Senior IT Systems Administrator – Windows & VMware
We are seeking a dynamic Senior IT Systems Administrator with expertise in Windows and VMware technologies who can excel in both project leadership and operational excellence.
This role requires a strategic thinker who can drive complex infrastructure projects while maintaining operational stability across multiple datacenters, demonstrating strong organizational skills and effective communication throughout all initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Windows Infrastructure Management
- Design, implement, and maintain Windows Server environments (2019, 2022, 2025)
- Oversee patch management, security hardening, and Gold Standard version compliance initiatives
- Implement automation solutions using PowerShell and other scripting technologies
- Monitor system performance and optimize resource utilization
VMware Infrastructure Management
- Administer VMware vSphere v8+ environments including VxRail, vCenter, ESXi, and vSAN
- Perform virtual machine lifecycle management, capacity planning, and optimization
- Execute cluster upgrades and maintenance activities with minimal downtime
Project Leadership & Management
- Lead end-to-end infrastructure projects including Windows Server upgrades, VMware upgrades, and system migrations across multiple datacenters
- Develop comprehensive project schedules, timelines, and resource allocation plans
- Provide regular status updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
- Coordinate cross-functional teams and manage project dependencies
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget
Team Leadership & Task Management
- Assign and prioritize tasks across team members based on skills and project requirements
- Mentor junior administrators and provide technical guidance
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team
- Act as escalation point for complex Windows and VMware technical issues
Operational Excellence
- Maintain 24/7 system availability through proactive monitoring and maintenance
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation
- Participate in on-call rotation for after-hours critical system support
- Ensure compliance with security policies, change management, and regulatory requirements
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and best practices adoption
Required Qualifications
Technical Skills
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with Windows Server administration
- 5+ years of VMware vSphere administration experience
- Proficiency in PowerShell scripting and automation
- Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions
- Knowledge of storage technologies (SAN, NAS, local storage)
- Familiarity with monitoring tools and performance optimization
- Demonstrated experience following formal change management practices and procedures
Leadership & Communication
- Proven track record of leading technical projects from inception to completion
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in task delegation and team coordination
- Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
Organizational Skills
- Exceptional project management and organizational abilities
- Experience with project management methodologies (Agile, ITIL preferred)
- Proficiency in project management tools (Jira, Change Gear)
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
- Microsoft certifications (MCSA, MCSE) or equivalent experience
- VMware certifications (VCP, VCAP) or equivalent experience
- Experience in regulated industries with compliance requirements
- Familiarity with NERC CIP regulations and associated compliance obligations
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align technical initiatives with business objectives
- Team Development: Proven ability to mentor and develop technical talent
- Change Management: Experience leading organizational and technical change initiatives
- Risk Management: Capability to identify, assess, and mitigate technical risks
- Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills across all organizational levels