Lead System Administrator

Role Overview We are looking for an experienced Lead System Administrator who can manage and enhance our on-premises and cloud infrastructure, ensure high availability of servers and networks, and drive operational excellence across virtualization, Windows/Linux systems, networking, security, and data center operations. This role will also lead our transition into containerization, including Amazon ECS/EKS adoption, scaling strategies, and automation initiatives. While the candidate will collaborate closely with the existing team, this is a technical leadership role without direct reporting responsibilities. Daily on-site presence is required at our Bengaluru office near Silk Board, so candidates residing nearby or willing to relocate are preferred. Key Responsibilities Core Infrastructure & Systems 1. Virtualization (VMware): Manage and maintain VMware virtualization platforms, including provisioning, migration, and performance monitoring. 2. Windows Server & Active Directory: Administer Windows Server environments, including installation, patching, and troubleshooting. 3. Domain Controller Management: Manage and secure domain controllers, ensuring proper authentication, replication, and GPO policies. 4. Linux Systems: Install, configure, and maintain Linux environments, ensuring performance and stability. Networking & Security 5. Networking: Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, routing, switching, and WLAN infrastructure. 6. Firewall & Security: Implement, configure, and monitor firewall policies to ensure secure access. Hardware & Data Center 7. Server Hardware Management: Perform installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting of physical servers, with strong proficiency in RAID configuration and management. 8. Data Center Operations: Support data center activities including monitoring, capacity planning, backup, and recovery. Backup & Endpoint Security 9. Backup & Recovery: Manage and monitor data backups using Veeam and native platform tools; ensure reliable recovery. 10.  Endpoint Protection: Deploy and manage endpoint security solutions (antivirus, EDR). Cloud, Containerization & Scaling 11.  Cloud Infrastructure (Preferred AWS): Support cloud infrastructure operations and hybrid integrations. 12.  Containerization & Orchestration: Work with Amazon ECS and/or EKS for container deployments. Build and manage containerized workloads using Docker and Kubernetes. Configure scaling strategies including EKS Cluster Autoscaler, HPA, EC2 Auto Scaling Groups , and CloudWatch-based triggers. Lead the adoption of containerization internally and mentor team members on these technologies. Workplace Productivity Systems 13.  Office 365 & Google Workspace: Administer Office 365 services; support Google Workspace as an added advantage. User & Automation Support 14.  End User Support: Provide technical assistance for desktops, laptops, applications, and peripherals. 15.  Scripting & Automation: Develop scripts in PowerShell, Python, or Batch to automate routine tasks. Compliance & Governance 16.  Compliance & Inventory: Ensure ISO compliance and maintain accurate IT asset and software inventory records. Required skills & competencies Strong experience in VMware virtualization. Solid knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, and Domain Controller management. Hands-on expertise with Linux systems administration. Strong networking skills (VLANs, routing, WLAN, firewall configuration). Proficiency in server hardware and RAID management. Knowledge of endpoint protection and Veeam backup solutions. Cloud infrastructure knowledge (AWS preferred). Working knowledge of Office 365 administration; Google Workspace is a plus. Scripting experience (PowerShell, Python, Batch). Awareness of ISO compliance and IT governance standards. Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and collaboration skills. Experience with Amazon ECS/EKS, Docker, and Kubernetes. Experience with auto-scaling, such as ASG, HPA, or Cluster Autoscaler. Understanding of infrastructure automation tools (Terraform, CloudFormation preferred but optional). Ability to drive containerization initiatives independently.