About the Opportunity

Are you an IT professional who enjoys solving problems, working with a variety of technologies, and taking ownership of day-to-day IT operations? We are seeking a Systems Administrator to join a well-established, growing aerospace and defense manufacturer. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys a hands-on, multifaceted IT role rather than being limited to one area of technology.

You'll support IT operations across office, engineering, and manufacturing environments while gaining exposure to network infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, and IT projects. With a strong reputation for employee retention, a stable business environment, and continued growth, this organization offers an opportunity to build a long-term career while making a direct impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Systems Administration & End-User Support
  • Provide hands-on technical support for employees across office, engineering, and manufacturing environments.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, operating systems, printers, and network connectivity issues.
  • Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows workstations, laptops, and servers.
  • Administer Microsoft 365 and Active Directory, including user accounts, permissions, and access management.
  • Manage IT onboarding and offboarding, including equipment setup, account provisioning, and access removal.
• Network Infrastructure & Security
  • Support and maintain network infrastructure, including FortiGate firewalls, Cisco switches, and wireless networks.
  • Troubleshoot networking issues involving TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and connectivity.
  • Assist with firewall configurations, network changes, and ongoing infrastructure maintenance.
  • Support cybersecurity initiatives, vulnerability management, system patching, and compliance with NIST 800-171 requirements.
  • Assist with endpoint security, data backups, and system protection.
• IT Infrastructure & Operations
  • Support VMware ESXi virtual environments, servers, storage, and backup systems.
  • Maintain endpoint management processes, including device imaging, software deployment, patching, and asset tracking.
  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and help ensure the reliability of IT operations.
  • Maintain accurate IT documentation, system configurations, and equipment inventories.
  • Coordinate with external IT vendors and service providers when additional support is required.
  • Participate in IT projects and collaborate with internal teams to support business and manufacturing operations.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 35 years of experience in IT support, systems administration, or a similar hands-on technical role.
• Experience configuring, supporting, or troubleshooting firewalls and network switches, ideally FortiGate and Cisco.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and wireless networking.
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 and Active Directory.
• Experience supporting Windows operating systems, workstations, and server environments.
• Familiarity with VMware ESXi or similar virtualization technologies.
• Knowledge of endpoint management, system patching, backups, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to independently diagnose and resolve technical issues.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a hands-on, on-site environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FortiGate firewalls and Cisco switching infrastructure.
• Familiarity with NIST 800-171 compliance or other cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience with 802.1X authentication, network access control (NAC), or remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools.
• Previous experience supporting manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or other technical environments.
• CompTIA A+ or related IT certifications.
• Experience working in a small to mid-sized organization where IT professionals support multiple technologies.

Why Join?

• Stability & Long-Term Opportunity: Join an established manufacturer known for exceptionally low employee turnover and long employee tenure.
• Continued Growth: Be part of an organization with a positive business outlook and ongoing opportunities for growth.
• Diverse Technical Exposure: Work across networking, systems administration, cybersecurity, virtualization, and end-user support.
• Hands-On Ownership: Take an active role in maintaining and improving the company's IT infrastructure.
• Unique Industry Exposure: Support aerospace and defense manufacturing operations and gain visibility into the full product lifecycle.
• Collaborative Culture: Work closely with engineering, production, internal stakeholders, and customers.

Schedule & Work Environment

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Work Arrangement: Fully on-site
• Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
• Dress Code: Business casual
• Time Off: Paid holidays and two weeks of paid time off

If you're looking for a stable, long-term opportunity where you can expand your technical expertise, take ownership of IT operations, and contribute to a growing organization, we'd love to connect with you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Patterson, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $38.46/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Patterson, NY.