IT SPECIALIST - SR. IT SPECIALIST - Azure and Active Directory Specialist
Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, TX
Who We Are:
Our team, the Cloud Services team within the Information Technology Center, is responsible for EntraID (formerly Azure)/M365 cloud services and Active Directory for the Enterprise. The team provides support and implementation services to the entire organization's IT infrastructure.
Objectives of this Role:
- Provide expert administrative support for Active Directory (AD) and Azure cloud infrastructure to ensure seamless operation and performance across the enterprise.
- Manage and troubleshoot PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) and AD FS (Active Directory Federation Services) to maintain secure access to enterprise resources.
- Develop, implement, and maintain Azure-based solutions to optimize and secure cloud infrastructure.
- Collaborate across IT teams to resolve helpdesk tickets related to AD, Azure, and associated systems.
- Play a critical role in Active Directory migrations, including planning, execution, and post-migration support.
- Research and implement best practices for identity and access management, Azure infrastructure governance, and operational scalability.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Perform advanced administration of Active Directory (AD) and Azure cloud environments by managing user accounts, enforcing security configurations, and monitoring directory synchronization across hybrid infrastructures.
- Mentor and share knowledge with junior IT team members,
- Address and resolve daily helpdesk tickets related to account provisioning, identity and access issues, and directory synchronization.
- Administer and maintain PKI systems, ensuring certificate creation, renewal, and security compliance.
- Support and troubleshoot AD FS (federation services) to maintain secure user authentication and single-sign-on capabilities.
- Deploy, configure, and support components of Azure infrastructure, including resource groups, conditional access policies, Azure virtual desktops, and security configurations.
- Conduct regular audits of Active Directory and Azure environments to detect, address, and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities.
- Create and maintain documentation related to processes, configurations, and governance policies.
Requirements:
- Requires a Bachelors degree in Information Technology or related degree field with relevant experience. In lieu of a Bachelors degree, 5 years of professional level experience a high school education or equivalent with related certifications will be considered.
- 3 years: Experience with Active Directory administration, including management, troubleshooting, and migrations. Solid experience with Group Policy Objects (GPO) design, implementation, and troubleshooting.
- 1 years: Proven experience delivering secure, high-availability solutions related to Azure and on-premises directory services.
- 1 years: Hands-on experience with Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) for managing secure authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO) configurations and Familiarity with Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems, including creating, renewing, and troubleshooting certificates.
- Technical Certifications such as Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) and/or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Fundamentals or equivalent are preferred.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
About the Company
Southwest Research Institute
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO