IT Systems Support Engineer
2 days ago
Kearny
Job DescriptionAbout Thea Energy: Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future. Position Overview:We are seeking a highly motivated IT Systems Support Engineer to be based at our New Jersey headquarters. As our second IT hire, you will be a key bridge between hands-on user support and deep-tier systems engineering, reporting directly to and collaborating closely with Thea Energy’s Director - IT across all things infrastructure, security, and support. This is a high-impact, high-ownership role for someone who enjoys building robust systems from the ground up. You'll ensure our scientists, engineers, and executives have a frictionless path to the tools they need - with a leading role in shaping how the Company’s digital foundation is built.Key Responsibility Areas:This role spans both strategic and operational IT, from supporting our scientists and engineers day-to-day to building the systems and automation that scale with the Company. • Own day-to-day IT operations as a primary point of contact for user support, while continuously building and improving the underlying infrastructure., • Design and deploy automated workflows to ensure smooth employee onboarding, offboarding, and lifecycle transitions., • Manage physical and virtual server environments, ensuring high availability, consistent patching, and strong security practices., • Optimize cloud environments, manage identity and access, and maintain a strong security posture across the organization., • Maintain office and lab network infrastructure - including VPNs, firewalls, switches, and Wi-Fi - ensuring reliable, low-latency connectivity., • Build and maintain a thorough knowledge base: clear documentation and infrastructure diagrams that the whole team can rely on., • Manage hardware and software lifecycles, including inventory, procurement, and vendor relationships., • Administer and maintain our MDM environment: managing device enrollment, compliance policies, and configuration profiles across Windows and macOS., • Implement and uphold security best practices to protect mission-critical intellectual property and research data., • Proactively identify and reduce technical debt through automation and process improvement.Ideal Experience & Skillsets:, • 5+ years of experience in systems engineering and desktop support across Windows and macOS., • Proficiency in PowerShell, Python, or similar scripting/automation tools., • Experience managing network infrastructure, including firewalls, switches, and access points., • Hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform (Azure, GCP, AWS, or Google Workspace/O365)., • Experience with modern IT ticketing systems (e.g., ServiceNow, Zendesk, Freshdesk) and structured support workflows., • Strong documentation skills - able to translate complex systems into clear diagrams and written guides., • Excellent communication skills - comfortable explaining technical issues to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders., • A collaborative, low-ego approach: equally comfortable supporting a user with a hardware issue and leading a server migration., • Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, high-growth environment where priorities can shift quickly., • Experience across multiple cloud platforms (Azure, GCP, AWS, Google Workspace/O365)., • Background working in a startup, research, or scientific/engineering environment., • Familiarity with compliance frameworks or security standards (SOC 2, NIST, etc.)., • Experience with email security platforms (e.g. Barracuda, Proofpoint, Mimecast)., • Familiarity with Security Awareness Training tools (e.g. NINJIO, KnowBe4, Proofpoint).Company Benefits:, • Salary range $85,000-$145,000, • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision), • Employee equity stock options