Network and Systems Administrator

Position Overview

Join CAI – a global technology services firm with over 40 years of excellence – as a Network and Systems Administrator located onsite in Evanston, Illinois. In this full-time, contract-to-hire role, you will be responsible for installing, configuring, and supporting the corporation’s LAN, WAN, and internet systems. You will monitor network availability, perform maintenance, and work closely with IT management to ensure systems are operating at prescribed service levels. Candidates must be eligible to work without sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, configure, test, and maintain computer hardware, networking software, operating systems, and peripherals.
• Implement operating system and technology application installs and upgrades.
• Maintain logs related to network functions, maintenance, and repair records.
• Perform data backups and restores, including disaster recovery operations.
• Conduct software deployments to Windows-based applications for new features and bug fixes.
• Coordinate and plan hardware installations and upgrades to network equipment and servers.
• Perform routine network startup and shutdown procedures and maintain related internal controls.
• Negotiate and execute necessary purchases and repairs with vendors/contractors and corporate personnel.
• Be on call 24x7 to address any critical IT needs that arise.
• Perform various other duties as assigned by the management team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience with Windows server administration.
• 3-5 years of experience in desktop, network, hardware, and software support.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work in a collaborative environment and provide professional customer engagement.
• Experience with Microsoft tools such as MMC, Server Manager, PowerShell, and Windows Services.
• Working knowledge of Active Directory domains, trusts, DNS, and networking protocols.
• Experience with server virtualization technologies (VMWare and Hyper-V) and support for Windows 11 users.
• Familiarity with onboarding/offboarding users and maintaining Microsoft Office 365 and related applications.
• Meticulous planning, documentation, and understanding of software licensing and hardware warranties.
• Practical knowledge of cybersecurity measures, website certificates, antivirus software, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Linux/Unix.
• Experience with firewall configurations and familiarity with Cisco/Meraki equipment.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: $50 - $60 per hour. Exact compensation may vary based on location, experience, and education.
• Medical coverage.
• 401k retirement account access.
• Paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.