Systemadministrator (m/w/d)

Job Description

ION Storage Systems offers solid-state battery solutions that prioritize performance, safety, and durability. Focusing on a variety of portable and stationary energy storage applications, ION's patented, three-dimensional ceramics design offers a sustainable approach to next-generation energy storage. Built on a scalable, modular ceramic structure, ION's batteries are ready to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world. We are backed by leading venture capital firms including Alsop Louie Partners, Clear Creek Investments, VoLo Earth Ventures, and Toyota Ventures.

We offer an inclusive environment with opportunities for growth, and we believe that a thriving workspace leads to a thriving company. We hope you will contact us to learn more and to be a part of our diverse, collaborative team!

We are seeking a full-time Systems Administrator II to join our team in Beltsville, MD. This position is instrumental in leading a significant transformation within our organization. You will manage and maintain our IT and OT infrastructure - including user and manufacturing devices, servers, networks, and cybersecurity both locally and in cloud services. As a key member of our team, you will provide high-level problem-solving while spearheading larger IT/OT projects that directly impact our scientific, engineering, and technical operations. This role demands a proactive individual with a deep technical background, the ability to strategize for future needs, and the confidence to lead projects from planning to deployment. You will be adept at addressing the technical needs of diverse teams and systems, ensuring a seamless and secure IT/OT environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary administrator for user and group accounts using Active Directory (AD) and Network Information Service (NIS), ensuring robust access control and security.
• Manage the full lifecycle of IT/OT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, endpoints, and cloud services; evaluate and recommend hardware and software solutions aligned with scalability, reliability, and security requirements.
• Conduct in-depth monitoring of system performance, availability, and security. Initiate and lead audits to maintain system integrity and ensure adherence to compliance standards.
• Provide prompt technical support to end-users, resolving hardware and software issues to minimize downtime and assisting with IT inquiries.
• Lead IT/OT infrastructure and security projects end-to-end, including planning, execution, stakeholder coordination, and delivery within defined timelines and resource constraints.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for system configurations, troubleshooting procedures, and maintenance logs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand technical requirements and ensure seamless integration of systems and services.
• Compile and present results of audits on security, performance, and compliance to stakeholders, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent hands-on experience in systems administration and infrastructure management.
• 5+ years of hands-on systems administration across hybrid environments, including Windows Server, Linux/Unix, virtualization platforms, and cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred).
• Proven experience designing, configuring, and maintaining network infrastructure, including firewalls, VLANs, VPNs, and network segmentation.
• Demonstrated experience using scripting (PowerShell, Bash) to automate system administration tasks such as provisioning, monitoring, and deployment workflows.
• Hands-on experience implementing and maintaining security controls, including EDR, firewalls, IAM/RBAC, patch management, and basic incident response.
• Experience administering identity and access management systems, including group policy and full user lifecycle management (joiner/mover/leaver processes).
• Hands-on experience managing hybrid IT/OT environments, including integration with lab, manufacturing, or industrial systems, and support of heterogeneous endpoints.
• Proven ability to independently scope and execute cross-domain IT/OT projects, delivering measurable improvements in uptime, security posture, and operational efficiency.
• Experience maintaining operational reliability through backup and disaster recovery (with testing), configuration/change management, documentation, and SaaS/vendor management.

Desirable Experience

• Relevant certifications (e.g. CompTIA A+, Network+ Security+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)).
• Working knowledge of information systems compliance requirements and procedures (e.g. SOC 2, NIST SP 800-171).
• Experience working in an industrial environment with critical manufacturing equipment

Required Skills

• High-level understanding of systems architecture, cloud services, and performance optimization strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a focus on comprehensive documentation and continuous process improvement.
• Capable of overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, remaining adaptable to evolving organizational needs.
• Self-motivated, with the initiative to take full ownership of critical areas.
• Proactive in identifying and mitigating potential risks, ensuring maximum uptime and security for IT infrastructure.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, suitable for both technical deep-dives and executive presentations.
• Deep understanding of IAM principles, including RBAC, least privilege, auditability, and access reviews.
• Experience enforcing access governance policies across AD, cloud platforms, SaaS tools, and OT systems.

Department: Office of the CTO

Location: Beltsville, MD

Reports to: CTO

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer the following company benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Stock options in an early-stage company
• On-site
• Company and floating holidays
• 17 days of PTO to start, with increase upon tenure
• 401k plan with a 4% company match beginning after first paycheck
• Wellness allowance of $1k annually

Ion Storage Systems Inc., located in Beltsville, MD, is a rapidly growing company commercializing its breakthrough lithium metal battery technology based on discoveries made at the University of Maryland. The company is committed to developing products that will impact everyday life on a global scale. Our technology improves product performance and safety in a variety of applications including defense and aerospace, consumer electronics, electrified transportation, and renewable energy storage. Our team is made up of innovative, driven & creative individuals who are passionate about their work. The company offers an inclusive environment, growth opportunities and encourages work/life balance.

To all recruitment agencies: Ion Storage Systems, Inc. will not accept agency resumes for this role. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs email, or to any Ion Storage Systems employees or any other company email address. Ion Storage Systems is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Ion Storage Systems, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or Veteran status.

*Eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. Citizen or U.S. permanent resident is required for consideration.