IT Help Desk Specialist

AOI; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) employer matching

Generous PTO

Job summary

AOI is seeking an IT Help Desk Specialist to join our on-site IT infrastructure team in Sugar Land, Texas. You will be the first line of defense for internal technical issues, handling user accounts, deploying workstations, and resolving everyday roadblocks with hands-on support.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years in IT help desk roles, strong Windows/MS365 troubleshooting skills, and friendly, face-to-face collaboration with colleagues.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in an IT help desk, desktop support, or equivalent technical customer service role.
• Practical ability to troubleshoot Windows operating systems and core Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
• Hands‑on experience or foundational familiarity with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID account administration.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, peripherals, and Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and VPN connectivity troubleshooting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with patience and empathy when assisting non‑technical employees.
• Ability to organize support requests, document work clearly, and follow through on issues while coordinating with colleagues.
• Degree or coursework in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical or trade field.
• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ certification.
• Relevant Microsoft certifications, such as MD-102 or MS-900.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, customer‑focused technical support to onsite employees in person, by phone, and through the ticketing system.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Windows 11 laptops, desktops, and peripherals, and support Windows 10 devices where still in use under AOI's procedures.
• Troubleshoot Microsoft 365 issues, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel, guiding employees to practical solutions.
• Support Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID account administration, including setup, password resets, and access troubleshooting.
• Manage support tickets from intake through resolution or escalation, prioritizing by business impact and documenting outcomes.
• Prepare and deploy workstations for new hires (computers, monitors, docking stations, printers, desk phones).
• Troubleshoot Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and VPN connectivity issues and coordinate with IT for advanced networking.
• Create and update knowledge base articles and user guides for consistent troubleshooting.

Skills

Windows support

Microsoft 365

AD Entra ID

Hardware basics

Customer service

Ticketing system

Networking basics

Education

IT degree / coursework

CompTIA A+ / Network+

Tools

Active Directory

Microsoft Entra ID

VPN

Job description

AOI is seeking a customer-oriented and technically proficient IT Help Desk Specialist to join our on-site IT infrastructure team. In this role, you will serve as the first line of defense for all internal technical issues, managing user accounts and keeping our local workspace running smoothly. This position is ideal for an entry-level to mid-level professional who thrives in a hands‑on environment, loves problem‑solving, and enjoys collaborating face‑to‑face with colleagues to resolve everyday technical roadblocks.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, customer‑focused technical support to onsite employees in person, by phone, and through the ticketing system.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain Windows 11 laptops, desktops, and peripherals, and support existing Windows 10 devices where still in use under AOI's approved support procedures.
• Troubleshoot common Microsoft 365 application issues, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel, and guide employees through practical solutions.
• Support routine user account administration in Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID, including account setup, password resets, and access troubleshooting, following approved IT procedures.
• Manage support tickets from intake through resolution or escalation. Prioritize requests by business impact, document troubleshooting and outcomes, keep users informed, and escalated complex issues to the appropriate IT team.
• Prepare and deploy workstations for new hires, including computers, monitors, docking stations, printers, and desk phones; verify that equipment is ready for use.
• Troubleshoot basic Wi‑Fi, Ethernet cabling, and VPN connectivity issues, and coordinate with the IT team when additional network support is needed.
• Create and update knowledge base articles and user guides that help employees resolve common issues and support consistent troubleshooting.

Qualifications

Required

• 1–3 years of experience in an IT help desk, desktop support, or equivalent technical customer service role.
• Practical ability to troubleshoot Windows operating systems and core Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
• Hands‑on experience or foundational familiarity with Active Directory and Microsoft Entra ID account administration.
• Basic understanding of computer hardware, peripherals, and Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, and VPN connectivity troubleshooting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with patience and empathy when assisting non‑technical employees.
• Ability to organize support requests, document work clearly, and follow through on issues while coordinating with colleagues.

Preferred

• Degree or coursework in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical or trade field.
• CompTIA A+, Network+, or Security+ certification.
• Relevant Microsoft certifications, such as Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102), or previously earned Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900).

This position is full‑time and 100% onsite in Sugar Land, Texas or Pearland, Texas. The location includes office, warehouse, and cleanroom manufacturing work environments.

Expected business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

The role involves hands‑on hardware deployment and occasionally moving computer towers, monitors, and server‑rack equipment weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities and does not require travel.

Why AOI?

AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans with options designed to meet individual and family needs.
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third‑party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.