Network and systems administrator

CAI is a global technology services firm with over 8,500 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what is right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

We are looking for a Network and Systems Administrator. This position will be full-time and onsite in Evanston, Illinois . This position is contract to hire. Candidates should be a commutable distance to Evanston.

This position does not offer employment sponsorship. All candidates must be eligible to work without need for sponsorship by employer.

Core working hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm. This is a 35-hour work week position.

Our client is seeking an experienced individual with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to install, configure, and support the corporation’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and internet systems. This individual will be responsible for monitoring daily activities to ensure network availability to all system users and will perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. This person will also monitor and test website performance to ensure all corporate websites operate correctly and without interruption. This individual will also assist in network troubleshooting, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. This person will work closely with the Information Technology (IT) department management to ensure that all systems are responding within prescribed service levels.

The corporation’s IT environment is currently a complex environment consisting of Windows .NET, Java, AS/400 systems, and SaaS-based enterprise applications. There are many custom-built, in-house applications using AS/400 RPG applications, .NET C#, and Java. The database environment consists of SQL Server, PostgreSQL and DB2. The corporation’s systems are hosted primarily using VMware in the private cloud with an external third-party hosting provider. The office environment consists of Windows 11 desktop computers and laptops.

What You’ll Do

• Design, configure, test, and maintain computer hardware, networking software, and operating systems software, including peripherals such as copiers, printers, telephony, and other office equipment
• Implement operating system and technology application installs and upgrades
• Maintain logs related to network functions and maintenance and repair records
• Perform data backups and restores, including disaster recovery operations
• Conduct software deployments to Windows-based applications for new features and bug fixes
• Coordinate and plan hardware installations and upgrades to network equipment and servers
• Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures and maintain related internal controls
• Coordinate, plan, negotiate, and execute necessary purchases and repairs with vendors/contractors and corporate personnel
• Be on call 24x7 to address any critical IT needs that arise
• Perform various other duties as assigned by the management team

What You'll Need

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience with Windows server administration
• 3-5 years of experience in desktop/network/hardware and software support
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with a diverse group of executives, managers, staff, and vendors/contractors in a very detail-oriented professional organization with extremely high standards
• Proven ability to interact in a positive and collaborative working environment with corporate, business, vendor/contractor, and technical resources
• Experience with customer relations and personal service including customer needs assessment, professional customer engagement, efficient and effective resolution, and ensuring customer satisfaction
• Willingness to learn from other team members and grow through experience
• Experience with Windows server administration such as Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Server Manager, PowerShell, and Windows Services
• Working knowledge of Active Directory domain and trusts
• Experience with DNS and networking protocols
• Experience with server virtualization such as VMWare and Hyper-V
• Experience supporting Windows 11 users
• Be familiar with and have working experience onboarding and offboarding users
• Ability to maintain Microsoft applications on desktops and servers
• Ability to maintain Office 365 and MS Office products such as Outlook email
• Ability to deploy and support application installations
• Meticulous planning and documentation of technical support operations
• Knowledge of software licensing, maintenance, and hardware warranties
• Working knowledge of invoices, renewals, purchase orders, and associated paperwork and processes
• Good practical knowledge of Cybersecurity, Website Certificates, Antivirus software and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Ability to work independently and with groups, with limited supervision

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Linux / Unix
• Knowledge of firewall configurations, Cisco / Meraki equipment is a major plus

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal, state, and local standards
• Sedentary work that involves sitting or remaining stationary most of the time with occasional need to move around the office to attend meetings, etc.
• Ability to conduct repetitive tasks on a computer, utilizing a mouse, keyboard, and monitor

The pay range for this position is $50- $60 per hour (USD). Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including location, experience, and education. Benefit packages for this role will include medical coverage as well as 401k retirement account access. Employees in this role may also be entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodation statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employment selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected] or (888) 824 – 8111.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program

Work Location: In person