Junior Systems Administrator

Astro Shapes, LLC; Struthers, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Astro Shapes, LLC is seeking a Junior Systems Administrator to join our IT team in a role focused on on-premises, virtualized, cloud, and Microsoft 365 environments. You will assist with system maintenance, security, and documentation across Windows Server, AD, DNS/DHCP, and Intune/Azure AD, while supporting backup and DR activities.

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, be detail-oriented, and collaborate with security-focused teams to ensure reliable, compliant IT

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, CS, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with Windows Server environments and virtualization (Proxmox, KVM, OpenVZ).
• Experience administering Microsoft 365 services and Entra ID.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting servers (physical/virtual).
• Administer Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
• Assist with high level configuration of PBX software.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability; apply patches and updates.
• Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
• Create and maintain detailed system documentation and runbooks.
• Assist with designing, implementing, and supporting cloud-based infrastructure and services.
• Manage cloud-hosted resources and optimize cost and reliability.
• Support cybersecurity operations with Palo Alto, Cortex XDR, and vulnerability management.

Skills

Windows Server Administration

Active Directory

Cloud technologies

Microsoft 365 administration

Cybersecurity concepts

Documentation

Troubleshooting

Communication

Linux command line

PowerShell scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Cybersecurity or related field

Tools

Proxmox

KVM

OpenVZ

Palo Alto firewalls

Cortex XDR

Rapid7 Insight Platform

Azure AD/Entra ID

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Junior Systems Administrator to join our IT team. This position is responsible for assisting with management and maintenance of the organization's on-premises, virtualized, cloud, and Microsoft 365 infrastructure while supporting key cybersecurity initiatives as needed. The ideal candidate will possess technical expertise in systems administration, cloud technologies, and enterprise security solutions, with a proactive approach to ensuring system availability, performance, and security.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Administration

• Assist with Installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting physical and virtual server environments.

• Assist with the Administration of Windows Server infrastructure, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and related services.

• Assist with high level configuration of the company's PBX software.

• Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability to ensure optimal operation.

• Perform regular system updates, patch management, and vulnerability remediation.

• Assist with managing/implementing backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.

• Assist with Maintaining/Creating detailed documentation for systems, procedures, and configurations.

Cloud Infrastructure Management

• Assist with Designing, implementing, and supporting cloud-based infrastructure and services.

• Assist with managing cloud-hosted servers, storage, networking components, and load balancing solutions.

• Monitor cloud resource utilization and optimize performance, reliability, and cost.

• Assist with cloud migration initiatives and hybrid infrastructure deployments.

• Assist with ensuring cloud environments adhere to organizational security standards and best practices.

Microsoft 365 Administration

• Help with planning, deploying, managing, and supporting Microsoft 365 environments.

• Assist with administration of Exchange Online, Entra ID (Azure AD), Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and other Microsoft 365 services.

• Assist with managing identity and access controls, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), Conditional Access, and Single Sign-On (SSO).

• Support licensing, tenant management, security configurations, and compliance requirements.

• Evaluate and implement new Microsoft 365 features and technologies.

Cybersecurity Operations and Administration

• Assist with the administration and management of Palo Alto Networks firewalls and security policies.

• Support Palo Alto Cortex XDR deployment, monitoring, incident response, and threat investigation activities.

• Assist with managing and maintaining the Rapid7 security platform, including vulnerability assessments, reporting, and remediation tracking.

• Participate in security monitoring, threat detection, and incident response efforts.

• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure systems remain secure, compliant, and resilient.

• Assist with cybersecurity awareness initiatives and security best practice implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Exposure to managing Windows Server environments and virtualization platforms such as Proxmox, KVM, and OpenVZ.

• Exposure to administration of Microsoft 365 services and Entra ID.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Palo Alto Networks Next Gen Firewalls and Cortex XDR.

• Experience with Rapid7 Insight Platform or comparable vulnerability management solutions.

• Knowledge of cloud infrastructure platforms such as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

• Familiarity with network technologies including routing, switching, DNS, VPNs, and load balancing.

• Understanding cybersecurity principles, vulnerability management, and endpoint security.

• Familiar with Linux command line interfaces.

• Industry certifications such as A+, Net+, Security+, CySA+, CISSP, Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert or equivalent.

• Experience with endpoint management solutions including Microsoft Intune, JAMF, and Soti Mobicontrol.

• Knowledge of scripting and automation using PowerShell or similar tools.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to security best practices.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent collaboration and customer service skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.