System Administrator

📋 Job Overview

Location: On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility
We are seeking an Systems Administrator to own the company’s day-to-day IT infrastructure, hardware, and systems. This person keeps the business running technically: provisioning new hires, administering endpoints and network equipment, and standing up our first on-premises server environment — while working alongside a dedicated Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager and a Help Desk / Desktop Support Lead.

🏢 About Kraken Kinetics

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.
Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

🎯 The Role

This role owns infrastructure and systems administration specifically. It is not responsible for cybersecurity strategy or CMMC/NIST compliance ownership (that sits with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager) or front-line ticket support (that sits with the Help Desk Lead) — though close day-to-day coordination with both is essential, especially as we bring our first on-premises server online.

✅ Key Responsibilities

• Own and administer company IT hardware, network systems, and (soon) on-premises server infrastructure.
• Provision and manage endpoints (Windows, macOS, and iOS) across the full device lifecycle — issuance, configuration, maintenance, and retirement.
• Administer network equipment: routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and VPN connections.
• Stand up and maintain the company’s first on-premises server environment, including Windows Server, Active Directory, virtualization, backups, and patching, as this capability comes online.
• Provision new hires: accounts, hardware, and system access, in coordination with HR and the Help Desk Lead.
• Maintain the official IT asset registry and configuration baselines.
• Support integrations with enterprise systems (ERP, MRP, IMS) as the company grows.
• Partner with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager and our Managed Security & Compliance Partner (MSCP) to ensure systems and endpoints meet required security configurations.
• Serve as the Tier 3 escalation point for issues the Help Desk Lead cannot resolve.
• Recommend infrastructure improvements, tools, and standards that support growth and reliability.

📌 Required Qualifications

• 4–7 years of professional IT systems administration experience (mid-to-senior level).
• Hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and virtualization — or strong systems administration fundamentals with readiness to stand up on-premises infrastructure.
• Experience managing network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, VPN).
• Experience with endpoint management and device lifecycle across Windows, macOS, and iOS.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (GCC or GCC High preferred) and coordinating with a managed service/security provider.
• Strong documentation and asset management discipline.

⭐ Desirable Experience

• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate, or Azure Administrator Associate (not required at this time, as the company does not yet handle CUI).
• Experience in DoD, aerospace, or defense industrial base (DIB) environments.
• Experience supporting ERP/MRP/IMS system integrations.
• Experience working alongside an MSSP/MSCP or other outsourced IT security partner.

🎁 Benefits

Benefits included:
Generous PTO policy
Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).
Vision & dental (100% company-paid)
Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)
Generous 401(k) retirement plan
Company-paid life insurance
Great teammates and well stocked snacks

🛂 Visa & Eligibility

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, inclu