IT Systems Administrator

Job role: IT Systems Administrator

Duration: 3-6 months Contract to hire

Location: 5 days onsite per week in San Jose, CA - 95134

Key Responsibilities:

• Roughly 70% Systems Administration
• Roughly 20% Networking
• 10 - 15% Occasional end-user support responsibilities
• Microsoft 365 administration
• Infrastructure maintenance and support
• Network administration and troubleshooting
• Ensure sites and core infrastructure remain operational and stable

Current Infrastructure / Technology:

• Cisco Meraki environment
• Recently deployed a new Meraki solution
• Implementing Palo Alto Networks technologies
• Moving toward Palo Alto Prisma Access to replace VPN/Zscaler capabilities
• Multiple site consolidation/migration initiatives underway
• Dedicated Network Engineer on staff

Current Projects:

• Palo Alto Prisma Access implementation
• VPN modernization and replacement initiative
• Infrastructure and site migration/consolidation efforts
• Ongoing network and security improvements

Ideal Background:

• Strong Systems Administration experience 5+ years exp
• Microsoft 365 administration
• Networking knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting
• Linux exposure preferred
• Experience in healthcare, biotech, or other regulated industries is a plus
• Comfortable in a hands-on onsite IT environment

Position Summary:

The IT Systems Administrator maintains secure, reliable infrastructure across servers, networks, cloud services, endpoints, applications, and user accounts. This role monitors and troubleshoots systems, supports users, applies security controls, and documents solutions. The position partners with internal teams and vendors on infrastructure improvements, business continuity, and daily IT operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Windows, Azure, server, storage, and cloud infrastructure.
• Maintain secure, reliable IT infrastructure.
• Manage user accounts, access, permissions, and authentication.
• Support switches, wireless networks, firewalls, and GlobalProtect VPN.
• Manage endpoint deployment, patching, software, and security.
• Monitor performance, capacity, backups, availability, and recovery readiness.
• Resolve incidents, identify root causes, and document solutions.
• Implement security, vulnerability, logging, and compliance controls.
• Maintain documentation and asset records; coordinate upgrades and vendors.
• Diagnose and resolve end-user issues.
• Provide escalated support to help desk staff and users.
• Manage virtual machines, resources, and hosts.
• Administer Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive.
• Automate administration and reporting with PowerShell.
• Support onboarding and offboarding of accounts, devices, and access.
• Test backup and disaster-recovery procedures.
• Provide on-call support and after-hours maintenance.
• Track assets, licenses, renewals, procurement, and budgets.
• Manage Meraki appliances, switches, access points, VLANs, SSIDs, firmware, and alerts.

Minimum Requirements and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years experience administering IT systems, networks, or enterprise infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of Windows Server, Microsoft 365, Active Directory or Microsoft Entra ID, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and virtualization technologies.
• Hands-on experience with GlobalProtect VPN, Cisco Meraki networking, and Linux/Red Hat systems.
• Experience with endpoint management, backup and recovery, infrastructure monitoring, and service desk tools.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, access controls, patch management, and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and provide after-hours support as needed.
• Relevant Microsoft certifications preferred, including Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator Expert, Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900), Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104), Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305), Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500), Identity and Access Administrator Associate, or Endpoint Administrator Associate.