Systems Administrator

Thompson Coburn LLP • Chicago, IL, US • $120k - $135k / year • 16h ago

Thompson Coburn, a large full-service law firm with offices in eight (8) cities across the U.S., is in search of a full-time exempt Systems Administrator to join its office in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, New York, St. Louis, or Washington D.C. With over 450 attorneys and experience in 50 areas of law, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate and work in a welcoming, fast-paced, and inclusive environment.

Under the direction of the Firm’s Manager, Infrastructure Services, the Systems Administrator will manage and maintain infrastructure and platform technologies to support the production environment in order to meet service level objectives, business level functionality, and security requirements. As well as handle escalated support matters to determine and address systemic issues, and help adapt processes for technology changes to maximize end-user productivity. This exempt position is eligible for a hybrid-remote work schedule after an initial training period.

Key Responsibilities

Supports Microsoft platforms across multiple on-premise systems and Azure/Office 365 cloud environments.
Provides first response to server incidents, management of trouble ticketing, and daily maintenance/monitoring of systems.
Proactively manages on-premise and Azure-based infrastructure, including Microsoft Enterprise Cloud Suite; Exchange (2019–current); Azure AD/Entra ID identity services; Conditional Access and MFA technologies; Intune device and endpoint management; Windows Server (2019–2022); VMware vSphere; Nutanix AHV and Prism Central; Cisco Unified Communication Manager (CUCM); SAN/NAS storage systems; Cisco LAN/WAN environments; FortiGate firewalls; and Cohesity backup and recovery solutions.
Performs daily system monitoring and remediation across servers, applications, and infrastructure services.
Enforce security baselines for all Windows Server systems in alignment with organizational standards and compliance obligations.
Performs regular security hardening, patching, and remediation for servers, applications, and infrastructure components.
Develops and maintains accurate, concise process documentation related to assigned systems and responsibilities.
Acts as a tier-3 escalation point for IT team members and provides technical guidance for vendor coordination and support activities.
Assists IT team members with user application and end-user computing issues, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
Provides direction and mentorship to junior team members in diagnosing and resolving production environment issues.
Participates proactively in change, incident, and problem management processes in accordance with organizational policies and governance.
Provides after-hours support for system-related emergencies as well as occasional weekend maintenance.
Proactive in identifying, reporting, and participating in the resolution of any potential or safety issues
Performs data analysis, performance optimizations, and database maintenance as required.
Advises and directs other development group members and provides assistance on projects. Responsible for the implementation, coordination, and management of projects when required.
Performs other duties necessary to maintain the overall efficiency and continuity of the department.
Attends meetings as assigned and participates in educational activities to keep skills up to date.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

Must possess expert knowledge of Windows Server roles (DNS, ADFS, DFS, DHCP, IIS, RDS, NTFS, Print Services) and core protocols (TCP/IP, LDAP, SMTP, SNMP, SSH/SFTP). Advanced experience with Active Directory, Group Policy, security hardening, remediation, and Microsoft clustering.
Must possess knowledge supporting Exchange in multisite and Office 365 hybrid environments, along with a strong understanding of Azure AD/Entra ID, Conditional Access, MFA, Azure governance (RBAC, tagging, cost awareness), and hybrid cloud troubleshooting.
Must possess knowledge of VMware vSphere or Nutanix AHV/Prism, SAN/NAS connectivity, networking fundamentals, and N-tier enterprise architectures.
Must possess knowledge with monitoring tools such as SCOM and SolarWinds, log aggregation and SIEM platforms (Azure Log Analytics, Sentinel), vulnerability management tools (Qualys, Defender for Endpoint), endpoint security/EDR/XDR solutions, and Windows Server security hardening. Strong familiarity with HIPAA, PCI, and PII requirements.
Must have knowledge PowerShell scripting experience and the ability to automate routine administrative tasks. Working knowledge of SCCM, application packaging, OSD, Cohesity or equivalent backup technologies, certificate services/PKI, and enterprise file services.
Working knowledge of disaster recovery principles including RTO/RPO planning, replication, failover, and DR testing.
Working knowledge with ITIL-aligned change, incident, and problem management processes, including CAB participation, risk assessment, and backout planning.
Working intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and project management/analyst applications.
Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills so as to be able to work well with employees at all levels within the organization and maintain all information in the strictest of confidence. Required to use tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.
Must have the ability to read, write and communicate fluent English; ability to compose documents in the appropriate business style using correct grammar and spelling; ability to communicate clearly using proper grammar and diction over the telephone.
Must possess attention to detail, ability to balance multiple projects, and strong time management skills.
Must have the ability to reason and apply common-sense understanding to situations encountered.
Must have the ability to process routine daily functions while being able to resolve sensitive issues and complex assignments utilizing above-average critical thinking skills.
Ability to travel as necessary.
This is a full-time position that requires working a minimum of forty (40) hours per week on a regular basis. Oftentimes, it may also include working outside of normal business hours to ensure the completion of position requirements.
The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order for them to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday, having the ability to transport twenty-five (25) pounds, and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.

Experience And Education Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems or equivalent degree/experience required.
CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security +, and MCSE: Core Infrastructure, or equivalent credentials.
Five plus (5+) years of experience supporting a multi-site MS Active Directory and MS Azure AD Premium environment.

Compensation

For applicants that meet the experience requirements for the role and are physically based in Chicago, IL, the expected salary range is $120,000 - $135,000 annually upon commencement of employment.Starting salary will be determined on an individualized basis with consideration to prior experience and additional qualifications.This is in addition to a comprehensive benefit package offered by the Firm.

Thompson Coburn LLP is a large, full service, multi-state firm with offices in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Washington D.C. At Thompson Coburn, our behavior and the expectations we have of ourselves are guided by the values that we hold in the highest regard: integrity, a passion for excellence, a focus on serving the client, a value of diversity, innovation, creativity, trust, and loyalty. Within the Firm, we value each other as people and colleagues. In addition to the exceptional working environment and a competitive salary, Thompson Coburn provides the following benefit options to qualifying employees: