What are the responsibilities and job description for the Network Administrator position at American Rheinmetall?
American Rheinmetall Vehicles, Inc.
Next-generation solutions for the U.S. Armed Forces
Job Summary:
The IT Network Administrator is responsible for maintaining efficiency, securing, and optimizing the computer networks that support daily manufacturing operations and corporate business functions. This role ensures stable connectivity across the plant, supports production critical systems, and provides technical expertise to additional company locations as needed. The Network Administrator plays a key role in advancing the company’s strategic technology goals, including system reliability, cybersecurity, and scalable infrastructure across the enterprise.
Essential Functions:
The Network Administrator ensures that all network systems—local, plant‑wide, and corporate—operate efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime. This includes supporting manufacturing equipment that relies on network connectivity, safeguarding data integrity, and enabling communication between multiple sites.
- Maintain and administer LAN/WAN/WLAN networks, including switches, routers, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless systems.
- Install, configure, and update network hardware and software to support plant operations and corporate systems.
- Monitor network performance to identify issues, optimize speed, and ensure uptime for production‑critical systems.
- Troubleshoot and resolve network outages, hardware failures, and connectivity issues across the plant and remote locations.
- Implement and maintain cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus systems, and secure access controls.
- Support multi‑site connectivity, ensuring seamless communication between the manufacturing plant and other corporate locations.
- Assist with disaster recovery planning, backups, and network redundancy strategies.
- Document network configurations, diagrams, and system changes for compliance and operational continuity.
- Provide user support and training for network‑related issues, including onboarding for new employees.
- Aligns network infrastructure with corporate technology goals, including modernization, security, and scalability.
- Supports Industry 4.0 initiatives, such as connected machinery, data collection systems, and automation.
- Ensures network readiness for future expansion, acquisitions, or additional plant locations.
- Collaborates with leadership to recommend upgrades and long‑term improvements.
- Assemble and configure network components and services, including Ethernet cables, file/mail servers, maintain backup servers and software, security management, user account management, email systems, internet access, and office applications.
- Perform network troubleshooting to isolate and resolve common network issues.
- Install, test, upgrade, and configure network hardware, software, and services including printing, directories, rights, and file services.
- Establish and maintain new employee and new user setups including but not limited to: issuing and setting up office spaces, desk setups, cable running, user accounts, directories, and security settings.
- Conduct training and instruction for users on CUI/OPSEC, operating systems, relational databases, and applications.
- Perform routine monthly, bi-annual and annual audits as necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, routing, switching, and network security protocols.
- Experience supporting networks in a manufacturing or industrial environment is a plus.
- Working knowledge of network administration, including servers, cabling, and hardware.
- Familiarity with network protocols, firewalls, and security management.
- Ability to perform troubleshooting and problem resolution independently.
- Knowledge of backup systems, disaster recovery, and system integrity checks.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for user support and training.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and security with sensitive information.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of CNC Machining program network needs and requirements is desirable.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
- One (1) to three (3) years of related network administration experience required.
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Background Prerequisites:
Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification, reference checks, physical, and controlled substance testing.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications such as CompTIA Network , CCNA, CCNP, Security , or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA).
- Experience in AS9100 and/or ISO 14001 certified environments.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
With or without reasonable accommodation requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently: sitting, using hands for computer tasks, handling equipment.
- Occasionally: standing, walking, lifting/moving up to 50 pounds.
Hazards / Tasks / PPE / Ergonomics:
- Exposure to electronic equipment, cabling, and IT hardware.
- Must follow safety procedures and security protocols.
Work Environment:
- Office and IT server room environment.
- Close collaboration with IT team and other departments.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
American Rheinmetall provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.