Administrator Sr.-Systems

Westlake Chemical Corp.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a seasoned Windows Administrator to provide Windows admin and support services across North America. You will manage servers, patching, and standard services while leading OS upgrade initiatives and coordinating with IT teams.

The role requires strong documentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with flexibility for on-call shifts and after-hours work during maintenance windows.

Qualifications

• College degree in computer science or related field; 10 years equivalent work experience.
• Experience with Windows Server, Azure and AWS in cloud and on‑prem environments.
• Strong documentation and communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non‑tech users.
• Experience leading complex IT tasks in a high‑pressure environment.
• Familiarity with change management and backup/restore procedures.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows servers in physical, virtual, and cloud environments.
• Manage standard Windows services (Print, DNS, DHCP); monitor logs and backup jobs.
• Lead OS upgrade projects and software replacements following change management.
• Assist with infrastructure projects and vendor evaluations as needed.
• Provide technical support to North American locations and coordinate with IT teams.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Root cause analysis

Documentation skills

Customer service orientation

Leadership

Education

College diploma in Computer Science

Microsoft Windows Enterprise Certifications

Tools

Azure

AWS

Windows Server

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.SUMMARYAs a Windows Administrator, provide all Westlake Corporate entities with Windows Administrative & support services, including hardware installation, software installation, and specifications for requisitioning computer hardware and software. Provide technical support to corporate server admin and to the IT Coordinators supporting all North American locations. Assist with implementation of system infrastructure projects.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESGeneral DescriptionWorks independently/receives minimal guidanceSolves complex problemsIn-depth knowledge & experience with some specific work related areasActs as a resource for colleagues with less experienceMay lead the work of project teams, may formally train junior staffResolves most issues when alerted by on-call emergency phone during assigned rotation periodOperating System AdministrationResponsible for keeping a subset of Westlake servers up-to-date with the latest Microsoft Windows operating system security patches.Maintains standard Windows services like Print, file, DNS, DHCP in physical, virtual and cloud environments.Responsible for monitoring a subset of Westlake server logs and other monitoring tools for abnormal operations and security activities.Reviews and updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure consistent server management.Maintains departmental network share for all server software and upgrades. Adds additional software and patches as needed.Able to validate permissions and groups in existing file server folder structure.Verifies assigned daily backup jobs are completed as scheduled. Capable of resolving most issues related to failed backup jobs.Able to solve most third level application support issuesSpecial ProjectsLeads team to install new operating systems for Windows servers; follows change management process for approvals.Leads team to replace software for major applications.Assess latest server technology, backup devices, etc. and recommends choices as technology evolves.Evaluates packaged software based on user requirement and vendor specifications.Assist senior team members determine configuration requirements, e.g., Server, PC, Bandwidth, etc.At the direction of senior team members setup evaluation copy of software for testing by users and IT.Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSStrong written and oral communication skills.Strong technical documentation skills.Strong interpersonal skills and customer service orientation.Frequently presents ideas in both technical and non-technical user-friendly language dependent on the intended audience.Performs root cause analysis of IT operational issues as required.Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.Ability to effectively lead complex tasks in a high-pressure environment.Able to work weekend and evening hours for maintenance and emergency workEDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCECollege diploma or university degree in the field of computer science and 10 years equivalent work experience.Certifications in Microsoft Windows Enterprise Products including Exchange and Server operating systems is preferred. May be substituted with experience.Significant experience working in Azure and AWS cloud environments.Significant technical experience with designing, building, installing, configuring and supporting Windows servers in physical, virtual and cloud environments.Hands-on performance tuning and troubleshooting experience.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel up to 25% including air travel or auto travel.Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.