Systems Administrator

Role: Systems Administrator Location: Wood Dale, IL Pay Rate Range: $100,000-$110,000/year Our client is looking for a Systems Administrator to join their team. Job Responsibilities The Systems Administrator will be responsible for maintaining, improving, and modernizing the company's IT infrastructure across its manufacturing and office environments. This is a hands-on role focused primarily on infrastructure, networking, and systems administration, with occasional Help Desk support as needed. The position will assess and improve the company's existing network environment, including updating and maintaining Palo Alto firewalls, replacing and upgrading Cisco switching equipment, and troubleshooting and redesigning the Cisco wireless network. The role will identify and resolve existing wireless connectivity issues and reengineer the wireless infrastructure to improve reliability, performance, and coverage. The Systems Administrator will also lead efforts to identify and upgrade systems that are not currently running Windows 11, ensuring desktops and other applicable endpoints are brought up to current standards. Additionally, the role will review and improve Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Intune policies, configurations, and device-management practices to strengthen security, consistency, and overall management of the company's Microsoft environment. While the primary focus will be infrastructure and systems administration, the successful candidate will be a versatile IT professional who is comfortable jumping between networking, security, Microsoft technologies, endpoint management, and occasional end-user support. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, troubleshooting complex issues, and taking ownership of projects that improve the company's overall IT environment. Key Responsibilities Systems Administration Administer and maintain a 100% Windows-based IT environment. Manage Windows Servers, Windows desktops, and associated infrastructure. Administer Microsoft Active Directory, including users, groups, permissions, Group Policy, and authentication. Perform operating system updates, patching, maintenance, and system upgrades. Troubleshoot server, workstation, application, and infrastructure issues. Maintain accurate system documentation, configurations, procedures, and network diagrams. Network Administration Configure, administer, troubleshoot, and maintain Cisco network switches and related networking equipment. Support and troubleshoot Cisco wireless/Wi-Fi infrastructure. Monitor network performance, connectivity, and availability across corporate and manufacturing locations. Troubleshoot VLANs, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, routing, and other network connectivity issues. Support network expansion, upgrades, and infrastructure projects. Work with vendors and service providers to resolve network and connectivity issues. Firewall & Security Administer and support Palo Alto firewalls and associated security policies. Assist with firewall rule management, VPN connectivity, network security, and troubleshooting. Support endpoint security, patch management, access controls, and other cybersecurity initiatives. Monitor and respond to infrastructure-related security events as appropriate. Follow established security, change-management, and access-control procedures. Microsoft 365 Support the company's Microsoft 365 environment. Assist with Microsoft 365 administration, configuration, troubleshooting, and user support. Support services such as Exchange Online, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and related Microsoft 365 technologies. Troubleshoot Microsoft 365 access, authentication, connectivity, and application issues. Work with other members of the IT team on Microsoft 365 projects and improvements. Help Desk & End-User Support Provide occasional hands-on assistance to the Help Desk when additional technical support is needed. Troubleshoot Windows desktop, laptop, peripheral, printing, connectivity, and application issues. Assist with escalated end-user issues that require systems or network administration expertise. Utilize Attera for ticket management, documentation, and tracking of IT support activities. Work collaboratively with Help Desk personnel to resolve issues and improve the overall user experience. Help Desk responsibilities are expected to be periodic rather than the primary focus of the position. Requirements Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience in systems administration, network administration, or a similar infrastructure-focused IT role. Strong experience with Microsoft Windows Server and Windows desktop environments. Hands-on experience with Microsoft Active Directory. Experience supporting Microsoft 365/M365 environments. Hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment, particularly network switches. Experience administering or troubleshooting Cisco Wi-Fi/wireless infrastructure. Experience with Palo Alto firewalls. Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, routing, and wireless networking. Previous Help Desk or end-user support experience. Experience using a ticketing/service management platform; Attera experience is preferred. Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. Ability to work across multiple areas of IT rather than being limited to a single technology domain. Strong communication and customer service skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting IT infrastructure in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience with Windows Server administration in a multi-site environment. Experience with Palo Alto firewall administration and VPN technologies. Cisco certifications such as CCNA or equivalent hands-on experience. Microsoft certifications or equivalent M365/Windows experience. Experience with PowerShell or other scripting/automation tools. Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V. Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and infrastructure monitoring solutions. Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and network security. Why choose Addison IT? Pay: We negotiate high salaries using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Benefits & Bonuses: You are eligible for medical, dental, vision insurance benefits, 401K, and monetary bonuses Permanent Employment: Many of Addison's job openings lead to potential permanent employment Connections: You connect directly with hiring managers from renowned organizations Options: You are presented multiple employment options near your home Professional Development: You are provided hiring process advice, resume revision, and employment term negotiation Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr