Senior Windows Administrator

Overview:

You will also provide leadership within the Windows team, guiding best practices, supporting junior team members, and collaborating extensively with the Data Center Manager and other IT teams to ensure the seamless operation of all Windows-based systems.

• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a public trust.*

*This position requires the candidate to be on-site 5 days a week in Durham, North Carolina.*

What You'll Do:

• Windows Server Administration:
• Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server operating systems (e.g., Windows Server 2016, 2019) to support business requirements.
• Manage and maintain Active Directory, including group policies, user and computer account management, and domain controllers.
• Monitor server performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure system availability and reliability.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including patch management, system updates, and hardware upgrades.
• Leadership and Mentorship:
• Provide leadership within the Windows team, guiding and mentoring junior administrators to ensure consistent performance and adherence to best practices.
• Serve as a key decision-maker for technical issues within the Windows infrastructure, ensuring efficient resolution of challenges and implementation of improvements.
• Foster a collaborative and proactive team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Commvault Hyperscale Support:
• Collaborate with other Windows Administrators and the Senior Storage Administrator to manage the Commvault Hyperscale environment, ensuring that backup and recovery processes are effective and reliable.
• Monitor the health and performance of the Commvault system, troubleshoot issues, and perform necessary updates and maintenance.
• Support the development and implementation of backup and recovery strategies, ensuring data integrity and availability across the Windows server environment.
• Security and Compliance:
• Implement and manage security measures to protect Windows servers from unauthorized access, including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
• Ensure all Windows environments comply with federal security standards, including FISMA and NIST guidelines.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk management activities to maintain a secure environment.
• Backup and Recovery:
• Develop and implement backup and recovery strategies for Windows servers, ensuring data integrity and availability.
• Perform regular system backups, monitor backup processes, and verify the integrity of backup data.
• Coordinate with the Data Center Manager and other teams to ensure that all critical systems have appropriate disaster recovery plans in place.
• System Optimization and Performance Tuning:
• Analyze system performance and implement optimizations to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Manage system resources, including CPU, memory, and storage, to ensure optimal performance of Windows servers.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system performance, connectivity, and application failures.
• Collaboration and Support:
• Work closely with other IT teams, including network, storage, and security teams, to ensure the seamless integration and operation of Windows systems.
• Provide Tier 4 support for escalated issues, offering expert-level troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Collaborate with application teams to support the deployment and management of Windows-based applications.
• Documentation and Reporting:
• Maintain detailed documentation of all Windows Server configurations, procedures, and maintenance activities.
• Generate regular reports on system performance, security status, and other key metrics for review by management and stakeholders.
• Ensure that all documentation is kept up-to-date and complies with organizational and federal standards.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Information Technology Management, Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience managing Windows Server environments in a large-scale enterprise, including experience with Active Directory, group policies, server virtualization, and backup/recovery systems.
• US citizenship and the ability to obtain a public trust.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency in Windows Server operating systems, Active Directory management, and server virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
• Security Skills: Strong understanding of security principles and experience implementing security controls in Windows environments.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance is required.

Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues, with a focus on maintaining system performance and availability.
• Maintain high availability and optimal performance of all Windows Server environments, ensuring minimal downtime and rapid issue resolution.
• Ensure compliance with all federal security standards and organizational policies, maintaining a secure and reliable Windows infrastructure.
• Provide expert-level support and guidance to other IT teams, contributing to the overall success of the IT operations under the contract.
• Effectively support the Commvault Hyperscale environment, ensuring robust backup and recovery operations in collaboration with other team members and the Senior Storage Administrator.

Nice to Haves:

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Commvault Hyperscale or similar enterprise backup solutions is highly desirable.
• Experience with Citrix technologies, particularly in managing and supporting Citrix virtual applications and desktop environments, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of NIST guidelines is preferred.