The IT Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, and reliability of Nextern’s global IT infrastructure. This role serves as a technical backstop for the global IT team, taking escalated support requests, maintaining existing and newly deployed systems, and partnering with internal business stakeholders to support company-wide technology initiatives. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with broad systems knowledge, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to operate effectively and efficiently.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Administer and maintain Windows and/or Linux server environments, Active Directory/Azure AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related infrastructure services.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex helpdesk and support requests from global IT staff and end users, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
• Monitor system health, performance, and availability; proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact business operations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers, endpoints, and network equipment.
• Maintain and improve backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures; conduct regular testing to validate recoverability.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls across systems including Microsoft 365, identity platforms, and on-premises directories.
• Onboard and integrate new systems and technologies, documenting configurations, procedures, and runbooks to support knowledge transfer.
• Act as a technical resource and subject matter expert for global IT team members, providing guidance on infrastructure best practices and troubleshooting approaches.
• Support internal business initiatives by evaluating technology requirements, participating in project planning, and delivering infrastructure components on time.
• Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to enforce security policies, respond to vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance with company standards.
• Manage and maintain vendor relationships and service contracts related to IT infrastructure and software.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, asset inventory records, and change management logs.
• Nextern is a contract manufacturer of medical devices. The System Administrator must be able to operate in a highly regulated environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
• None
QUALIFICATIONS
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a systems administration or IT infrastructure role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure AD/Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN, firewalls, and DNS/DHCP.
• Familiarity with endpoint management tools (Intune, SCCM, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting a geographically distributed or global workforce is strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or equivalent) are a plus.
COMPETENCIES
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves technical issues in a timely and methodical manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops and evaluates alternative solutions; escalates appropriately when needed.
• Technical Skills - Maintains up-to-date knowledge of infrastructure technologies and best practices; pursues training and development opportunities; willingly shares expertise with global team members.
• Collaboration - Works effectively with cross-functional and geographically distributed teams; builds relationships across departments; supports colleagues and end users with patience and professionalism.
• Customer Focus - Responds promptly to internal customers; follows through on commitments; gathers feedback and adjusts approach to meet evolving business needs.
• Adaptability - Manages competing priorities and shifting demands in a fast-paced environment; adjusts plans based on new information; remains composed under pressure.
• Initiative - Proactively identifies areas for improvement; takes ownership of issues through resolution; looks for ways to enhance systems reliability, efficiency, and security without being asked.
• Oral & Written Communication - Communicates clearly and professionally in both written and verbal form; listens actively; prepares concise documentation and runbooks; participates constructively in meetings.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
• Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk
• Frequently required to use hands to handle equipment and peripherals
• Frequently required to talk and/or hear
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs (e.g., servers, networking equipment)
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to read screens for extended periods
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• May require occasional travel to domestic or international Nextern sites