IT Systems Specialist

Schupan is a third-generation business headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, built on the belief that materials should never go to waste. With 18 locations around the United States, and a global presence, we are a growing company that values shaping the future of sustainable materials. The culture is hands-on, purpose-driven, and community-rooted, with a strong emphasis on doing meaningful work that lasts.

The IT Systems Specialist supports the organization's infrastructure, cloud services, core technology platforms, and security-related systems while serving as a technical escalation point for end-user support. This role works closely with IT leadership, including the CIO, to evaluate technology needs, strengthen cybersecurity posture, and align systems with business objectives, security standards, and governance expectations. Success requires strong communication skills, technical expertise, sound judgment, and a commitment to customer service across on-premises and cloud-based environments.

Essential Functions

• Manage and maintain Active Directory services, permissions, and Group Policy across on-premises and Microsoft Entra ID environments.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve hardware, software, network, and infrastructure-related issues.
• Support the lifecycle management of workstations, servers, storage systems, and network equipment, including deployment, maintenance, upgrades, and decommissioning.
• Monitor system performance, health, and availability while maintaining accurate technical documentation, procedures, and system inventories.
• Collaborate with IT leadership, business stakeholders, vendors, and the CIO as needed to evaluate technology solutions, review cybersecurity risks, and recommend systems that support operational, security, and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to cybersecurity initiatives by supporting identity and access management, endpoint security, vulnerability remediation, secure configuration standards, and incident response activities.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and enforcement of IT governance, security standards, system controls, and technology lifecycle practices across infrastructure and cloud environments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the IT Operations Manager.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience supporting enterprise IT infrastructure and systems.
• Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and experience will be considered.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Microsoft Windows operating systems, enterprise software, and infrastructure technologies.
• Experience managing and supporting Citrix DaaS, VMware vSphere/ESXi environments, Active Directory, and Group Policy.
• Working knowledge of DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and other core networking protocols within a Windows environment.
• Proven experience managing Microsoft 365 services, including Entra ID, Exchange Online, Intune, and role-based access control (RBAC).
• Experience supporting cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, including access control, least privilege, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and secure system configuration.
• Working knowledge of Databricks administration and user management.
• Basic to intermediate PowerShell scripting skills for automation and systems administration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively support technical and non-technical users.
• Ability to communicate technical risks, security considerations, and system recommendations clearly to IT leadership, including executive-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with AI-enabled tools, including responsible use, data security, governance, and practical application in IT operations.
• Curiosity and initiative to learn new technologies, applications, and IT solutions, with the ability to quickly evaluate and adopt emerging tools that support business objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift, carry, and move IT equipment weighing up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment in data centers, telecommunications rooms, and office environments.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer workstation.