IT System Administrator

Nextern; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Disability

Birthday Holiday

Wellness Resources

Taco Thursdays

Job summary

Nextern is seeking an IT Systems Administrator to own the day-to-day administration, maintenance, and reliability of our global IT infrastructure. You will serve as the escalation point, monitor systems, and ensure security and compliance in a regulated environment.

You will collaborate with cybersecurity, manage vendor relationships, and help implement technology initiatives across multiple sites. Strong communication and documentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in systems administration or IT infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure AD/Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN, firewalls, and DNS/DHCP.
• Familiarity with endpoint management tools (Intune, SCCM, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting a geographically distributed or global workforce is strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or equivalent) are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain Windows and Linux server environments, Active Directory/Azure AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related infrastructure services.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex helpdesk and support requests from global IT staff and end users, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
• Monitor system health, performance, and availability; proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact business operations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers, endpoints, and network equipment.
• Maintain and improve backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures; conduct regular testing to validate recoverability.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls across systems including Microsoft 365, identity platforms, and on-premises directories.
• Onboard and integrate new systems and technologies, documenting configurations, procedures, and runbooks to support knowledge transfer.
• Act as a technical resource and subject matter expert for global IT team members, providing guidance on infrastructure best practices and troubleshooting approaches.
• Support internal business initiatives by evaluating technology requirements, participating in project planning, and delivering infrastructure components on time.
• Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to enforce security policies, respond to vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance with company standards.
• Manage and maintain vendor relationships and service contracts related to IT infrastructure and software.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, asset inventory records, and change management logs.
• Nextern is a contract manufacturer of medical devices. The System Administrator must be able to operate in a highly regulated environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Windows & Linux administration

Active Directory / Azure AD

Microsoft 365 administration

Networking fundamentals

Documentation & runbooks

Communication skills

Security compliance awareness

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field

Tools

VMware

Hyper-V

Intune

SCCM

Azure AD/Entra ID

Job description

The IT Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, and reliability of Nextern’s global IT infrastructure. This role serves as a technical backstop for the global IT team, taking escalated support requests, maintaining existing and newly deployed systems, and partnering with internal business stakeholders to support company-wide technology initiatives. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with broad systems knowledge, a service-oriented mindset, and the ability to operate effectively and efficiently.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Administer and maintain Windows and/or Linux server environments, Active Directory/Azure AD, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related infrastructure services.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex helpdesk and support requests from global IT staff and end users, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication.
• Monitor system health, performance, and availability; proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact business operations.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers, endpoints, and network equipment.
• Maintain and improve backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures; conduct regular testing to validate recoverability.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access controls across systems including Microsoft 365, identity platforms, and on-premises directories.
• Onboard and integrate new systems and technologies, documenting configurations, procedures, and runbooks to support knowledge transfer.
• Act as a technical resource and subject matter expert for global IT team members, providing guidance on infrastructure best practices and troubleshooting approaches.
• Support internal business initiatives by evaluating technology requirements, participating in project planning, and delivering infrastructure components on time.
• Collaborate with the Cybersecurity team to enforce security policies, respond to vulnerabilities, and maintain compliance with company standards.
• Manage and maintain vendor relationships and service contracts related to IT infrastructure and software.
• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, asset inventory records, and change management logs.
• Nextern is a contract manufacturer of medical devices. The System Administrator must be able to operate in a highly regulated environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in a systems administration or IT infrastructure role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Azure AD/Entra ID, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, VLANs, VPN, firewalls, and DNS/DHCP.
• Familiarity with endpoint management tools (Intune, SCCM, or equivalent).
• Experience supporting a geographically distributed or global workforce is strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+/Network+/Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or equivalent) are a plus.

COMPETENCIES

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves technical issues in a timely and methodical manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops and evaluates alternative solutions; escalates appropriately when needed.
• Technical Skills - Maintains up-to-date knowledge of infrastructure technologies and best practices; pursues training and development opportunities; willingly shares expertise with global team members.
• Collaboration - Works effectively with cross-functional and geographically distributed teams; builds relationships across departments; supports colleagues and end users with patience and professionalism.
• Customer Focus - Responds promptly to internal customers; follows through on commitments; gathers feedback and adjusts approach to meet evolving business needs.
• Adaptability - Manages competing priorities and shifting demands in a fast‑paced environment; adjusts plans based on new information; remains composed under pressure.
• Initiative - Proactively identifies areas for improvement; takes ownership of issues through resolution; looks for ways to enhance systems reliability, efficiency, and security without being asked.
• Oral & Written Communication - Communicates clearly and professionally in both written and verbal form; listens actively; prepares concise documentation and runbooks; participates constructively in meetings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk
• Frequently required to use hands to handle equipment and peripherals
• Frequently required to talk and/or hear
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs (e.g., servers, networking equipment)
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to read screens for extended periods
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• May require occasional travel to domestic or international Nextern sites

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Time Off, Personal Days, AND Birthday Holiday!
• Lifetime Membership Subsidy and Wellness Resources
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Taco Thursdays!!!

Nexternis an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.