Senior System Administrator

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas • Topeka, MO

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Senior System Administrator serves as the senior technical administrator for Information Services responsible for maintaining and optimizing the organization’s enterprise network systems, encompassing Data Center, LAN, Wan and Wi-Fi infrastructure to meet business needs and service-level expectations. This role oversees complex system analysis, project management activities, and critical maintenance to ensure reliable and secure operations. By guiding technology decisions, mentoring team members, and collaborating with senior leadership, the position helps balance performance, cost, and long‑term strategic objectives. “This position is eligible to work remotely, hybrid or onsite in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.”

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical and business documentation.
• Proven ability to manage time, work independently, and collaborate effectively in team environments.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to develop estimates and manage deliverables.
• Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot and evaluate infrastructure effectiveness and perform gap analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership in designing, operating, and evolving medium to large‑scale Data Center, LAN, and WAN environments, with expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing and switching architectures.
• Effective negotiation skills with internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard PC utilities.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of eight years’ experience in I.T. infrastructure required.
• Demonstrated experience with managing assigned technology by performing regular and critical maintenance tasks within defined service levels preferred.
• Requires the ability to lift and handle IT or office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds as part of routine job duties.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, mouse, and other IT-related tools.
• Ability to work in a standard office environment, including attending meetings in person or virtually.

Nice To Haves

• Scripting Experience (e.g., Python, Postman) a plus.
• Preferred Experience with Vendors/Technologies: Cisco, Cisco ACI, Cisco Catalyst “DNA” Center, Cisco ISE, Cisco Catalyst Wireless, Cisco SDA, Aruba Wireless, Palo Alto, VMWare, SolarWinds, Wireshark, Allegro, Gigamon, Cloud Technologies.
• Protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VRF, VXLAN, ISIS, LISP, QoS, IPSEC, TCP/IP, 802.1X, RADIUS, VPC, LACP, HSRP, DNS, DHCP, IPv6.
• Bachelor’s degree or completion of a Computer Science Program from a Technical Trade School preferred.
• Technical training with certification in assigned technology is required as applicable.
• Successful completion of the Infrastructure Advanced Learning Program is preferred.
• Training in ITIL, COBIT, and Agile is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implements infrastructure projects and system changes using established project management practices.
• Analyzes business requirements, assesses infrastructure impact, and identifies gaps in existing processes.
• Monitor system performance, conduct regular audits, and perform routine maintenance to prevent downtime.
• Designs and documents infrastructure architecture and workflows, and defines the policies, standards, procedures, and strategic direction that guide infrastructure operations.
• Performs infrastructure monitoring, maintenance, and upgrades while ensuring technology solutions align with service expectations, standards, and best practices.
• Manages infrastructure costs and negotiates service level agreements with internal stakeholders and vendors.
• Mentors and guides team members by sharing technical expertise, best practices, and operational knowledge.
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Must be accessible via mobile services (i.e. text, voice, data) during non-working hours for upgrades, system outages, and configuration changes.

Benefits

• Base compensation is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package
• Incentive pay program (EPIP)
• Health/Vision/Dental insurance
• 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
• Fertility/Adoption assistance
• 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
• 401(k) plan matching up to 5%
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees