IT Support Specialist

About the role

Vulcan Elements is a company dedicated to manufacturing American rare-earth permanent magnets, playing a vital role in supporting national security and economic stability. The organization serves key sectors such as defense, aerospace, and automotive, providing critical materials that contribute to advanced technological applications. As an IT Support Specialist, you will serve as the primary point of contact for technical support across our office and manufacturing sites. Your role will involve ensuring the smooth operation of hardware and software systems, maintaining network reliability, and supporting our digital infrastructure. This position is essential for enabling our teams to operate efficiently and securely, especially given the sensitive nature of our work and the strict compliance standards we adhere to.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technical assistance for hardware and software issues encountered by employees, including troubleshooting laptops, desktops, peripherals, mobile devices, and office equipment.
• Manage the onboarding process for new employees, which includes provisioning hardware, creating user accounts, configuring devices, and training users on IT policies, security protocols, and best practices.
• Assist with the installation, configuration, and ongoing maintenance of network equipment such as switches, access points, and gateways, ensuring reliable connectivity within the manufacturing and office environments.
• Support the setup and management of servers, industrial devices, and other hardware critical to manufacturing operations, ensuring they are properly configured and functioning optimally.
• Help enforce cybersecurity measures in accordance with NIST 800-171, CMMC, and ITAR/EAR standards to maintain compliance and protect sensitive information. This includes managing firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of hardware assets, software licenses, and technical documentation to facilitate troubleshooting, audits, and inventory management.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Operations, and Quality teams to improve automation processes, data collection, and overall system integration to enhance operational efficiency.
• Support Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) user accounts, including managing user access, setting up multi-factor authentication, and assisting with identity management tasks.
• Administer the Microsoft 365 tenant, including managing user licenses, configuring Exchange Online, Teams, and Intune, and troubleshooting related issues.
• Troubleshoot and support Ubiquiti UniFi network devices such as switches, access points, and gateways to ensure network stability and security.
• Manage SharePoint site permissions, document libraries, and access controls to facilitate secure document sharing and collaboration across teams.
• Maintain on-premises Active Directory, including user and group management, Group Policy configuration, and supporting hybrid identity solutions with Entra Connect.
• Track hardware inventory, including device lifecycle management, equipment assignments, and ensuring proper documentation of all IT assets across both office and manufacturing facilities.
• Provide ongoing support for end-users, including training on new systems, updates, and security awareness to promote a secure and efficient working environment.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving connectivity issues, hardware failures, and software malfunctions promptly to minimize downtime.
• Participate in IT projects aimed at improving infrastructure, security, and automation capabilities within the organization.
• Follow company policies and procedures related to data security, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance, especially concerning export controls and sensitive information.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies and best practices to recommend improvements and ensure the organization's IT infrastructure remains current and secure.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in IT support, help desk, or systems administration, ideally within a manufacturing environment or a highly regulated industry.
• Strong understanding of Windows operating systems, including troubleshooting and configuration.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 administration, including managing user accounts, licensing, and troubleshooting Exchange Online, Teams, and Intune.
• Basic networking knowledge, including familiarity with switches, access points, firewalls, and network troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-171 and CMMC, with experience implementing security best practices.
• Experience working in an environment with export-controlled data, such as ITAR/EAR, is highly desirable.
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues efficiently and effectively, with a proactive problem-solving approach.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical users clearly and patiently.
• Ability to work on-site at Research Triangle Park, NC, and support the organization's physical and digital infrastructure.
• Strong organizational skills, including asset management, documentation, and inventory control.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and handle multiple support requests simultaneously.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and adapt to changing organizational needs.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to compliance with export control regulations.

Nice to have

• Experience with Azure cloud services, including Azure AD and related administration tasks.
• Familiarity with Ubiquiti networking products, such as switches, access points, and gateways.
• Knowledge of SharePoint management, including permissions, document libraries, and site configuration.
• Experience with hybrid identity management solutions, such as Entra Connect, to support on-premises and cloud integration.
• Understanding of industrial network environments and protocols used in manufacturing settings.
• Additional certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, or Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate.

Skills & tools

• Windows operating systems
• Microsoft 365 (including Exchange Online, Teams, Intune)
• Azure AD (Entra ID)
• Ubiquiti UniFi network devices
• SharePoint
• Active Directory
• Network troubleshooting tools and techniques
• Security best practices and compliance standards

Practical notes

This position requires U.S. citizenship due to export control regulations and compliance requirements. The role offers a competitive salary along with health insurance benefits and opportunities for professional development. The successful candidate will be expected to work on-site at Research Triangle Park, NC, and support the organization's physical and digital infrastructure. The company values proactive problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with various teams. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, and candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their relevant experience and commitment to security standards.