Systems Administrator I

Punch Studio•Culver City, CA

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Systems Administrator I serves as a technical subject matter expert and works closely with the IT Manager to support and maintain the organization’s overall IT environment. This role is primarily focused on the administration, optimization, and troubleshooting of core infrastructure systems across multiple locations, including the corporate office. The Systems Administrator will play a key role in maintaining system reliability, performance, and security, while also contributing to the design and improvement of IT processes and infrastructure. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in systems administration, sound technical judgment, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. Responsibilities include supporting the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of hardware and software systems, as well as ensuring the ongoing health of servers, network infrastructure, and cloud-based platforms. This position also acts as a technical escalation point for complex issues, working in collaboration with Help Desk staff to ensure timely and effective resolution, while maintaining a primary focus on infrastructure and systems operations.

Requirements

4–6+ years of experience in Information Technology or a related field.
Strong experience with Active Directory and Microsoft 365 / Entra ID, including user and group management, Group Policy configuration, and general identity administration.
Experience troubleshooting common Active Directory issues, including replication and authentication.
Proficiency with Windows Server environments and general systems administration; familiarity with macOS is a plus.
Experience with virtualization platforms (Hyper-V preferred), backup solutions, and server hardware.
Working knowledge of networking concepts, including VLANs, subnetting, VPNs, and basic firewall configuration and troubleshooting.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze issues and determine root cause.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to support and guide non-technical users, provide a high level of customer service, and handle situations with professionalism and patience.
Strong sense of accountability, reliability, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach within a dynamic IT environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems or related field preferred; equivalent experience or certifications will be considered.
Experience with scripting or automation (e.g., PowerShell) is preferred.
Experience with system monitoring, log analysis, or security-focused environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

Monitor system health, server performance, and critical logs daily to proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact operations.
Evaluate system performance and recommend improvements to enhance reliability, scalability, and security.
Analyze and respond to security-related logs, alerts, and anomalies, maintaining a strong security-first mindset across all systems.
Administer and maintain backup systems, including daily verification of backup integrity and participation in periodic full disaster recovery simulations within isolated environments to validate and document restoration procedures.
Participate in and support disaster recovery planning efforts, ensuring systems can be restored reliably and within expected timeframes.
Maintain clear, accurate, and up-to-date technical documentation, including system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Follow and contribute to change management processes, ensuring all infrastructure changes are documented, reviewed, and tracked appropriately.
Manage and maintain core IT infrastructure, including Windows servers, Hyper-V virtualization platforms, cloud services (O365), networking equipment, and security systems.
Assist in planning and executing infrastructure-related projects, including new server deployments, system upgrades, patching, and performance optimization.
Serve as a technical escalation point for complex issues, collaborating with Help Desk staff to resolve problems efficiently while maintaining focus on infrastructure stability.
Perform infrastructure-related upgrades, maintenance, and system improvements to ensure ongoing system reliability and performance.
Support EDI systems and workflows, with the opportunity to develop knowledge in this area over time.
Explore and evaluate emerging technologies, including automation and AI-driven tools, to improve operational efficiency across the organization.
Stay current with industry best practices in systems administration, cybersecurity, and infrastructure management.