System Administrator, Windows and Azure

Why you:

We are seeking a skilled System Administrator with strong expertise in Windows Server and Cloud infrastructure (Azure / AWS). The ideal candidate will be responsible for administering, maintaining, securing, and optimizing both cloud-based and on-premises systems, ensuring high availability, performance, and security across environments.

This role requires a solid foundation in system administration, troubleshooting, and diagnostics, along with proven experience in Windows Server management and cloud technologies. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver reliable, secure, and efficient infrastructure solutions to meet business needs.

If this is you, and you wonder what it would be like to work at Pythian, reach out to us and find out!  

Intrigued to see what a life is like at Pythian? Check out #pythianlife on LinkedIn and follow @loveyourdata on Instagram!

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What you will be doing:

• Deploy, configure, and monitor IaaS / PaaS workloads in Microsoft Azure and/or AWS EC2.
• Manage hybrid identity environments – including Azure AD Connect, identity synchronization, and SSO.
• Configure and manage networking components in cloud environments (VNet, NSG, Route Tables, VPN Gateways, Security Groups, etc.).
• Apply system updates, patches, and compliance configurations via centralized patch management tools such as Azure Update Manager or AWS Systems Manager.
• Implement and maintain backup, recovery, and monitoring solutions (e.g., Azure Backup, CloudWatch, Azure Monitor).
• Administer and maintain Windows Server environments (2016, 2019, 2022), including installation, configuration, patching, and performance tuning.
• Automate routine administrative tasks using PowerShell, CLI, or Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (ARM, Bicep, Terraform).
• Manage core Microsoft services, including Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Group Policy (GPOs), DNS, DHCP, and NTP.
• Manage and maintain Windows Server environments in Azure and/or AWS, including VMs, storage, and networking.
• Ensure security best practices and compliance for Windows and cloud infrastructure; manage vulnerability management processes.
• Manage VMware infrastructure, including vSphere, vCenter, ESXi hosts, HA, and DRS configurations (as required).
• Manage and maintain virtual and physical server infrastructure within data center and cloud-hosted environments.
• Monitor system performance, capacity, and cost optimization across on-premises and cloud environments.
• Handle technical incident/problem management, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for client-impacting incidents.
• Work with cross-functional teams on infrastructure planning, upgrades, migrations, and modernization projects.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation for system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
• Strong demonstrated work ethic with clear focus on customer success.
• Excellent client-facing communication skills and the ability to handle and manage client interactions and escalations effectively, ensuring client satisfaction and timely resolution of critical issues.
• Participate in an on-call rotation in an escalation capacity.

What we need from you:

• 5-10 years of overall experience in IT infrastructure administration, with significant hands-on experience in both Windows Server and cloud (Azure or AWS) administration.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience with a major cloud platform (Azure or AWS).
• 5+ years of strong experience in Windows Server administration (Windows Server 2016, 2019).
• Proficiency in cloud technologies
• Experience in PowerShell scripting for task automation and infrastructure as Code concepts (Terraform, ARM, CloudFormation
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to manage client expectations and handle complex projects effectively.
• Knowledge of core networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, Firewall basics).
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide 24/7 support for critical systems.
• Proven experience managing infrastructure within data center hosting environments.
• Strong troubleshooting methodology and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and customer service skills.
• Ability to work autonomously as an Individual Contributor and manage tasks effectively.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Administrator Associate, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate or similar) are a plus.

What you will receive:

• Love your career: Competitive total rewards package. Blog during work hours; take a day off and volunteer for your favorite charity.
• Love your work/life balance: Flexibly work remotely from your home, there’s no daily travel requirement to an office! All you need is a stable internet connection. 
• Love your coworkers: Collaborate with some of the best and brightest in the industry!
• Love your development: Hone your skills or learn new ones with our substantial training allowance; participate in professional development days, attend training, become certified, whatever you like! 
• Love your workspace: We give you all the equipment you need to work from home including a laptop with your choice of OS, and an annual budget to personalize your work environment!  
• Love yourself: Pythian cares about the health and well-being of our team. You will have an annual wellness budget to make yourself a priority (use it on gym memberships, massages, fitness and more). Additionally, you will receive a generous amount of paid vacation and sick days, as well as a day off to volunteer for your favorite charity.

Hiring Disclaimer

• The successful applicant will need to fulfill the requirements necessary to obtain a background check.
• Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in any aspect of the selection process.

AI Disclaimer

Pythian may utilize Enterprise Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or features throughout its hiring process. These tools help us manage high volumes of applications efficiently and may be employed to review applications, analyze resumes, and assist with other recruitment steps. While Pythian uses AI in its hiring process, it does not substitute for human judgment. Our Talent Acquisition Team reviews all AI-generated recommendations, and the system is subject to regular bias audits to ensure fairness and compliance with all applicable employment and human rights laws. All final hiring decisions are made by, and remain the responsibility of, human decision-makers. By applying for this position, you consent to Pythian’s use of these AI tools in the evaluation of your application. You have the right to request a human review of any solely AI-driven decision or to request an accommodation. Should you require further details regarding the processing of your data, please reach out to us.