Senior Systems Administrator

Tecolote Research; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Tecolote Research is seeking a Systems Administrator to manage cloud services, Microsoft 365/Exchange, and virtualization platforms with a strong emphasis on security and automation. The candidate should excel in solving technical challenges and work autonomously within a dynamic team.

The role focuses on AWS, VMware, Zscaler, and Intune administration, with an opportunity to contribute to secure, scalable infrastructure and improve IT operations through IaC and best practices.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in systems administration or similar role.
• 2+ Experience with AWS, Microsoft 365/Exchange, VMware, Zscaler.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Manage AWS environments and implement infrastructure-as-code using Terraform.
• Administer Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online.
• Configure and manage Intune for device/application security.
• Maintain and optimize Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX).
• Maintain VMware vSphere 8 (vCenter, ESXi, Horizon View).

Skills

Cloud administration

AWS

Microsoft 365/Exchange

VMware

Zscaler

Troubleshooting

Automation scripting

Independent work

Tools

Terraform

PowerShell

Horizon View

vCenter

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and self-driven Systems Administrator with strong expertise in cloud services, Microsoft enterprise technologies, virtualization, and modern security platforms The ideal candidate will have hands‑on experience with AWS, Microsoft 365/Intune, VMware, and Zscaler, and will play a key role in maintaining secure, scalable, and well‑documented systems. This position is best suited to someone who enjoys solving technical challenges, improving infrastructure through automation and best practices, and operating with autonomy in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

• Manage AWS environments and implement infrastructure-as-code using Terraform
• Administer Microsoft 365 and Exchange Online
• Configure and manage Intune for device/application security

Network Security & Access

• Maintain and optimize Zscaler (ZIA, ZPA, ZDX)
• Implement security policies, access controls, and monitoring standards
• Maintain VMware vSphere 8 (vCenter, ESXi, Horizon View)

Skills Required

Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years’ experience in systems administration or similar role
• 2+ Experience with AWS, Microsoft 365/Exchange, VMware, Zscaler
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively

Preferred

• Certifications in one or more: AWS, Microsoft, VMware, or Zscaler
• Scripting/automation background
• Familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks relevant to IT (e.g., CMMC, NIST 800-171 or C-SCRM).

Additional Value-add Skills

• Enterprise hardware management (PowerEdge, SANs, Unifi)
• Understanding of CMMC, NIST, or C-SCRM frameworks
• Experience tuning Defender, Horizon View, or IIS

Candidates who meet 70–80% of the core requirements are encouraged to apply — we value growth, curiosity, and capability over perfection.

We offer competitive salaries commensurate with education and experience. We have an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, life, long and short-term disability insurance
• 100% Company funded Retirement Plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick pay plans
• Tuition assistance

About Tecolote Research

Tecolote Research is a private, employee-owned corporation where people are our primary resource. Our investments in technology and training give our employees the tools to ensure our clients are provided the solutions they need, and our very high employee retention rate and stable workforce is an added value to our customers.

View all career opportunities: www.tecolote.com

Follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X @TecoloteInc | Facebook