Systems & Network Administrator

Job role: Systems & Network Administrator

Duration: Contract

Location: Chicago, IL 4 days onsite

We are seeking a hands-on Systems & Network Administrator to support and maintain our server, virtualization, storage, and network infrastructure. The ideal candidate has practical experience with VMware, enterprise storage, Cisco switches, and physical network cabling. This position requires someone who follows direction well, communicates clearly, and is comfortable working onsite four days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer and support VMware environments, including virtual machines, hosts, clusters, and related infrastructure.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and assist with upgrades, patching, backups, and routine maintenance.
• Support enterprise storage systems, including capacity management, connectivity, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco switches, VLANs, ports, and network connectivity.
• Install, trace, label, organize, and troubleshoot Ethernet and fiber-optic cabling.
• Perform equipment installations, rack-and-stack activities, hardware replacements, and data-center or network-closet maintenance.
• Troubleshoot server, storage, network, and end-user connectivity issues.
• Respond to infrastructure incidents and service requests, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate network diagrams, system documentation, asset records, and change logs.
• Follow established procedures, technical direction, security requirements, and change-management processes.
• Coordinate effectively with infrastructure, security, application, and support teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience supporting Windows server, network, and virtualized infrastructure.
• Hands-on knowledge of VMware vSphere, ESXi, and vCenter.
• Experience supporting SAN, NAS, or other enterprise storage technologies.
• Working knowledge of Cisco switches, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, and switching.
• Experience installing and troubleshooting copper and fiber cabling.
• Strong diagnostic, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow technical direction, document work, and complete assigned tasks reliably.
• Strong communication, organization, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to lift, move, rack, and connect IT equipment as needed.
• Willingness and ability to work onsite four days per week.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, Microsoft 365, and PowerShell.
• Knowledge of backup, disaster-recovery, and infrastructure-monitoring solutions.
• Experience working in data centers, server rooms, or network closets.
• VMware, Cisco, Microsoft, or storage-related certifications.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related discipline-or equivalent professional experience.