IT Support Specialist (Entry Level)

Department: Information Technology

Location: Itasca, IL

Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented IT Support Specialist (Entry Level) to join our dynamic IT Department. This role is ideal for a recent graduate from a local college who is passionate about launching a career in enterprise IT. The successful candidate will contribute to endpoint engineering, provide Tier 1 helpdesk support, assist in cybersecurity monitoring, and support basic networking tasks. This is a hands-on opportunity to grow technical skills in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.




Key Responsibilities

Endpoint Engineering

• Create, maintain, and deploy standard operating system images for desktops and laptops.
• Assist with patch management, software packaging, and endpoint configuration.
• Monitor endpoint health and encryption compliance (e.g., BitLocker).
• Support device lifecycle management including provisioning, upgrades, and decommissioning.

Helpdesk Support

• Provide Tier 1 technical support for hardware, software, and network-related issues.
• Troubleshoot and resolve incidents involving Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams, VPN, and printing services.
• Manage Active Directory accounts, including password resets and group memberships.
• Respond to user requests via ticketing system, phone, and email.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding processes, including account setup and equipment provisioning.

Cybersecurity Monitoring

• Monitor alerts from cybersecurity platforms (e.g., antivirus, endpoint protection, SIEM).
• Assist in investigating suspicious activities such as failed login attempts, phishing emails, and malware detections.
• Escalate potential threats to senior IT staff.
• Support basic compliance and security hygiene initiatives.

Networking Support

• Assist with troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
• Perform basic switch port checks and cable management.
• Document network configurations and changes.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate records of support activities, system configurations, and procedures.
• Collaborate with IT team members on projects and departmental initiatives.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in endpoint management, cybersecurity, and IT support.
• Basic understanding of Windows OS, Microsoft 365, and networking fundamentals.
• Excellent communication, troubleshooting, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a dynamic IT environment.

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Familiarity with endpoint management tools (e.g., Microsoft Intune, SCCM).
• Exposure to cybersecurity platforms and monitoring tools.
• Experience with ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Jira).
• Basic scripting knowledge (e.g., PowerShell, Bash).
  

EEO-M/F/D/V



Pay Parency and Benefits

At Knowles, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage, and retain top talent. The salary range for this position is $50,000yr - $60,000yr. This is a good faith estimate on the applicable range and serves as a general guideline. We recognize that candidates will come to us with different sets of skills and experiences. Therefore, the offer will be determined more or less than the anticipated range after considering various factors, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s experience, education, skills and abilities as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Certain roles may be eligible for other compensation and benefits programs.

Benefits and other Compensation Programs
At Knowles, we strive to deliver a market competitive compensation and benefits programs that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. The specific programs and options available to any given employees may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, candidate experience and qualifications as well as market and business considerations.
We also provide eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance and wellbeing benefits, among others. Below is a summary of common benefits that Knowles provides to employees (eligibility requirements apply):

• Medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401K plan with a company match - 100% match on the first 5% you contribute
• Short- and Long-term disability coverage
• Life Insurance and AD&D - 100% paid by employer
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)