Network Systems Administrator in Irvine, California at EKN Engineering

Network Systems Administrator

At EKN Engineering, we solve challenging problems with innovative engineering and configurable software solutions. We use an engineering-first approach, combined with data-driven strategies, to improve overall compliance, risk management, and design accuracy tailored to the specific needs of each client.

With decades of experience in engineering, our team of over 160 professionals in Irvine, California is dedicated to building a safer and more efficient tomorrow through engineering and technological innovation.

Role Overview: The Network Systems Administrator is responsible for administering core infrastructure including servers, networks, identity services, and virtualization platforms. Reporting to the IT Manager, this role provides L3 escalation support and leads infrastructure maintenance, monitoring, and improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate works cross-functionally with Helpdesk, Security, and DevOps teams to drive system stability and modernization. This role works under minimal supervision and is expected to maintain uptime independently across a multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and secure Windows Server environments and Active Directory Domain Services

• Administer and support end-user operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS across the organization

• Deploy, configure, and maintain MDM solutions (Microsoft Intune or Jamf) for device enrollment, policy enforcement, and compliance reporting

• Manage Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, file shares, and access control

• Administer hybrid identity with Azure AD Connect / Entra ID

• Maintain server virtualization environments (VMware vSphere or Hyper-V) and plan capacity and expansion

• Monitor and manage network devices, switches, firewalls, and VPN configurations

• Troubleshoot network issues including routing, latency, DHCP conflicts, and VLANs

• Support and improve remote connectivity and site-to-site networking

• Implement and maintain backup and disaster recovery plans

• Patch and maintain infrastructure to meet compliance and security standards

• Ensure uptime and performance of critical IT systems

• Collaborate on infrastructure modernization and cloud migration projects

• Coordinate infrastructure upgrades, server builds, and network refresh projects

• Implement automation and scripting (PowerShell) where applicable

• Plan and implement approved infrastructure changes impacting systems and line-of-business applications

• Coordinate incident response and provide major incident support for infrastructure outages

• Perform capacity planning and provide infrastructure utilization reports

• Document system configurations, network diagrams, and SOPs

• Serve as L3 escalation point for infrastructure-related helpdesk issues

• Serve as technical resource and mentor for Helpdesk teams on infrastructure escalations

• Coordinate with external vendors for support contracts, escalations, and maintenance

Required Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of IT and systems/network infrastructure experience

• Proven experience with Windows Server administration: AD DS, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, file/print services

• Hands-on experience with Entra ID / Azure AD hybrid identity synchronization

• Hands-on experience administering Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS in an enterprise environment

• Experience deploying and managing an MDM platform (Microsoft Intune, Jamf, Hexnode, etc) including device enrollment, configuration profiles, and compliance policies

• Experience administering virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere or Hyper-V)

• Proficiency in networking fundamentals and troubleshooting: TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, VPN, DNS

• Experience with firewall administration (Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco, or similar)

• Storage administration experience (SAN/NAS, iSCSI, RAID)

• Familiarity with backup and disaster recovery tools such as Veeam or Azure Backup

• Scripting and automation fundamentals with PowerShell, Python, or other relevant languages

• Experience with monitoring, logging, and alerting tools (PRTG, SolarWinds, Datadog, or similar)

• Experience configuring and maintaining enterprise networks using industry best practices

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred

Preferred Skills

Certifications:

• Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)

• CompTIA Network+ or Security+

• VMware VCP or Microsoft Virtualization certification

• Cisco CCNA

Technical Skills:

• Experience designing and supporting infrastructure across multiple sites or locations

• Hands-on experience applying Zero Trust principles and network segmentation in a production environment

Process & Compliance:

• Exposure to compliance frameworks such as NIST CSF, SOC 2, or ISO 27001

• Familiarity with ITIL or structured change management processes

Why Join Us:

At EKN Engineering, you’ll be part of a company that values innovation and accountability and supports our employees' professional growth and personal development. Here, you’ll work with teams that push the boundaries of engineering to create solutions that enhance our communities and the environment by making utilities safer.

Benefits & Perks

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to support your health and well-being.

• 401(k) with Company Match – We invest in your future with a dollar-for-dollar match on contributions.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Exclusive Employee Discounts – Access our BenefitsHub for savings on travel, rental cars, hotels, theme parks, and more.

• Monthly Catered Lunches & Daily Office Snacks – Enjoy a well-stocked kitchen and regular team meals to keep you fueled throughout the day.

• Employee Engagement & Wellness – We value connection and balance. Our team enjoys a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including hiking outings, summer BBQs, sports games, holiday celebrations, and dedicated team-building days.

• JOYA Health Membership – Access to over $1,000 in annual skin health and wellness benefits, including complimentary facials or peels, aesthetic service credits, priority skin cancer screenings, teledermatology services, and discounts on skincare products.

• Wellness Perks & Support Programs – Access a variety of wellness resources including discounted gym memberships through One Pass, mental health and self-care tools via AbleTo and Calm, and monthly rewards for healthy activities through Rally.

Public Warning: Recruitment Phishing Scam Impersonating EKN Engineering

EKN Engineering has become aware of a phishing scheme targeting individuals with fraudulent interview requests and job offers. EKN’s secure IT systems and private applicant information have not been compromised; scammers are impersonating EKN employees, using the company name and branding to mislead and engage potential job seekers in fake recruitment processes. Scammers might reference real job openings or describe fake opportunities that generally match individuals’ professional backgrounds, with the goal of establishing communication and eventually obtaining private financial information to defraud people. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Trade Commission warn that employment scams such as this are a growing cyber threat. EKN urges anyone who is contacted about employment opportunities to exercise caution and know that:

• All communication from EKN Engineering will be from an EKN employee using the @eknengineering.com email domain. We do not use third-party recruiters.

• EKN Engineering recruiters will only schedule interviews for candidates who have applied for a position through our secure portal.

• No corporate or IT systems at EKN are affected by this scam. The scammers are using EKN’s logo and employee names to impersonate the company.

• You can directly contact us at TalentAcquisition@eknengineering.com with any questions or concerns.

EKN is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. We caution individuals to be vigilant in protecting personal data and vetting communication with new contacts from any company. Do not respond or provide any personal information if contacted by someone claiming to represent a company to which you did not submit a job application or profile. This scam can be perpetrated against any business and individuals who recognize and trust its name.

For information on EKN recruitment practices and policies, please visit our career page or email TalentAcquisition@eknengineering.com. To report a scam, visit: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov//.