Senior IT Network Administrator

The Opportunity

Senior IT Network Administrator - Madison, WI

Full-Time | Global Engineering Environment | Travel Opportunities

At Baird, you’re not just maintaining systems, you’re building the backbone of a global organization.

If you’re someone who enjoys owning infrastructure end-to-end, solving complex technical challenges, and shaping how systems evolve, just maintaining them—this Senior Network Admin role is designed for you.

We’re a growing international coastal engineering consulting firm with teams and projects around the world. Our work depends on fast, secure, and reliable technology and that’s where you come in.

What You Will Do
You’ll take the lead on our global IT environment, balancing hands-on technical work with forward-looking strategy.

Own and evolve our infrastructure

You’ll manage a hybrid environment across on-prem and cloud systems—Windows Server, Linux (RHEL/CentOS/Ubuntu), Active Directory, Microsoft 365 (Exchange, Teams, Entra), and more. You’ll also oversee virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), storage, backups, and disaster recovery.

Support high-performance technical teams

Our engineers and scientists rely on powerful computing environments. You’ll help optimize systems, software, and workstations to keep their work running efficiently across both Windows and Linux platforms.

Design and manage networks that just work

You’ll build and maintain secure, reliable networks across offices and remote project sites—LAN/WAN, VPNs, firewalls, and wireless. When issues arise, you’ll troubleshoot quickly and implement long-term solutions.

Lead cybersecurity and compliance efforts

You’ll take ownership of our CMMC 2.0 readiness and alignment with NIST SP 800-171, helping assess gaps, implement controls, and support audits. You’ll be the go-to resource for keeping our environment secure and compliant.

Shape what’s next

You won’t just maintain what exists, you’ll help define what comes next. From new office setups to evaluating cloud and network technologies (SD-WAN, VPLS), you’ll play a key role in scaling our infrastructure.

Support people, not just systems

You’ll provide Tier 2/3 support, help users solve complex issues, and create documentation and processes that make everyone more effective.

What You Will Bring

• 8+ years of IT experience, including time in a senior or lead role
• Expert level experience with both Windows Server and Linux environments
• Solid networking knowledge (routing, switching, firewalls, VPN, DNS/DHCP)
• Experience with virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V
• Familiarity with CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, or similar security frameworks
• The ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues
• You must maintain a valid passport at all times and be willing and able to travel when necessary
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application without sponsorship or a work permit now or in the future

You’ll stand out even more if you have:

• Experience in engineering, scientific, or consulting environments
• Cloud experience (AWS, Azure, or GCP—especially hybrid setups)
• Certifications like CISSP, Security+, CCNA/CCNP, RHCSA/RHCE, or CMMC RP
• Experience supporting federal or defense-related projects

Please Note

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support work permit applications now or in the future.

Baird offers a hybrid work model. To be qualified, you must commit to working from our Madison, WI location a minimum of 3 days per week in office (Monday-Friday).

We are committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.