Sr. Application / Systems Developer / Engineer

Job Title: Life Sciences Windows Desktop Administrator
Location: Apex, North Carolina (Holly Springs) 
Duration: 5-month + contract 
Team: Part of the Enterprise Benchtop Services & Ops DTI team
Work Hours: Primarily Monday–Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with flexibility for non-standard or extended hours as needed. Onsite Required.
 

The ideal candidate will have strong IT skills with experience in Active Directory (AD), networking, Windows administration, and customer support. GMP/GLP experience is required, with hands-on experience supporting laboratory systems such as Empower, LIMS, and LEM. The majority of the role will focus on supporting Empower and/or LIMS systems, so deep technical experience in these platforms is highly preferred. Candidates should also be comfortable troubleshooting technical issues, supporting end users, and working in regulated scientific or laboratory environments.

About the Role

Milestone is seeking an experienced and technically adept Life Sciences Business Systems IS Admin to join the Enterprise Benchtop Services team. This position supports commercial manufacturing, laboratories, and benchtop environments, managing mission-critical systems in a regulated (GxP/GMP) environment. You will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Digital Tech teams to install, configure, validate, and support lab and manufacturing systems.

Key Responsibilities

System Administration & Support

• Perform Windows administration for lab and manufacturing systems, including Windows 10/11 and Windows Server platforms.

• Act as system owner for LIMS, Empower, Maximo, ServiceNow, HP ALM, and potentially MES platforms. Provide system upgrades.

• Administer user accounts, group policies, license management, and patch deployments via SCCM.

• Manage qualification processes including IQ, OQ, and electronic validation documentation.

• Provide Tier 1 and 2 technical support and troubleshooting for lab instruments and systems.

• Coordinate anti-virus deployments, network setups (TCP/IP), and firewall configurations.

Project Work & Integration

• Drive lab data remediation efforts, automating data transfer from instrument controllers to enterprise storage.

• Lead or support Windows 11 upgrades for GxP lab systems.

• Collaborate with instrument vendors for system configuration, upgrades, and lifecycle support.

• Engage in system readiness assessments, GxP validation efforts, and risk assessments.

• Participate in workshops, system design reviews, and user acceptance testing.

Documentation & Compliance

• Document system configurations, SOPs, validation scripts, and system architecture.

• Maintain accurate inventory via ServiceNow and align with lab asset management practices.

• Ensure systems meet GMP, GxP, cybersecurity, and data integrity standards.

• Track all service and support tickets in ServiceNow and actively participate in daily Agile standups using Jira.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree + 2 years’ experience, Associate’s + 6 years, or HS diploma + 8 years in IT, Engineering, or related fields.

• 5+ years of Windows system administration in GxP/GMP life sciences environments.

• Experience with Windows OS (Win10, Win11, Windows Server), SCCM, and ServiceNow.

• Hands-on support of laboratory computers and benchtop instruments.

• Administration of LIMS, Empower, ELN, Waters systems, or MES.  Previous experience upgrading Empower.

• Physical capability to handle hardware tasks (ability to lift up to 40 lbs).

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Knowledge of system validation, ITIL framework, and regulated (GMP/GxP/GLC) environments.

• Experience with cybersecurity, firewalls, server environments, and VMWare platforms.

• Familiarity with scripting and automation using PowerShell, Batch, Python, or SQL.

• Prior experience with system integration and lifecycle management in laboratory environments.

• Certifications such as A+, CompTIA+, MCSE, or Cisco (CCNA).

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Technically curious, proactive, and highly collaborative.

• Exceptional problem-solving and communication skills.

• Strong customer service mindset with a “white-glove” support approach.

• Ability to work independently and manage shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and thorough documentation habits.

Tools & Platforms:
ServiceNow, Jira, MS Teams, MS Office 365, SCCM, VMWare, LIMS, Empower, Maximo, HP ALM, MES platforms