Sr IT Systems Administrator

Job Title – Sr IT Systems Administrator  Department – Information Technology Reports to – Director IT Infrastructure & Ops  Job Summary The Sr IT Systems Administrator will be responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing the organization’s IT infrastructure with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure cloud services. This role requires deep technical expertise, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to lead infrastructure projects while mentoring junior team members. Key Areas of Responsibility  * Systems Administration, Cloud & Virtualization * Manage, monitor, and optimize servers, storage, and network infrastructure (Windows, Linux, and virtualization platforms including VMware and ProxMox) * Perform regular system updates, patching, and performance tuning * Oversee backup and recovery operations using Veeam Backups, Replication, Failover, and Failback * Ensure effective disaster recovery and business continuity processes leveraging both on-premises and cloud object storage (Azure Blob, AWS S3, Wasabi, etc.) * Deploy, manage, and optimize Microsoft Azure services, including computer, networking, identity, security, and storage * Implement and manage Azure Active Directory (Entra ID), including conditional access, RBAC, MFA, and hybrid identity integration * Configure and maintain Azure Virtual Networks, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, and Azure Firewall for secure connectivity * Manage Azure DevOps pipelines for infrastructure and application deployments (PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible, Python automation) * Implement and monitor Azure Security Center, Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft Sentinel (SIEM) for proactive threat management * Oversee monitoring and observability systems (Prometheus, Alertmanager, Grafana, OpenSearch/Kibana) and integrate with Azure Monitor and Log Analytics * Assist with the administration and optimization of our Microsoft 365 platform (Entra ID, Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams, Intune, and related services) * Configure and troubleshoot LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless networks, including Cisco Meraki solutions * Manage DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, Group Policy, and authentication systems * Support & Client Services * Provide Level 2/3 technical support to client services and internal teams for escalated infrastructure, system, and networking issues * Collaborate with the service desk team to resolve complex problems efficiently and document solutions * Act as a subject-matter expert for Azure and infrastructure escalations * Contribute to cost monitoring, budget forecasting, and license management of Azure and related platforms * Collaboration & Leadership * Work closely with IT leadership to design and execute hybrid cloud infrastructure roadmaps * Lead infrastructure improvement projects and cross-team initiatives with a focus on cloud adoption * Mentor junior administrators on Azure cloud administration and automation * Contribute to policy development for data handling, retention, and access control * Support and uphold HS&E policies and procedures of NCS and the customer * Align individual goals with NCS corporate goals, while adhering to the NCS Promise * Participate in your Personal Development for Success (PDS)  * Other duties, relevant to the position, shall be assigned as required   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience * 7+ years of experience in system administration or infrastructure roles, including 3+ years with Azure cloud services * Proven expertise with Azure cloud (compute, storage, networking, security), ProxMox virtualization, Cisco Meraki networking, Veeam backup solutions, and cloud object storage services (Azure Blob, AWS S3, Wasabi) * Prior experience providing Level 2/3 technical support in an enterprise or service-oriented environment * Expert knowledge of Azure Active Directory/Entra ID and hybrid identity * Strong understanding of Azure governance, RBAC, policies, and compliance * Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Bicep, ARM templates) and automation (PowerShell, Python, Ansible) * Experience with Azure networking (VNets, VPN, ExpressRoute, load balancers, firewalls) * Familiarity with Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), containerization (Docker), and cloud-native services * Strong background in Windows Server and Linux administration * Expertise with ManageEngine IT management tools (ServiceDesk Plus, Endpoint Central, ADManager Plus) * Knowledge of security frameworks (ISO, NIST, CIS) * Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills * Excellent communication and documentation abilities * Ability to work independently and lead complex cloud and infrastructure projects * Preferred Certifications: * Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) * Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) * Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert * ManageEngine Certified Product Professional (MECPP) or ManageEngine Certified Solution Professional (MECSP) * ProxMox VE Certification (preferred) * Cisco Meraki Specialist or CCNA/CCNP with Meraki experience * Veeam Certified Engineer (VMCE) * VMware Certified Professional (VCP) * CompTIA Security+ or CISSP Additional Information * Status: Overtime Exempt  * Employment Classification: Full-time, Regular * Work schedule: 5 days on, 2 days off; Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, on call 24/7 for support * Travel: 15-20% domestic travel required; some international travel may be required * Bonus: Eligible * Special Equipment: Cellphone and Laptop * Criminal background check required for all positions * Safety sensitive positions will require additional pre-employment testing Core Competencies * Teamwork/Collaboration – Able to work cooperatively with other individuals * Service Focus – Builds & maintains customer satisfaction and provides excellent service to internal & external customers * Decision Making – Able to make decisions and solve problems of varied levels of complexity using logical, systematic, and sequential approach * Ethics & Integrity – Trustworthiness and ethical behavior with consideration for impact & consequence when making decisions/taking action * Problem Solving – Ability to approach a problem by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach * Continuous Improvement – Ongoing improvement of products, services, or processes through incremental & breakthrough improvements * Accountability – Obligation or willingness to be answerable for an outcome