Senior Systems Administrator

Placements24; Riverton (UT); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to manage and secure the IT infrastructure in a fully remote role based in South Africa. You will install, configure, and maintain Windows and Linux servers, manage VMware vSphere and Hyper‑V, and oversee networking, security, and cloud services.

The role requires 5+ years in systems administration, strong scripting skills, and experience with AD, backups, and disaster recovery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration or a similar IT infrastructure role.
• Strong experience with Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency in managing virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Hyper‑V).
• Solid understanding of networking protocols, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and firewall management.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their services.
• Scripting knowledge (PowerShell, Bash, Python) for automation.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity management solutions.
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and ability to work in a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain server hardware and software across Windows and Linux.
• Manage and administer virtualized environments (VMware vSphere, Hyper‑V).
• Oversee network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Implement and maintain robust security measures for IT systems and data.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and resource utilization; address issues proactively.
• Perform regular backups and ensure data recoverability.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues; provide timely resolutions.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
• Develop and maintain system documentation and procedures.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and IT security best practices.
• Provide technical support to end-users and IT staff.
• Manage cloud-based infrastructure services (AWS, Azure) as needed.

Skills

Windows Server

Linux

VMware vSphere

Hyper-V

Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)

Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)

PowerShell/Bash/Python

Active Directory

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT / CS or related field

Tools

VMware vSphere

Microsoft Hyper-V

Windows Server

Linux

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a growing enterprise solutions provider, is seeking a skilled Senior Systems Administrator to manage and maintain their IT infrastructure. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to leverage your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for the installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and ongoing maintenance of servers, networks, and related hardware and software. We are looking for an experienced professional with a strong understanding of operating systems, virtualization, cloud technologies, and network security. This role is crucial for ensuring the stability, performance, and security of our client's critical IT systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, configure, and maintain server hardware and software across various operating systems (Windows Server, Linux).
• Manage and administer virtualized environments (e.g., VMware, Hyper‑V).
• Oversee network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Implement and maintain robust security measures to protect IT systems and data.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and resource utilization, proactively addressing potential issues.
• Perform regular backups and ensure data recoverability.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues, providing timely and effective resolutions.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, and access rights.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including configurations and procedures.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in system administration and IT security.
• Provide technical support to end-users and other IT staff.
• Manage cloud-based infrastructure services (e.g., AWS, Azure) as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in systems administration or a similar IT infrastructure role.
• Strong experience with Windows Server and Linux operating systems.
• Proficiency in managing virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper‑V).
• Solid understanding of networking protocols, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and firewall management.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their associated services.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as PowerShell, Bash, or Python for automation.
• Familiarity with Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity management solutions.
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery solutions.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote team.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering significant flexibility. Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and opportunities for professional development and certifications. You will work with a dedicated team on critical infrastructure that supports business growth. The company fosters a supportive and collaborative remote work culture, valuing efficiency and expertise. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Systems Administrator seeking a challenging remote role.