Junior Help Desk/IT Support Specialist

Job Requirements:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Help Desk / IT Support Specialist to join our IT team. This entry-level position is ideal for early-career professionals or recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in a secure, mission-focused environment. The ideal candidate will serve as a first point of contact for end-users while also assisting with the monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software systems — all while supporting cybersecurity best practices and the day-to-day operations of our IT infrastructure.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 0–2 years in systems administration or IT support (internships/co-ops count)
• Certifications (Preferred): CompTIA A+, VCTA-DCV (VMware Certified Technical Associate), Network+, Security+, or Microsoft certifications
  • Note: CompTIA Security+ is not required to apply; however, candidates selected for hire will be expected to obtain Security+ shortly after their start date as a condition of employment
•  A security clearance is not required to apply or at the time of hire; however, the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance is a condition of continued employment. U.S Citizenship is required.

Technical Skills:

• Basic Windows Server administration
• Familiarity with Active Directory, Group Policy, and networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP)
• Basic knowledge of Linux OS
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles and best practices
• Basic understanding with a ticketing system
• Basic understanding with virtualization technologies such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Proxmox VE, or similar platforms
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and exposure to Microsoft Azure or other cloud platforms

Soft Skills:

• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and customer service skills
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to learn and ability to support off-hours or on-site work as needed
• Time management and handling multiple tickets
• Calm under pressure when dealing with frustrated users

Job Duties:

• Assist with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of servers, workstations, and network devices
• Monitor system performance and troubleshoot issues related to hardware, software, and network connectivity
• Apply system updates, patches, and security configurations as directed
• Maintain user accounts, permissions, and access rights in accordance with security policies
• Support help desk operations by responding to and resolving basic technical support requests via phone, email, and in-person
• Assist with onboarding new employees, including equipment setup and account provisioning
• Perform backups, data recovery, and routine system checks
• Document IT procedures, configurations, and troubleshooting steps; maintain accurate records in the ticketing system
• Ensure compliance with security and operational policies, escalating complex issues to senior IT staff as needed
• Collaborate with senior administrators and IT staff to resolve technical problems and improve system performance
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies

Hourly salary range: $24 - $35 (depending on experience/qualifications)