Hybrid IT Support Specialist — Elevate Tech & Security

Next Step Systems; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Step Systems is seeking an IT Support Specialist to act as the in-house technician for a 70+ employee firm. The role involves resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues, coordinating with vendors, and driving IT improvements in a hybrid office in Chicago.

The candidate will support desktops, laptops, printers, and phones, manage tickets, deploy equipment, and help with SOC-2 and cybersecurity tasks, with occasional after-hours work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or IT-related field or equivalent experience.
• 1+ years IT experience with client, server, and network service delivery.
• 2+ years networking concepts such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, Wi-Fi, VPN, MFA, and network shares.
• 2+ years troubleshooting in multi-user environments.
• 2+ years in a professional environment.
• 2+ years PC and MAC troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of Windows, macOS, Microsoft 365, and Entra ID.
• CompTIA, Cisco/CCNA, Linux certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and connectivity issues on desktops, laptops, printers and phones.
• Collaborate with IT Manager to manage tickets, projects with vendors.
• Respond to helpdesk tickets and document steps taken and resolution.
• Install, configure, and deploy new equipment and software.
• Repair, replace, or escalate faulty equipment and coordinate warranty or vendor support.
• Maintain IT asset inventory and lifecycle in asset-management or RMM system.
• Set up and prepare new computers and phones for existing and new employees.
• Track equipment check-in and check-out for new hires and departures.
• Monitor stock levels of spare equipment and notify for replenishment.
• Assist in routine networking hardware projects including cabling and APs.
• Work with external IT providers to ensure infrastructure availability.
• Interact with management for analytical and technical IT improvements.
• Develop policies and processes related to data and network security.
• Identify root causes of operational issues and inefficiencies.
• Support SOC-2 and other cybersecurity assessments.
• Assist paralegals/attorneys with discovery projects as needed.
• Commit to confidentiality; perform duties as assigned.
• In-office presence via a hybrid model, with occasional after-hours and weekend work.

Skills

Desktop support

Networking concepts

Windows

macOS

Microsoft 365

Active Directory

Entra ID

VPN

RMM tools

Atera

Ninja One

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or IT-related field

Tools

Atera

Ninja One

Active Directory

Microsoft Entra ID

Job description

Next Step Systems is seeking an IT Support Specialist to act as the in-house technician for a 70+ employee firm. The role involves resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues, coordinating with vendors, and driving IT improvements in a hybrid office in Chicago.

The candidate will support desktops, laptops, printers, and phones, manage tickets, deploy equipment, and help with SOC-2 and cybersecurity tasks, with occasional after-hours work.