System Administrator (San Diego)

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Job Title : System Administrator

Type of Role : Contract to Hire

Location : San Diego, CA

Hourly Range : $43 - $48.50

PURPOSE

The System Administrator is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving our clients core infrastructure, including servers, virtualization platforms, storage, identity services, and endpoint systems. This role ensures the stability, availability, and security of enterprise systems through routine administration, proactive monitoring, documentation, and adherence to IT standards.

The System Administrator works closely with senior engineers and the cybersecurity team to maintain daily operations, resolve Tier-2 issues, and support key infrastructure initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Infrastructure & Systems Support

Administer and maintain Windows Server and Linux systems; perform routine patching, updates, and system configuration.

Support VMware ESXi, vCenter, and virtual server operations including provisioning, snapshots, and performance checks.

Assist with Veeam Backup & Replication job monitoring, restores, and backup validation tasks.

Maintain Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, and identity-related configuration changes.

Perform hardware installation, racking, cabling, and lifecycle maintenance for servers and storage.

Network & Security

Support firewall, VPN, and network appliance operations (Cisco / Fortinet / Palo Alto) under senior engineer guidance.

Ensure systems meet security hardening standards and participate in patch compliance activities.

Assist with troubleshooting endpoint protection, email security (DMARC / SPF / DKIM), and vulnerability remediation.

Monitoring, Documentation & Operations

Monitor system performance using tools such as SolarWinds, Grafana, or Dynatrace and escalate anomalies.

Document configurations, SOPs, diagrams, and asset changes in ServiceNow and Confluence.

Perform Tier-2 troubleshooting for server, application, and endpoint issues; escalate when needed.

Participate in disaster recovery tests and support backup verification activities.

Collaboration & Service Delivery

Work closely with senior administrators on infrastructure modernization, patch campaigns, server migrations, and cloud projects.

Provide high-quality service to internal customers and support cross-functional IT initiatives.

Participate in on-call rotation and after-hours maintenance windows.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Associate or Bachelors degree in IT, Computer Science, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

Experience

35 years of experience in system administration in a medium or enterprise environment.

Experience with Windows Server, Linux, VMware, and Active Directory.

Familiarity with security frameworks, patch management, and system hardening.

Certifications (Preferred)

Microsoft Certified : Windows Server / Azure

VMware VCTA / VCP

CompTIA Network+, Security+, or Linux+

Veeam Certified Technician (VMCT)

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Solid understanding of enterprise server, storage, and networking fundamentals.

Ability to follow change control, documentation standards, and operational procedures.

Strong customer service mindset and teamwork orientation.

Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks effectively

WORK ENVIRONMENT

On-site presence required 5 days a week.

Participation in after-hours maintenance and on-call rotation.

Occasional travel to HT facilities or data centers.

Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs for hardware installation tasks.

Balance Staffing is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.