What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior IT Systems Administrator position at Katalyst Space?
Katalyst Description
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do
What We’re Looking For
Preferred
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $175,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.
Katalyst Culture
Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.
What You’ll Do
- Own and maintain Katalyst's IT infrastructure, including endpoints, networks, identity management systems, SaaS applications, and cloud-based services.
- Manage user lifecycle processes including onboarding, offboarding, account provisioning, access control, and compliance with security policies.
- Administer Microsoft 365, device management platforms, collaboration tools, and other critical business systems.
- Partner with engineering, security, and operations teams to implement and maintain secure, reliable, and scalable IT solutions that support spacecraft development and mission operations.
- Provide responsive technical support, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, document processes, and continuously improve IT operations through automation and best practices.
What We’re Looking For
- 6 years of experience administering corporate IT systems in a fast-paced technology, aerospace, defense, or manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience with Microsoft 365, Entra ID (Azure AD), endpoint management, identity and access management, and SaaS administration.
- Working knowledge of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPNs, wireless networking, and firewall concepts.
- Experience managing Windows and Linux endpoints, including deployment, patching, security hardening, and lifecycle management.
- Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to balance day-to-day support and strategic infrastructure improvements.
Preferred
- Experience supporting environments subject to NIST 800-171, CMMC, ITAR, DFARS, or other government security and compliance requirements.
- Hands-on experience with MDM platforms such as Microsoft Intune, Jamf, Kandji, or similar endpoint management tools.
- Familiarity with scripting and automation using PowerShell, Python, Bash, or infrastructure-as-code tools.
- Experience with gitlab and pipeline infrastructure
- Experience with IaC
- Experience supporting engineering organizations that utilize CAD, simulation, embedded systems, or development environments.
- Previous experience in aerospace, defense, robotics, space systems, or other mission-critical technology industries.
Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000 - $175,000 annually.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Salary : $110,000 - $175,000