Systems Administrator
Apply NowCompany: ManhattanLife
Location: Houston, TX 77084
Description:
Who we are:
ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company was founded in 1850, the Company's longevity makes it one of the oldest and most reliable health and life insurance companies in the country. Operating successfully for 175 years is a testimony to ManhattanLife's enduring history, and an indicator of the reliability of our future. ManhattanLife's headquarters are in Houston, TX and the company is continually growing with multiple office locations nation-wide. ManhattanLife offers attractive employee benefits starting day one, including immediate coverage under our health, dental and vision plans. We offer flexible schedules, including shortened hours on Fridays, free parking, company-wide events, professional development (LOMA testing) and a company-wide wellness program.
Scope and Purpose:
ManhattanLife continues to grow our business and our team. We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Systems Administrator in our Houston, Texas headquarters. In this position, you will be responsible for the installation, administration, security, and optimization of our Microsoft client-server, Linux systems, VMware, and cloud infrastructure to achieve and maintain high performance and availability.
This role includes ensuring the availability and security of systems and applications, supporting IT projects, and developing procedures for ongoing administration. Areas of responsibility include Microsoft Azure/Office 365, on-prem Windows and Linux servers, VMware virtualization, Cisco and Meraki networking/security stack and other 3rd party tools.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Tools and Platform Experience:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Travel Requirements:
This position may require light travel within a ten-mile radius from one local office location to another as needed.
Professional Development:
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, type, and use mouse; reach with hands and arms and talk and/or hear. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The position may require lifting, pulling or moving items weighing upwards of 10 pounds as it relates to office or desk supplies.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones via WebEx, physical phone while in office, and photocopiers when necessary.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement:
ManhattanLife prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE Employer/Vet/Disabled. ManhattanLife values differences. We are committed to fostering an environment that attracts and retains a diverse workforce. With individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ManhattanLife will be better equipped to service our customers, increase innovation, and reduce risks. We encourage the unique perspectives of individuals and are dedicated to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.
ManhattanLife Insurance and Annuity Company was founded in 1850, the Company's longevity makes it one of the oldest and most reliable health and life insurance companies in the country. Operating successfully for 175 years is a testimony to ManhattanLife's enduring history, and an indicator of the reliability of our future. ManhattanLife's headquarters are in Houston, TX and the company is continually growing with multiple office locations nation-wide. ManhattanLife offers attractive employee benefits starting day one, including immediate coverage under our health, dental and vision plans. We offer flexible schedules, including shortened hours on Fridays, free parking, company-wide events, professional development (LOMA testing) and a company-wide wellness program.
Scope and Purpose:
ManhattanLife continues to grow our business and our team. We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Systems Administrator in our Houston, Texas headquarters. In this position, you will be responsible for the installation, administration, security, and optimization of our Microsoft client-server, Linux systems, VMware, and cloud infrastructure to achieve and maintain high performance and availability.
This role includes ensuring the availability and security of systems and applications, supporting IT projects, and developing procedures for ongoing administration. Areas of responsibility include Microsoft Azure/Office 365, on-prem Windows and Linux servers, VMware virtualization, Cisco and Meraki networking/security stack and other 3rd party tools.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Server Administration (Windows and Linux)
- Administer Windows Server 2012/2016/2019/2022 environments.
- Manage Microsoft Active Directory: Sites and Services, Group Policies, DNS, SSO, Federation Services, and NTFS permissions.
- Support and administer Linux-based systems (e.g., RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu), including configuration and troubleshooting.
- Ensure security and reliability through patch management and regular OS updates.
- Maintain documentation for server configurations and procedures.
- Cloud Infrastructure (Microsoft Azure and Office 365)
- Administer Microsoft Azure services including Azure AD, VMs, VNets, NSGs, Azure Backup, and Azure Monitor.
- Administer Azure security tools: Conditional Access, Defender for Cloud, and RBAC.
- Support hybrid cloud integration with on-prem infrastructure.
- Automate Azure tasks with PowerShell or Azure CLI.
- Administer Office 365 mail services and Microsoft 365 E5 Security Suite.
- Networking and Security
- Support core networking services: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, switching, routing, WAN/ISP.
- Manager Cisco and Meraki infrastructure: MX firewalls, MS Switches, MR wireless access points.
- Configure and support VPNs, firewall rules, and network security policies.
- Manage Cisco security stack: DUO, Secure Endpoint (AMP), Secure Email, Umbrella, Firepower, ISE, AnyConnect VPN, ThousandEyes.
- Experience with Cisco Secure Mail systems and Cisco TAC is a plus.
- Virtualization and Storage
- Build and manage Windows and Linux virtual machines using VMware vSphere and vCenter.
- Monitor performance, optimize resource allocation, and configure HA/DRS in vSphere.
- Experience with Veeam backup solutions is a plus.
- Process, Documentation, and Support
- Monitor and work tickets in ConnectWise Manage (PSA); serve as an escalation point and mentor for HelpDesk team.
- Maintain detailed documentation for systems, processes, and procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless systems integration.
- Deliver expert troubleshooting and root-cause analysis across platforms.
- Participate in IT projects including infrastructure upgrades and M&A activities.
- Support regulatory compliance (HIPAA, PCI) and related documentation efforts.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Graduate or equivalent (GED).
- At least 7 years of System Administration or MSP (Managed Service Provider) experience.
- At least 5 years supporting core Microsoft technologies: Windows Server, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Microsoft Azure/Office365.
- At least 2-3 years of hands-on Microsoft Azure experience.
Preferred Tools and Platform Experience:
- Microsoft 365 E5 Security Suite
- Cisco Meraki and Cisco Security Stack
- VMware, vCenter, ESXi, vSphere
- ConnectWise Manage, Automate
- ITGlue
- Veeam Backup & Replication
- Microsoft Azure CLI, PowerShell scripting
- HIPAA/PCI compliance experience
- Experience with Mergers & Acquisitions IT integration
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Azure certifications (e.g., AZ-104, AZ-500) are a plus.
- Linux system administration experience is a plus.
- Strong technical troubleshooting and analytical skills
- Detail-oriented and thorough in documentation and execution.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Mature, responsible, and dependable team player.
- Possess a strong customer service mindset.
- Ability to take initiative and ownership of projects.
Travel Requirements:
This position may require light travel within a ten-mile radius from one local office location to another as needed.
Professional Development:
- Establish annual objectives for professional growth.
- Keep pace with developments in the discipline.
- Learn and apply technologies that support professional and personal growth.
- Participate in the evaluation process.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, type, and use mouse; reach with hands and arms and talk and/or hear. The employee is required to sit for extended periods of time. The position may require lifting, pulling or moving items weighing upwards of 10 pounds as it relates to office or desk supplies.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones via WebEx, physical phone while in office, and photocopiers when necessary.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement:
ManhattanLife prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE Employer/Vet/Disabled. ManhattanLife values differences. We are committed to fostering an environment that attracts and retains a diverse workforce. With individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ManhattanLife will be better equipped to service our customers, increase innovation, and reduce risks. We encourage the unique perspectives of individuals and are dedicated to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment.