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 :

• Virtualization (VMware) : Manage and maintain VMware virtualization platforms, including provisioning, migration, and performance monitoring.
• Windows Server & Active Directory : Administer Windows Server environments, including installation, patching, and troubleshooting.
• Domain Controller Management : Manage and secure domain controllers, ensuring proper authentication, replication, and GPO policies.
• Linux Systems : Install, configure, and maintain Linux environments, ensuring performance and stability.

Networking & Security

• Networking : Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, routing, switching, and WLAN infrastructure.
• Firewall & Security : Implement, configure, and monitor firewall policies to ensure secure access.

Hardware & Data Center

• Server Hardware Management : Perform installation, upgrades, and troubleshooting of physical servers, with strong proficiency in RAID configuration and management.
• Data Center Operations : Support data center activities including monitoring, capacity planning, backup, and recovery.

Backup & Endpoint Security

• Backup & Recovery : Manage and monitor data backups using Veeam and native platform tools; ensure reliable recovery.
• Endpoint Protection : Deploy and manage endpoint security solutions (antivirus, EDR).

Cloud, Containerization & Scaling

• Cloud Infrastructure (Preferred AWS) : Support cloud infrastructure operations and hybrid integrations.
• 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

• Office 365 & Google Workspace : Administer Office 365 services; support Google Workspace as an added advantage.

User & Automation Support

• End User Support : Provide technical assistance for desktops, laptops, applications, and peripherals.
• Scripting & Automation : Develop scripts in PowerShell, Python, or Batch to automate routine tasks.

Compliance & Governance

• 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.

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