributions) in a corporate environment.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure and Entra ID, including user and access administration.
• Hands-on experience with the Microsoft 365 suite, including Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Exchange Online.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 controls and general cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience with endpoint management platforms such as Microsoft Intune, SCCM, or similar tools for device configuration and compliance.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, networking, and authentication issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer-first mindset and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, ticket-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical support and escalating complex issues appropriately.
• Practical knowledge of Microsoft 365 administration, including license management and collaboration tools.
• Awareness of cybersecurity principles related to CMMC, NIST, and broader compliance frameworks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Microsoft MS-900, AZ-900, MD-102, or ITIL Foundation.
• Experience supporting environments subject to CMMC or DFARS regulations.
• Familiarity with vulnerability management tools such as Tenable or Qualys.
• Experience working with security information and event management (SIEM) platforms.
• Experience with IT service management (ITSM) platforms such as ServiceNow or Jira Service Management.
• Scripting knowledge in PowerShell, Bash, or Python to automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency.
• Exposure to cybersecurity initiatives and collaboration with security teams on compliance-related projects.
• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement by documenting processes and refining support workflows.

Work Environment

The IT Support Specialist works in a fast-paced, ticket-driven environment that emphasizes responsiveness, accuracy, and a high level of customer service. The role involves daily use of technologies such as Microsoft Azure, Entra ID, Microsoft 365, Windows, macOS, Linux, Microsoft Intune, SCCM, endpoint management tools, and IT service management platforms. The position requires frequent interaction with end users, collaboration with other IT and security teams, and adherence to structured processes and documentation standards. The work focuses on maintaining secure, compliant systems aligned with NIST SP 800-171 and related cybersecurity frameworks, while supporting a productive and collaborative workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chatsworth, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chatsworth,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.