Senior Cloud Systems Administrator

Job Summary:

The Senior Cloud & Windows Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and optimizing a hybrid cloud environment, focusing on Microsoft Azure, AWS, and on-premises infrastructure. This role involves full lifecycle management of servers and virtual environments, leveraging automation, AI-driven operations, and modern cloud technologies to enhance efficiency, security, and reliability across the IT infrastructure. Responsibilities:

• Administer, configure, and maintain Microsoft Azure and AWS cloud environments along with on-premises infrastructure.
• Manage virtual machines, networking, storage, and identity services across hybrid cloud platforms.
• Develop and maintain automation scripts using PowerShell, Python, and Terraform to provision infrastructure and automate routine tasks.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles for efficient infrastructure management.
• Utilize AI-powered monitoring tools such as Splunk and Azure Monitor for proactive anomaly detection and automated incident response.
• Lead patch management including planning and executing server upgrades and maintenance.
• Enforce security policies, manage identity and access controls, ensure data encryption, and conduct security audits.
• Design, implement, and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans for cloud-native and on-premises systems.
• Manage and optimize virtualization platforms including Hyper-V and VMware.
• Collaborate with development and security teams to support DevOps and DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipelines.
• Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior staff members.
• Work with data science teams to integrate machine learning models and intelligent agents for infrastructure optimization and capacity planning.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in systems administration or a similar enterprise role.
• Proven expertise in managing Microsoft Azure and/or AWS cloud platforms.
• Strong automation and scripting skills with PowerShell and/or Python.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure Entra ID, API Management, Front Door, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, Application Proxy Gateway, and Data Gateway.
• Proficiency with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform.
• Hands-on experience with virtualization technologies, especially VMware vSphere.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.
• Familiarity with AIOps tools and principles for predictive analysis and automated monitoring.
• Administration and support of Microsoft 365 tenant services including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive for Business, Teams, and Microsoft Entra ID.
• Solid understanding of networking concepts including hybrid cloud connectivity, security groups, and load balancing.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Active Directory and modern identity management.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent practical experience and certifications.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Relevant certifications such as Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified SysOps Administrator, or VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
• Foundational understanding of machine learning concepts and their application in IT infrastructure.
• Experience working within DevOps and DevSecOps cultures.
• Experience integrating intelligent agents and machine learning models for infrastructure optimization and automated resource allocation.

Special Considerations:

• Role requires maintaining high security and compliance standards across cloud and on-premises environments.
• May involve on-call duties for incident response and system monitoring.
• Collaboration across multiple teams including development, security, and data science.

Scheduling:

• Standard IT operations schedule with potential for extended hours during maintenance, upgrades, or incident response.
• Possible shift work or on-call availability to ensure system reliability and uptime.