Job Summary

Systems Administrator
Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN

Support the technology that powers innovation, discovery, and student success.

As a Systems Administrator at Purdue, you’ll play a key role in maintaining a reliable, secure, and high-performing technology environment that serves tens of thousands of users across campus. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully while continuing to grow your technical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven setting.

What You’ll Do

• Perform day-to-day system administration tasks across enterprise environments, ensuring stability, security, and performance
• Install, configure, and maintain system software, servers, and endpoint devices
• Monitor system health and respond to hardware and software issues as they arise
• Support well-defined technical projects, contributing with minimal guidance
• Assist in troubleshooting complex issues and recommend improvements to existing processes
• Help develop and refine operational procedures to enhance consistency and efficiency
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders regarding system updates, policies, and service needs

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Experience supporting Windows, macOS, and/or Linux environments
• Ability to independently manage routine tasks while contributing to broader team initiatives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative mindset

Why Purdue?
At Purdue, your work directly supports teaching, research, and innovation on a global scale. You’ll join a team that values continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and professional growth—where your contributions help ensure technology remains a strong foundation for the university’s mission.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Two (2) years of hands‑on systems administration experience supporting Windows, Linux, and macOS environments
  • Experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS/DHCP, and user/account management
  • Working knowledge of Linux administration (command line, services, permissions, logs)
  • Experience supporting macOS in an enterprise environment, including MDM tools (e.g., Intune, JAMF)
  • Familiarity with endpoint lifecycle management, patching, monitoring, and troubleshooting Tier 2 incidents
  • Solid understanding of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, VPNs) and virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V, or cloud)
  • Exposure to security best practices (RBAC, MFA, least privilege) and basic scripting/automation (PowerShell, Bash, or Python)
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered

Skills Required:

• Foundational understanding of operating systems, networks, and system troubleshooting
• Strong problem‑solving skills for routine technical issues
• Willingness to learn enterprise tools, security practices, and Purdue’s endpoint management systems
• Ability to:
  • follow established procedures and document work clearly
  • communicate effectively with both technical and non‑technical users
• Familiarity with Windows and/or macOS system administration concepts (e.g., configuration, updates, troubleshooting)

Preferred:

• Exposure to any of the following is beneficial but not required:
  • Group Policy or other configuration management tools
  • Intune, Jamf, Igor, Puppet or similar endpoint management platforms
  • Basic scripting (PowerShell, Bash, CLI or similar)
  • Software packaging or deployment processes
  • Enterprise security fundamentals

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period   
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Professional 2

• Pay Band S065
• Job Code #20002140

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.