Systems Administrator

We are looking for a versatile Systems Administrator who will join our Infrastructure & Identity Services team at ESS Companies and play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation and optimization of our IT infrastructure. You will be one of two people on the Infrastructure & Identity Services team, working closely with our IT Support and Networking teams to make sure business needs are being met. In addition to managing and maintaining company infrastructure, the successful candidate will also provide essential support in system administration, security management, and network operations.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with our IT Support and Networking teams on IT projects, infrastructure upgrades, and system migrations.
• Provide escalation support for end-user IT issues.
• Document system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting steps to ensure knowledge sharing and continuity of operations.
• Manage and optimize IT systems, including Windows Server, Linux, and macOS endpoints.
• Support the migration of on-premises infrastructure to cloud-first solutions.
• Monitor system performance and conduct routine maintenance to proactively address potential issues.
• Perform system upgrades, patches, and installations to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Maintain and monitor backup solutions, including Veeam backup software and QNAP Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliances, and partner with the security team to audit and regularly test backups and restore processes, ensuring successful completion, recoverability of critical systems, and documented recovery objectives.
• Administer and support identity and endpoint management platforms, including Active Directory, Microsoft Entra, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Intune, and Iru (formerly Kandji) for Apple device management.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of combined experience across system administration, IT infrastructure, or end-user support — or equivalent hands-on experience through an MSP, internship, homelab, or coursework.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and juggle several efforts at once, and a history of working with increasing independence.
• Experience with scripting (PowerShell, Bash, etc.) or programming to support automation.
• Familiarity with networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, and VPNs.
• Preferred, not required — exposure to backup and storage platforms such as Veeam, QNAP, or Rubrik.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows Server, Active Directory, Microsoft 365, and virtualization technologies.
• Certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Network+, Microsoft Azure or 365 Fundamentals, or vendor equivalents are welcome but not required.

Location, Schedule, and Travel

• This role is based on-site in Columbia, MO. For the right candidate, we are also open to on-site work from one of our other branch locations — Kansas City, Springfield, or Springdale.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)