The IT Support Specialist is responsible for providing comprehensive technical support and maintaining reliable, secure, and efficient information technology systems that support both manufacturing operations and business functions. This position plays a critical role in ensuring system availability, supporting end users, maintaining network infrastructure, and assisting with cybersecurity initiatives.
The IT Support Specialist serves as the primary onsite IT resource for the Portage, Michigan manufacturing facility, Pell City, Alabama, and corporate offices in Troy, Michigan. The role partners closely with Central IT in Velbert, Germany, as well as local Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and administrative teams to ensure technology solutions effectively support production efficiency, business continuity, and organizational objectives.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide first- and second-level technical support for hardware, software, network, and system-related issues.
- Install, configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair desktop computers, laptops, printers, peripherals, and related equipment.
- Respond to and resolve escalated help desk tickets in a timely manner while meeting established service expectations.
- Support employee onboarding and offboarding activities, including user account provisioning, hardware deployment, and system access management.
- Administer and maintain Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and related collaboration tools.
- Manage IT hardware and software inventory, asset tracking, licensing, and lifecycle planning.
- Monitor and maintain plant and office network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, wireless networks, switches, firewalls, and connectivity solutions.
- Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to support manufacturing equipment connectivity, industrial network infrastructure, and production-related systems.
- Support mobile technologies, including iPhones, iPads, Zebra scanners, Samsung tablets, and other business-critical devices.
- Assist with cybersecurity initiatives, including endpoint protection, user access controls, system monitoring, vulnerability remediation, and security awareness efforts.
- Escalate issues to Central IT or external vendors as appropriate and coordinate resolution activities.
- Participate in IT projects involving infrastructure upgrades, equipment deployment, systems implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, procedures, and support records.
- Support manufacturing operations by ensuring minimal disruption to production through prompt diagnosis and resolution of technology-related issues.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education, certifications, and relevant work experience
- Experience providing technical support for computer hardware, software, and network systems.
Technical Knowledge & Skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft 365 applications.
- Experience supporting Active Directory user and device management.
- Knowledge of computer hardware, software deployment, and endpoint support.
- Familiarity with network technologies including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, wireless networking, and network troubleshooting.
- Experience supporting HPE Aruba networking infrastructure preferred.
- Understanding of cybersecurity best practices and endpoint protection technologies.
Professional Skills
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong customer service and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Physical Requirements
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Ability to lift, move, and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work on the production floor and in office environments.
- Ability to frequently bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb stairs or ladders as required.
- Ability to remain on foot for extended periods while supporting manufacturing operations.