Helpdesk Specialist

Northwood; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwood is seeking an IT Support Specialist to be the primary point of contact for our internal technology needs. You will ensure hardware, software, and systems run seamlessly, delivering high-touch technical support to keep employees productive.

You will handle everything from day-to-day troubleshooting to maintaining security policies, enabling a smooth and secure work environment in a fast-growing space infrastructure company.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional IT support or help desk experience.
• Proficient in cross‑platform environments (Windows 11, macOS, Android, iOS).
• Hands-on experience with MDM tools (JAMF, Intune, FleetDM).
• Strong interpersonal skills with a user‑first mentality and calm under pressure.
• Experience managing users and security groups in Okta or similar identity providers.
• Ability to lift and move IT equipment up to 35 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Address service requests from internal stakeholders; diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and network incidents across devices.
• Maintain a comprehensive IT asset inventory and manage the full lifecycle of hardware.
• Set up new hires with accounts and hardware; offboard departing employees securely.
• Implement and enforce system standards and security policies (encryption, MFA, access control).

Skills

User-first mindset

Calm under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Windows 11

macOS

Android

iOS

MDM JAMF

MDM Intune

MDM FleetDM

Okta

PowerShell scripting

Bash scripting

Python scripting

Job description

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response. With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions. If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Role

We are looking for an IT Support Specialist to serve as the primary point of contact for our internal team’s technology needs. In this role, you will ensure our hardware, software, and systems run seamlessly, providing high-touch technical support that enables our employees to work efficiently. You will handle everything from day-to-day troubleshooting to maintaining the security and integrity of our IT infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Work on service requests from internal stakeholders; diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and network incidents across a diverse fleet of devices.
• Track and maintain a comprehensive IT asset inventory, managing the full lifecycle of hardware from procurement and provisioning to decommissioning.
• Manage the technical setup for new hires, ensuring all accounts and hardware are ready on day one, and securely offboard departing employees.
• Implement and support system standards and security policies (e.g., encryption, MFA, and access control) under the direction of IT leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in an IT support or help desk environment.
• Proficiency in managing and troubleshooting a cross-platform environment including Windows 11, macOS, Android, and iOS.
• Hands‑on experience with Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools like JAMF, Intune, or FleetDM.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a "user-first" mentality; ability to remain calm and professional while troubleshooting high‑pressure issues for colleagues.
• Experience managing users and security groups within Okta (or similar identity providers).
• Ability to lift, carry, and move IT equipment (such as servers, UPS units, and monitors) weighing up to 35 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• In‑depth experience supporting Microsoft Office 365.
• Basic understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, and Wi‑Fi troubleshooting).
• Familiarity with scripting (PowerShell, Bash, or Python) to automate routine IT tasks.
• CompTIA A+, Network+, Okta Certified Professional, or Microsoft Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MD‑102) certifications.
• Experience with Identity and Access Management (IAM) platforms (Okta a plus).

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment. While the clearance may not be immediately necessary upon hire, we encourage you to initiate the application process promptly upon accepting this offer. Your ability to secure the necessary clearance is essential for fulfilling key responsibilities of the role. Should you be unable to obtain it, Northwood Space reserves the right to modify or terminate your employment to align with optional needs.

Additional Information

If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.