Network Administrator, Naperville Based

Position Summary The Network Administrator is responsible for administering, managing, and securing the company's network and server infrastructure. This is a hands‑on, infrastructure‑focused role suited for an experienced professional with a deep command of on‑premises environments, Windows Server, and virtualization. What will you do in this role? Serve as primary point of contact for critical outages and alerts during and outside of business hours, triaging and resolving issues with a sense of urgency. Administer Windows Domain environments including Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy. Install, configure, and maintain firm‑wide network infrastructure including data centers, cabling, routers, switches, PDUs, firewalls, wireless access points, and network‑connected devices. Design and plan network architecture for new and existing office environments, including determining infrastructure layout, port requirements, and equipment specifications; produce build‑out documentation and equipment order lists for procurement. Administer Hyper‑V environments including maintenance, configuration, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. Manage Windows Server OS environments including provisioning, patching, permissions, and role‑based access controls. Own and manage backup systems firm‑wide including on‑premises and Azure‑hosted servers; execute regular testing, monitoring, and recovery operations from file‑level restores to full DR scenarios. Manage and maintain Fortinet firewalls and VPN configurations. Manage and maintain network switching infrastructure and Aruba wireless access point environments. Monitor and maintain PDUs and data center power infrastructure. Troubleshoot, repair, and upgrade network hardware; evaluate environment and provide documented recommendations for improvements. Monitor infrastructure utilization, identify performance bottlenecks, and implement remediation. Perform project planning, network documentation, and change management as required. Research and evaluate new technologies, providing business case recommendations as needed. Provide escalated help desk resolution, mentorship, and guidance to junior IT staff. Collaborate with IT staff to ensure the network environment aligns with company objectives, application compatibility, and security requirements. What do you need to succeed in this role? Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience. 6+ years of hands‑on network administration experience in a business environment. Preferred relevant certification such as CompTIA Network+, Fortinet NSE, Microsoft Certified, or CCNA. Deep expertise in Windows Server OS, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and GPO administration. Strong experience with server permissions, file share management, and role‑based access controls. Proficiency with Hyper‑V virtualization. Demonstrated ability to design and architect network environments from the ground up, including site surveys, infrastructure planning, equipment selection, and procurement documentation. Experience owning and operating backup and disaster recovery systems, including Azure VM backup. Expertise in Fortinet firewalls and VPN configuration. Experience managing network switches and Aruba wireless access point infrastructure. Proficiency in PowerShell scripting for automation and administration tasks. Solid understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, subnetting, routing, and switching. Strong documentation habits and ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to non‑technical staff. Ability to operate independently, prioritize in high‑pressure situations, and exercise sound judgment. Familiarity with network monitoring and ITSM tools. In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the midpoint of the salary range for this role is $80,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. Additional Skills and Experience Servant Leader – You are hyper focused on engaging employees, fostering their development, and building a positive culture. Solutions Focused – You see opportunities in every business problem and can develop, articulate, and implement solutions. Collaboration – You are a relationship builder across all levels of the organization and across all business units. Instills Trust – You do what you say, and you follow through on commitments, act with integrity, and are consistent and credible. Impact & Influence Thinking – You gain support for ideas, proposals, and solutions, and get others to act, with or without formal authority, to advance initiatives and objectives. Benefits We also offer: Health, dental, vision, life, and accident/death/disability insurance options HSA employer contribution Nine (9) paid holidays annually. A robust paid Parental Bonding Leave program covering birth, adoption, and foster children. 401(k) with employer contributions CPA bonus with four paid exam days and four paid study days. FORCE – Sikich community volunteer program enabling each team member to use up to four hours of paid time annually to volunteer and make a difference in their local communities. Equal Opportunity Employer Sikich is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V #J-18808-Ljbffr