Systems Administrator

Systems Administrator

The Systems Administrator is responsible for installing, maintaining, upgrading, and securing Frontier Science computer networks and systems (hardware and software) – and plays a key role in troubleshooting, monitoring, implementing IT infrastructure solutions, and developing clear, comprehensive technical documentation that supports the entire organization.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Install, administer, monitor, and maintain servers, network devices (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless APs), system software, and end-user applications (Windows/Linux)
• Ensure systems and network security through regular updates, patches, firewalls, and access controls
• Monitor network performance and optimize for speed and reliability
• Perform routine system backups and restore operations as needed
• Assist in disaster recovery planning and implementation
• Monitor system and network alerts, managing help desk tickets, and assisting with routine automation tasks
• Assist in the setup and basic administration of cloud services, including Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Google Workspace tools such as Gmail and Drive
• Provide help desk support (password resets, printer issues, software troubleshooting, etc.)
• Manage asset inventories and assist with vendor coordination.
• Collaborate with IT team and other departments to support and improve infrastructure
• Create/maintain organizational IT technical documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures, meeting minutes, audit-related documentation, user guides, process documentation, and knowledge base articles
• Help maintain hardware and software inventories and contribute to process improvements
• Assist with security audits, support incident response, and maintain compliance documentation

Work Location: This position reports to our Amherst, NY office and requires on site presence.

Reports to: Director of IT Operations

Required qualifications:

• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, switching, network security, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, etc)
• Basic knowledge of system security (data encryption, access control, endpoint protection, intrusion detection systems, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of server management (hardware, software, related infrastructure, file servers, storage, SANs, virtualization, data backup/recovery, etc)
• Experience with network monitoring, database management, and scripting / automation
• Familiarity with various operating systems (primarily Windows and Linux)
• Familiarity with identity and user access management systems (Okta, Active Directory, etc)
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a strong track record of technical writing
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot/diagnose/resolve technical issues
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to safely lift and carry computer hardware and networking equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Regular travel to on-site data centers and remote facilities is required to support hardware deployment, maintenance, upgrades, and operational continuity
• The ability to administer and support AI infrastructure, including on-premises and cloud-based environments used for model development, training, and inference is a plus.
• The ability to support integration of AI tools and services with enterprise systems, authentication services, and development environments is a plus.
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or relevant experience); professional certifications (CompTIA Network+/Security+, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), etc.) are a plus

Contingent on a candidate's education, experience, and knowledge – they may be offered the position of Systems Administrator or Systems Administrator II. The salary ranges for these respective positions are as follows:

• Systems Administrator: $50,000-$70,000
• Systems Administrator II: $70,000-$90,000

Physical Conditions: This is a stationary position that will require the employee to operate office equipment including a computer, fax machine, and printer. Employee may also need to lift or carry up to 50 lbs.

Travel: This position will be based in the Amherst, New York office. This role may on occasion be asked to travel to the organization's other office locations in Boston, Massachusetts and Madison, Wisconsin. Regular travel to on-site data centers and remote facilities is required to support hardware deployment, maintenance, upgrades, and operational continuity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.