Systems Administrator / Help Desk Specialist (Pittsburgh)

At Resilient Cognitive Solutions, we tackle the hard problems that matter—building revolutionary human-AI systems that help people make better decisions when the stakes are high. Join a team where cognitive science, AI, software, and design come together to turn complexity into clarity and create technology with real-world impact. As a Systems Administrator / Help Desk Specialist at RCS, you will play an integral role in ensuring the seamless operation of our technology environment in direct support of our employees, enabling our team to engineer and deliver powerful mission impacts for our customers.

We are seeking a motivated Systems Administrator / Help Desk Specialist to support hardware configuration, day-to-day IT service requests, user access management, and the reliability and security of our network infrastructure. This role combines hands-on technical support with systems administration responsibilities that directly contribute to effective, efficient, and secure technology operations.

Employment type: Full-time position. This role works closely with the engineering teams, security, and internal stakeholders to support secure, reliable technology operations across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the configuration, installation, and maintenance of hardware components, including servers, workstations, printers, and networking devices. 
• Provide timely technical support and troubleshoot issues reported by employees, ensuring swift resolution and minimal disruption to workflow. 
• Network firewall configuration and management.
• Maintain user accounts and permissions, manage access to systems, applications, and network resources, and recommend account-assignment changes based on utilization patterns and company priorities.
• Maintain an inventory of IT equipment, including computers and peripherals issued to personnel.
• Support equipment planning and procurement by assessing equipment requirements and recommending appropriate equipment solutions.
• Collaborate with the security team and system stakeholders to implement and enforce security best practices, including those outlined in NIST SP800-171 and CMMC standards. 
• Monitor network performance, diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues to ensure the network remains operational and responsive. 
• Conduct regular data backups and disaster recovery tests to safeguard critical information and ensure business continuity. 
• Assist in planning and implementing system upgrades, updates, and patches to maintain a secure and up-to-date technology environment. 
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and user guides. 
• Participate in on-call rotations to address after-hours technical emergencies if necessary. 
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends to provide recommendations for continuous improvement. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
•  Willingness to obtain Top Secret/SCI clearance is required. Preference will be given to candidates with an active TS/SCI clearance and with full-scope polygraph.
• 3-5 years of experience in systems administration and help desk support, including hardware configuration and IT infrastructure support.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC standards is preferred.
• Experience supporting Windows and Linux and Windows workstations servers, Microsoft 365 or similar productivity platforms, endpoint management tools, ticketing systems, and common networking equipment is preferred.
• Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ are desirable.
• Proficiency in configuring and maintaining hardware components, including servers, workstations, and networking devices
• Proficiency in configuring and maintaining networks, including configuring software, specifying hardware requirements, and installing hardware.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues promptly.
• Strong communication skills to interact with colleagues at all levels and provide effective IT support.
• Knowledge of data backup and recovery processes, as well as disaster recovery planning.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure) and virtualization technologies is a plus.
• Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.

Attributes

• Enjoy achieving goals as a collaborative member of a high-performance team.
• Proactive, self-starter, takes initiative, thrives on meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills.
• Continuous learner who stays current on evolving technologies, IT support practices, and infrastructure trends.
• Innovative problem solver for difficult challenges.

Location

This is a hybrid work model with our office located in Pittsburgh, PA. Typical schedule will be work from home M/W/F and in office T/Th.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process and will be based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with role requirements.

Apply

We invite you to connect with us to learn more about joining the RCS team. To apply, please use this link.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RCS is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Due to U.S. Government contract requirements, only U.S. citizens are eligible for this role.