Senior Systems Administrator (VMware, Cisco, Palo Alto)

Senior Systems Administrator (VMware, Cisco, Palo Alto)Location: Cleveland, OHPosition SummaryThe Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for the design, administration, security, and support of enterprise IT infrastructure across on-prem and cloud environments. This role requires strong hands-on expertise with VMware virtualization, Cisco networking, Palo Alto firewalls, Azure cloud services, Splunk monitoring, backup systems, and PCI-compliant environments. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver who ensures infrastructure reliability, security, and compliance.Key ResponsibilitiesAdminister, maintain, and optimize VMware vSphere / ESXi environments, including virtual servers, storage, and high availabilityManage and support Cisco network infrastructure, including switches, routers, VLANs, routing, and troubleshootingConfigure, maintain, and optimize Palo Alto firewalls, including security policies, NAT, VPNs, rule sets, and threat preventionMonitor system, network, and security events using Splunk; analyze logs, create alerts, and respond to incidentsSupport and administer Microsoft Azure infrastructure, including virtual machines, networking, and hybrid integrationsEnsure systems and network configurations meet PCI-DSS compliance requirements and internal security standardsManage backup and disaster recovery solutions, including backup verification, restores, and documentationPerform system patching, upgrades, and lifecycle management for servers, network devices, and security platformsTroubleshoot complex issues across systems, networking, virtualization, cloud, and security layersCollaborate with IT security, application teams, vendors, and auditors to support business and compliance needsParticipate in on-call rotations and provide after-hours support as requiredMaintain accurate documentation for infrastructure, configurations, procedures, and changesRequired Qualifications3+ years of experience as a Senior Systems Administrator, Infrastructure Administrator, or similar roleStrong hands-on experience with VMware vSphere / ESXi in enterprise environmentsSolid knowledge of Cisco networking (switching, routing, TCP/IP, VLANs)Hands-on experience administering Palo Alto firewallsExperience with Splunk or similar log management and monitoring toolsWorking experience with Microsoft Azure (hybrid or cloud-based infrastructure)Experience supporting environments subject to PCI-DSS complianceExperience managing backup and disaster recovery systemsStrong troubleshooting skills across systems, networks, and securityPreferred QualificationsCertifications such as VMware (VCP)Cisco (CCNA/CCNP)Palo Alto (PCNSE/PCNSA), or Azure (AZ-104)Experience with Windows Server environments (Linux experience a plus)Scripting or automation experience (PowerShell, Bash, Python)Experience with vulnerability management or security hardeningExperience supporting highly available or mission-critical environmentsSoft SkillsStrong communication and documentation skillsAbility to work independently and manage multiple prioritiesDetail-oriented with a security-first mindsetComfortable working in a fast-paced, production environmentWhy This RoleHands-on senior role with ownership across infrastructure, networking, security, and cloudExposure to enterprise systems and regulated environmentsOpportunity to influence infrastructure reliability, security, and compliance postureContact Information:Luke Slabe440-627-6902lslabe@emeraldresourecegroup.com