HW/Network Admin (Lead)

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Hardware/Network Administrator to oversee the management, maintenance, and optimization of our IT infrastructure, including hardware systems and networks. In this leadership role, you will direct a team of administrators and technicians, ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of systems critical to the organization's operations. The ideal candidate is a results-driven professional with deep technical expertise, strong leadership attributes, and a passion for bringing innovative solutions to complex IT challenges.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and mentor a team of hardware and network technicians and administrators, promoting growth and collaboration.
• Take ownership of infrastructure-related projects, including upgrades, migrations, and the implementation of new hardware and networking solutions.
• Allocate and manage resources effectively to ensure the timely completion of projects and efficient system support.
• Provide technical training and development opportunities to team members, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and organizational goals.

Hardware Administration

• Supervise the installation, configuration, maintenance, and upgrading of servers, workstations, desktops, and peripherals to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Oversee hardware inventory tracking and procurement, optimizing asset management and cost controls.
• Analyze hardware requirements and lead initiatives to upgrade or replace outdated equipment for improved performance and efficiency.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance and lifecycle management strategies to reduce downtime and extend hardware lifespans.

Network Administration

• Design, implement, and maintain secure and scalable network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless solutions.
• Improve network availability, monitor bandwidth utilization, and troubleshoot connectivity and performance bottlenecks.
• Implement and maintain network security mechanisms, including firewalls, intrusion prevention/detection systems (IPS/IDS), and access controls.
• Manage advanced monitoring and diagnostics tools to ensure high availability and quick resolution of network-related outages.
• Plan and oversee routine testing, backup procedures, and disaster recovery solutions to ensure data integrity and business continuity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree with 12-15 years' experience, MS with 10-13 years, or PhD with 10+ years in Computer Science, IT, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7+ years in hardware and network administration, with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing enterprise-level IT infrastructure and networks.
• Must possess and maintain an active TS/SCI Clearance.

Hardware Expertise

• Advanced understanding of computer hardware systems, including servers, workstations, peripherals, and storage devices.
• Expertise in hardware and device lifecycle management, procurement, and vendor coordination.

Network Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, etc.).
• Experience with networking hardware configuration and troubleshooting (switches, routers, access points, firewalls).
• Experience managing cloud and hybrid networking solutions (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and SD-WAN technology.

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven ability to lead and manage a team of IT professionals.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for cross-departmental collaboration and vendor interaction.

Technical Troubleshooting

• Expert-level problem-solving abilities and the capacity to resolve complex technical problems effectively.
• Extensive experience using monitoring and diagnostic tools such as SolarWinds, Nagios, or PRTG.

Security Implementation

• Strong knowledge of access controls, encryption, firewalls, and monitoring systems.
• Knowledge of intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS).

Documentation & Compliance

• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and IT security compliance standards, such as ITIL, ISO 27001/9001, GDPR, or NIST.
• Proficiency in creating detailed system documentation, reports, and technical instructions.

Preferred

• Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, Security+, or A+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or MCSE, VMWare Certified Professional (VCP).
• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V) and containerization (e.g., Kubernetes, Docker).
• Knowledge of high-availability setups, redundancy planning, and load balancing architecture.

Pay

Projected compensation range for this position is $116,602.93 to $202,749.86.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Retirement and Savings plans
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Wellness programs
• Other optional benefit elections