Sr. Systems Administrator (2026-110) (WA, Kirkland)

Join Our Award-Winning Team at Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES)!

We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Sr. Systems Administrator to join our cohesive Information Technology group in Kirkland, WA.

Job Summary

The Sr. System Administrator is responsible for ensuring the secure, reliable, and efficient operation of the organization's servers, network, storage, and cloud infrastructure. This role leads the planning, design, and implementation of complex IT projects, including upgrades, migrations, and new deployments. The Sr. System Administrator monitors and optimizes system performance, implements and maintains security controls, and ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards. This position also provides high-level technical support, develops and maintains system documentation and standards, and mentors other IT staff to build overall team capability.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of complex IT projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and deployments.
• Manage and maintain the organization's servers, storage systems, virtualization platforms (e.g., Hyper-V), and network infrastructure.
• Set up and administer large file servers in clustered environments, including permissions design and access structures.
• Monitor system and network performance to ensure optimal uptime, performance, and reliability; proactively identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust backup and recovery strategies and procedures, including enterprise Veeam backups.
• Administer and support Microsoft Azure services and related cloud platforms (e.g., Entra ID, O/M365, Exchange Online, and other Azure-based services).
• Administer and support Active Directory, including forests, domains, organizational units, groups, accounts, DFS, DHCP, DNS, and Group Policy.
• Experience in design, configuration, and ongoing administration of the organization's network infrastructure (routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs), ensuring secure, reliable connectivity and optimal performance across all sites.
• Ensure infrastructure systems, configurations, and processes align with applicable cybersecurity and compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171, CMMC Level 2).
• Implement and maintain technical controls required for CMMC Level 2, including access control, logging/monitoring, configuration management, and incident response capabilities.
• Participate in internal and external compliance activities, including audits, evidence collection, system security plan (SSP) maintenance, and POA&M remediation.
• Analyze complex business needs and recommend, design, and implement technical solutions to meet organizational objectives.
• Document system requirements, architecture, configurations, standards, and procedures; maintain up-to-date system and network documentation.
• Develop and maintain standards and procedures for system security, configuration, and operations; ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company policies.
• Provide high-level technical support and expertise for infrastructure and application systems as needed.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and escalation support to other system administrators, help desk staff, and business system staff.
• Collaborate with other IT team members and business stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and deliver technology solutions that support business goals.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and solutions to improve efficiency, performance, scalability, and security of the environment.
• Assist in creating and maintaining disaster recovery and business continuity plans related to infrastructure systems.
• Support change management processes by planning, testing, documenting, and implementing changes to systems and infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, service requests, resolutions, and changes within IT service management tools.
• Meet the attendance guidelines of the job and adhere to departmental and company policies.
• Must complete all required Astronics Training programs within a set time frame.
• Duties, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from accredited institution or equivalent relevant experience.
• 5 or more years of systems administrator experience.
• Experience with enterprise storage, active directory administration, file server permissions, server administration, cluster environments, along with Hyper-V.
• Experience with Azure services (Entra ID, O/M365, and EXO).
• Experience with enterprise backup solutions. Veeam preferred.
• Experience with change management.
• Experience leading projects from inception to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with vendors, clients and business partners desired.

Additional Requirements:

• This position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee's authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it is necessary.
• Pre-employment screenings: Must successfully pass a background check and drug test (including cannabis screening).

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $86,430 - $129,645 per year (mid-point: $108,037)
• Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus eligible

Factors such as education, experience, skills and market conditions influence the actual salary. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Health & Well-Being: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability plans. Optional plans include critical illness, accident prevention, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Financial Security: Access to a robust 401K plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, an Employee Assistance Program, and a culture committed to supporting holistic employee well-being.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Start your career with 120 hours of PTO annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.