Role Summary

The Systems Administrator will be responsible for administration and operational support of primarily Microsoft Azure-hosted Windows and Linux server environments used globally by our client. This role focuses on reliable day-to-day operations (provisioning, patching, monitoring, backup/restore, security remediation, and incident response) and will also contribute to smaller initiatives and lifecycle improvements in partnership with other infrastructure and security teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer Windows Server and (where applicable) Linux server environments, including build, configuration, patching, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
• Provision, monitor, and manage Azure infrastructure and services used to host server workloads, with emphasis on operational stability, availability, and cost-consciousness.
• Common Azure components include Virtual Machines, managed disks, storage accounts/Azure Files, virtual networks (VNets/subnets), NSGs, load balancers, VPN/ExpressRoute connectivity, Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, and Azure Monitor/Log Analytics.
• Support Azure PaaS components that underpin server workloads (e.g., managed databases and platform services) as applicable to the environment.
• Operate and support hybrid connectivity and dependencies (e.g., identity, DNS, networking, and legacy/on-prem virtualization).
• Maintain working knowledge of on-prem virtualization (VMware and/or Hyper-V) for a smaller portion of the environment.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex server and infrastructure incidents; perform root-cause analysis and drive corrective/preventive actions.
• Identify, prioritize, and remediate security vulnerabilities for Windows/Linux servers and associated infrastructure in collaboration with Security and site teams.
• Document risk, remediation approach, and dates/ownership for remediation when actions depend on external entities.
• Maintain and improve monitoring, backup/restore processes, and performance tuning; validate recoverability through periodic restore testing.
• Automate routine tasks and operational workflows using PowerShell and command-line tooling; contribute to runbooks and operational documentation.
• Follow ITIL-aligned incident, problem, change, and request processes; keep tickets, documentation, and diagrams current.
• Coordinate with internal infrastructure teams (network, security, application, end-user services) and vendors to deliver deployments, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
• Support and/or run smaller projects and lifecycle initiatives such as site changes, cloud provisioning, new application deployments or upgrades, and standardization of server builds/configurations.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience administering Windows Server in enterprise environments (build, patching, hardening, troubleshooting).
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft Azure for IaaS-hosted workloads (compute, networking, storage, monitoring, backup/DR).
• Experience with core Windows infrastructure services such as Active Directory, EntraID, DNS, DHCP, file services (DFS/SMB), and certificate concepts.
• Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, routing, DNS, firewalls, VPN concepts, load balancing).
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex issues across OS, network, identity, and cloud infrastructure layers.
• Scripting/automation skills using PowerShell; comfort with CLI tools (Windows and Linux).
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively across engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and reliably deliver in a ticket-driven operations environment.
• Willingness to participate in on-call/off-hours support and planned maintenance activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working experience with VMware vSphere (ESXi/vCenter) in support of hybrid environments.
• Linux administration experience (e.g., common services, package management, permissions, troubleshooting).
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code or configuration management for repeatable provisioning.
• Experience with Azure governance and security tooling such as RBAC, policy, key management (Key Vault), and logging/monitoring practices.
• Experience working within an international manufacturing environment, as well as manufacturing related solutions (ex. PI, Data Historians, OT remote access, IoT and IoT gateways, HMI`s) is a plus.
• Familiarity with ITIL practices and service management tools (incident/problem/change).
• Additional language skills (EU: German, Italian, or Hungarian; Americas: Portugues, Spanish) are a plus.
• Ability to travel to customer Manufacturing sites as required (0-10%).

Personal Attributes

• Customer-service mindset with a calm, professional approach during incidents and high-pressure situations.
• Clear communicator who can explain technical topics to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong ownership mentality: follows issues through to resolution, documents outcomes, and drives continuous improvement.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and consistent in maintaining documentation and operational hygiene.
• Collaborative and adaptable, able to work effectively during periods of organizational and technological change.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Systems Administrator level: typically 4+ years of relevant Windows Server administration experience, including 2+ years supporting Azure IaaS & PaaS workloads.
• Senior Systems Administrator level: typically 6+ years of relevant Windows Server administration experience, including 3-4+ years supporting Azure IaaS/hybrid workloads, with demonstrated ownership of escalations and small initiatives end-to-end.
• Experience with patch management, vulnerability remediation, and operational monitoring practices in enterprise environments.

Professional Certifications (Nice to Have)

• Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) or equivalent hands-on Azure administration experience.
• Microsoft Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate (AZ-800/AZ-801) or equivalent Windows Server experience.
• Microsoft Azure Security Engineer (AZ-500) or equivalent security/vulnerability management experience.
• ITIL Foundation (or equivalent service management experience).
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) helpful for hybrid/on-prem support, but not required.