Systems administrator Jobs in Seattle, WA

Job Description

KPFF is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator to support and enhance our enterprise technology infrastructure across multiple offices. This role is responsible for maintaining the reliability, security, and performance of the firm's systems, networks, and cloud platforms while providing advanced technical support for critical business operations.

Working closely with the Director of Technology and the broader IT team, this position combines hands-on technical administration with infrastructure improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex technical challenges, balancing operational support with project work, and partnering with internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver secure, scalable technology solutions.

Primary Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Network Administration

• Administer and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, switching, routing, VLANs, WAN connectivity, and network security.
• Monitor system and network health, performance, and capacity to ensure reliable operations across multiple offices.
• Troubleshoot complex connectivity and infrastructure issues affecting office and remote users.
• Coordinate internet service installations, upgrades, and vendor escalations.
• Implement and maintain network security policies, firewall rules, and access controls.

Systems & Cloud Administration

• Administer Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, and other enterprise applications.
• Manage user accounts, permissions, licensing, authentication, and access throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Support servers, virtualization environments, storage systems, backup solutions, and cloud infrastructure.
• Diagnose and resolve system, application, authentication, and endpoint issues while maintaining high system availability.

Security & Operational Support

• Support the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure security controls and best practices.
• Participate in incident response, vulnerability remediation, and infrastructure hardening efforts.
• Respond to escalated technical issues and provide advanced troubleshooting across network, systems, and cloud environments.
• Communicate planned maintenance, outages, and service interruptions to stakeholders.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead or contribute to infrastructure projects, including system upgrades, migrations, and technology modernization initiatives.
• Research and recommend solutions that improve reliability, security, scalability, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, network diagrams, system configurations, and change records.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to support strategic technology initiatives and infrastructure planning.

Vendor & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with hardware, software, cloud, and telecommunications vendors to resolve issues and coordinate infrastructure changes.
• Assist with evaluating technology solutions, procurement activities, and implementation planning.
• Build effective working relationships with employees across the firm while delivering exceptional internal customer service.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Four or more years of experience administering enterprise systems and network infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP networking, DNS, VPNs, VLANs, routing, switching, and firewall technologies.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, and cloud-based infrastructure.
• Experience supporting users across multiple office locations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while maintaining a high level of customer service.

Preferred

• Experience supporting FortiGate, Juniper, or Ubiquiti network environments.
• Experience with VMware or other virtualization platforms.
• Experience with automation or scripting using PowerShell or similar tools.
• Industry certifications such as CCNA, Fortinet, Security+, Microsoft, or other relevant certifications.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk.
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day and communicate over the telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 20 lbs.
• Work in downtown Seattle office 5 days/week, with flexible work hours between 7 am and 5 pm.

Additional Information

Success in This Role

Success will be measured by your ability to:

• Maintain highly available, secure, and reliable infrastructure.
• Resolve incidents efficiently while providing excellent customer service.
• Successfully implement infrastructure enhancements and technology projects.
• Improve system performance, security, and operational efficiency.
• Build trusted relationships across the organization through responsive and collaborative IT support.

Compensation:

The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate's experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate with at least 10 years of experience is $120,000 – $150,000. Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we'll address any questions you may have about the overall compensation package and benefits.

Benefits:

We are passionate about supporting our employees through flexible and comprehensive Benefits:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• KPFF Paid Family Leave
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid Holidays (including two Floating Holidays)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, jury duty)
• Subsidized ORCA bus/transit pass

Work Authorization

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.