Overview
Skills
Job Details
Systems Administrator - Legacy to Modern Infrastructure Transformation
Location: Beaverton, OR
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday On-Site | Friday Remote
Transform Your Career While Transforming Our Infrastructure
Join an established, employee-owned wholesale distribution company at a pivotal moment. We're seeking a Systems Administrator to bridge our legacy IBM iSeries environment with modern Windows infrastructure during our 3-4 year digital transformation initiative.
Why This Role is Different:
This isn't just maintaining legacy systems it's a strategic career opportunity. You'll start managing our IBM iSeries environment (70% of role) alongside Windows Server infrastructure (30%), but as we complete our modernization roadmap, those percentages flip. By year 3-4, you'll predominantly work with modern Windows infrastructure, Active Directory, virtualization, and cloud technologies while having valuable legacy migration experience on your resume.
The Knowledge Transfer Advantage:
Our retiring Systems Administrator (25 years with the company) has agreed to a month-long overlap to transfer decades of institutional knowledge. This level of mentorship and documentation is rare in the industry.
What You'll Do:
IBM iSeries/AS400 Administration (Initially 70%, transitioning to 30%):
- Maintain IBM i systems across production, development, and DR environments
- Perform system upgrades, PTF management, and application patching
- Manage user accounts, security profiles, and access controls
- Handle backup operations (BRMS) and disaster recovery replication
- Troubleshoot system issues, performance bottlenecks, and application problems
- Manage third-party applications (Avalara, Seagull, Itera, Pathfinder, Aldon, and others)
Windows Server Administration (Initially 30%, transitioning to 70%):
- Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server environments (2016/2019/2022)
- Deploy and manage Active Directory, DNS, and DHCP
- Manage virtualization infrastructure and guest operating systems
- Perform system updates, patches, and maintenance windows
- Monitor server performance and optimize resource utilization
- Maintain backup and recovery strategies
- Coordinate vendor support and software integrations
Core Responsibilities Throughout:
- Create comprehensive system documentation
- Develop automation scripts (PowerShell, PowerCLI, CL)
- Participate in change management processes
- Provide on-call support as needed
What We're Looking For:
Required:
- 3+ years of systems administration experience
- Strong Windows Server administration skills (Active Directory, DNS, DHCP)
- Proficiency with system monitoring, performance tuning, and troubleshooting
- Experience with backup and recovery procedures
- Scripting ability (PowerShell, Python, or similar)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent documentation and communication abilities
- Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
Highly Preferred (But Willing to Train the Right Candidate):
- IBM iSeries/AS400/IBM i administration experience
- CL programming knowledge
- Experience with BRMS (Backup Recovery Media Services)
- Familiarity with IBM i security models and user authorization
- Knowledge of RPG programming language
- Experience with system modernization or migration projects
- Understanding of high availability and clustering solutions
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, OR equivalent work experience
What Makes This Opportunity Special:
Career Growth Built In: The role naturally evolves as our infrastructure modernizes
Employee Ownership: Share in the company's success as an employee-owner
Work-Life Balance: 4 days on-site, Fridays remote
Job Security: Multi-year transformation project with clear roadmap
Rare Skill Combination: Build expertise in both legacy and modern systems highly marketable for future opportunities
Mentorship: Learn from a 25-year veteran during transition period
Established Company: 60+ years in business, stable industry, 12 subsidiaries
Our Culture:
As an employee-owned company established in 1964, we've built our reputation on connecting supply with demand and providing innovative solutions. Our team values collaboration, continuous learning, and strategic thinking. We're investing in our infrastructure's future and looking for someone who wants to grow with us.
The Reality of This Role:
We're being transparent: The iSeries talent pool is limited, and we know it. If you're a strong Windows Systems Administrator who's willing to learn legacy systems with proper mentorship, we want to talk to you. If you're an iSeries specialist looking to modernize your skills while staying relevant, this is your opportunity. Either way, you'll emerge with a unique skill set that's incredibly valuable in today's digital transformation landscape.
Next Steps:
Our retiring administrator is available for another 4-5 months, so we're moving thoughtfully to find the right person. The interview process includes meeting our IT team and leadership on-site.
To Apply:
Submit your resume highlighting your systems administration experience, particularly with Windows Server environments and any exposure to IBM iSeries, AS/400, or multi-platform administration. We're interested in your troubleshooting approach, learning agility, and career goals as much as your technical credentials.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.