Senior IT Systems Administrator

Senior IT Systems Administrator

Location : Minneapolis,MN

The Senior IT Systems Administrator is a hands-on technical expert and leader responsible for driving infrastructure initiatives across both on-premises and cloud environments. This role ensures the availability, performance, and security of core IT systems while continuously improving infrastructure reliability and efficiency.

As a key member of the IT team, the Senior Systems Administrator leads major technology projects, manages upgrades, implements automation, and mentors junior team members. The role also supports the Help Desk team by assisting with escalated end-user issues, delivering training, and driving process improvements based on support insights.

Key Responsibilities

Location : Minneapolis,MN

MUST BE LOCAL

Infrastructure & Systems Architecture

• Design, optimize, and maintain enterprise-grade infrastructure across servers, storage, networks, and cloud services (including AWS, Active Directory, and Druva backup and recovery).
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows environments, including standardized server images, upgrades, and Windows Server migrations.
• Administer and maintain major enterprise applications such as Microsoft 365, Windows OS, Mimecast, Druva, and AWS.
• Ensure infrastructure reliability, performance, and security meet or exceed industry standards.

IT Operations

• Lead core IT service management processes, including issue, asset, configuration, account, and change management.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and enhance high availability, disaster recovery, business continuity, and backup strategies.
• Oversee technology installations, upgrades, and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor system performance and stability; produce reports on operational metrics and trends.
• Create and maintain IT knowledge base articles to promote operational efficiency and accuracy.

Cybersecurity

• Implement and enforce security best practices across servers, endpoints, and applications in alignment with CIS Benchmarks and other frameworks.
• Manage security configurations (GPOs, MFA, least privilege access, patch compliance).
• Monitor systems for vulnerabilities or unusual activity; escalate and assist in remediation efforts.
• Participate in security reviews, system hardening, and incident response planning.

Help Desk & User Support

• Provide Tier 3 escalation support for end-user issues and requests.
• Identify and deliver end-user training to promote self-service and reduce recurring issues.
• Analyze help desk reports to identify trends and drive systemic improvements.
• Mentor Help Desk team members to ensure timely, high-quality user support.

Key Projects & Initiatives

This role will take ownership of several high-impact initiatives with minimal supervision, including:

• Azure Entra ID migration from Active Directory
• Password and MFA policy implementation
• Microsoft Intune deployment and configuration (transition from Group Policies)
• Secure configuration and compliance alignment (Microsoft, WatchGuard Firewalls, CIS Benchmarks)
• Automation of onboarding and termination processes
• ISP and phone system upgrades
• Infrastructure documentation and network diagrams
• Comprehensive IT asset inventory and lifecycle management

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in systems administration, infrastructure management, or a related technical role
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, and Active Directory
• Proven experience managing AWS environments, endpoint management (Intune preferred), and network infrastructure
• Strong understanding of security frameworks (CIS, NIST, etc.) and best practices
• Experience implementing MFA, GPOs, and automation for provisioning/deprovisioning
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to lead projects independently and mentor junior staff