DescriptionThe Senior IT Systems Administrator at Photonic plays a key role in maintaining and supporting the organization's IT infrastructure, with a focus on Microsoft Azure services, Intune device management, IT security, Virtual Machine (VM) management, Linux systems, and both cloud and colocation environments. Additionally, the role includes providing desktop helpdesk support to ensure smooth operation and user satisfaction across the organization. This role requires a deep understanding of cloud-based systems, mobile device management, server virtualization, Linux server environments, and data center management. The Senior System Administrator will be responsible for managing and securing enterprise-level systems, ensuring operational efficiency, and providing technical knowledge transfer to the team. Please note that this is a 9 month contract position.
Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.
WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DODay-to-Day Helpdesk Support:

• Provide day-to-day helpdesk support to end-users, addressing technical issues related to desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software problems, ensuring minimal disruption to user productivity.
• Assist users with software installations, updates, and configurations.
• Maintain detailed records of helpdesk interactions and resolutions, ensuring effective tracking and reporting.

Azure Management:

• Administer and support Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure, including virtual machines, networking, and storage solutions.
• Configure, manage, and monitor Azure Active Directory (AAD), Azure VPN, and related services.
• Implement and maintain Azure security best practices, including role-based access control (RBAC), identity protection, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Intune Device Management:

• Lead the administration and configuration of Microsoft Intune for mobile device and application management (MDM/MAM).
• Implement and maintain mobile device policies and security profiles, ensuring compliance with corporate standards.
• Troubleshoot and resolve device management issues, including device enrollment, configuration, and security compliance.

Virtual Machine Management (VM):

• Manage and administer both Azure-based and on-premise virtual machines (VMs), ensuring optimal performance and availability.
• Design, configure, and manage virtualized server environments, including Windows and Linux-based VMs.
• Perform VM migration, backup, and disaster recovery tasks, ensuring business continuity.

Linux Administration:

• Manage and support Linux server environments (e.g., Ubuntu, RHEL, etc.) across both on-premise and cloud infrastructures.
• Install, configure, and maintain Linux-based servers, ensuring high availability, security, and optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Linux-based systems, services, and applications.

Colocation and Data Center Management:

• Manage and maintain colocation environments, ensuring the uptime, security, and efficiency of hardware and infrastructure.
• Oversee rack space management, hardware provisioning, and system maintenance within data center environments.
• Implement disaster recovery and backup solutions for systems hosted in colocation facilities.
• Collaborate with data center providers to ensure high availability, optimal performance, and effective resource utilization.

Cloud and Hybrid Infrastructure:

• Design, deploy, and manage hybrid cloud environments integrating both on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
• Administer cloud-based storage, backup, and disaster recovery solutions.
• Optimize cost efficiency and resource allocation across cloud platforms, including Azure and third-party cloud providers.
• Work with development and infrastructure teams to integrate cloud services and solutions into business operations.

Security and Compliance:

• Manage endpoint security solutions, including antivirus, firewalls, and security monitoring tools.
• Collaborate with the security team to implement and enforce security policies, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and compliance with industry regulations.
• Respond to security incidents, conduct forensic investigations, and apply corrective actions as necessary.

Systems Administration:

• Perform day-to-day systems administration tasks for both on-premise and cloud-based systems, including backup and restore procedures, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Provide technical support to internal teams, ensuring that systems are operating optimally.
• Regularly patch and update systems, addressing security vulnerabilities in both Windows and Linux environments.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Create and maintain detailed system documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide regular reports on system health, security incidents, and performance metrics.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
• Mentor junior system administrators and collaborate with IT teams to improve processes and efficiency.
• Participate in IT strategy discussions and contribute to the design and implementation of new systems and technologies.

WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM

• 8+ years of experience in systems administration, with a strong focus on Microsoft Azure, Intune, Virtual Machines, Linux systems, colocation, and cloud technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of Azure Active Directory, virtual networks, storage solutions, and cloud-based security practices.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Intune, including device enrollment, policy management, and security configurations.
• Solid experience in managing both Windows and Linux-based virtual machines and server environments.
• Hands-on experience with colocation data centers, including hardware management, resource provisioning, and disaster recovery.
• In-depth understanding of cloud architectures and hybrid cloud environments.
• Experience with cloud security frameworks and compliance regulations (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA).
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals, CompTIA Security+, or relevant Linux certifications are preferred.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience with other Microsoft 365 services such as Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Familiarity with other endpoint protection and security tools such as SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, or similar.
• Knowledge of automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or Azure DevOps.
• Experience with security information and event management (SIEM) tools.
• Advanced Linux certifications (e.g. CompTIA Linux+).
• Familiarity with other cloud providers (Azure) and multicloud environments.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US

• Get involved with a quantum startup company set to redefine computing
• Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies
• Enjoy a fast-paced and fun environment where you can try new things while solving innovative challenges every day
• Inclusive company culture
• Competitive salary, benefits (including life insurance, extended health, dental, long term disability, and a flexible spending account), and potential upside

The description above is what we think an ideal candidate would look like for this role. At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. If you feel your experience is close to what we've described, but you might not meet all the requirements, please still apply! We are also committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences, knowing that these very differences inspire innovation and build better teams. If there are any accommodations our team can make throughout our hiring process, please let us know.