What are the responsibilities and job description for the IT Administrator & AI Systems Specialist position at Photonis Defense, Inc.?
Job Title: IT Administrator & AI Systems Specialist
Reports To: VP of Site Operations
FLSA Status: Salary, Exempt
Location: Lancaster, PA
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled IT Administrator & AI Systems Specialist to oversee and maintain the IT infrastructure of our manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will have expertise in network systems, Office 365 GCC G5, Secured facility protocols, and AI technologies. This role will be responsible for setting up and maintaining an AI server mainframe while ensuring seamless IT operations for both on-site and remote employees.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage and maintain the facility’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and user devices.
Install, configure, and troubleshoot network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls) and ensure optimal security and performance.
Administer and support Office 365 GCC G5 applications, user accounts, and security settings.
CMMC certification experience.
Implement and enforce secure facility IT protocols, including access controls and data protection measures.
Develop and maintain an AI server mainframe to support manufacturing analytics, process optimization, and engineering design.
Monitor system performance, security threats, and compliance with cybersecurity best practices.
Provide technical support to employees (both on-site and remote) and manage IT helpdesk requests.
Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate IT solutions with manufacturing systems.
Maintain accurate documentation of IT assets, configurations, and troubleshooting procedures.
Stay up to date with emerging technologies to improve IT efficiency and cybersecurity resilience.
Qualifications & Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5 years of experience in IT administration, network management, and cybersecurity.
Expertise in Windows and Linux server environments.
Strong knowledge of networking protocols, firewalls, and VPN management.
Proficiency in Office 365 GCC G5 administration, including SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive.
Experience with AI technologies, server mainframe setups, and machine learning integration.
Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices, data encryption, and compliance standards.
Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues effectively.
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Knowledge of ERP systems and industrial automation networks.
Certifications such as CompTIA Network , CCNA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or AI-related credentials.
Experience with networking and security equipment such as:
Cisco 2900 Series, Cisco 4431, ASA 5516-X, Fortinet FortiGate 400F, FortiSwitch 1048E/448E, FortiAP 443K, Barracuda Web Security Gateway 310, NetApp storage, UCS C220 M5, PowerEdge T330, and more.
Work Environment:
On-site at the manufacturing facility with some flexibility for remote management.
Must be able to lift and move IT equipment as needed.
Certifications like Network , CCNA, Azure Administrator, or AI/ML credentials are a plus.
Familiarity with manufacturing and industrial automation environments is highly valued.
Competencies:
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; responds well to questions. Leadership - Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; inspires respect and trust. Judgment - Makes sound and well-informed decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; makes effective and timely decisions. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans. Interpersonal - Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things Safety and Security - Observes and enforces safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly.
Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Frequently makes decisions, which are restricted only by organization-wide policies and with little direct guidance from supervisor.
Computer Skills:
Strong computer skills required, including word processing, spread sheets, presentation, MRP and database software applications.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises approximately 6 team members, including assemblers and testers.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a high-tech manufacturing environment with moderate to loud noise levels. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts; works in high or precarious places with fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals; and is exposed to extreme heat conditions (non-weather). Some areas carry limited risk of electrical shock.
Various PPE devices & equipment such as gloves, respirators, dust masks, and safety glasses may be required. Up to one half of the employee’s time may be spent in a clean room environment requiring a clean room suit, gloves, and mask.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distant vision, ability to distinguish color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, reach with hands, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is at times required to sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance.1
1 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel assigned to this job. This position is at will, which means that either the employee or Photonis may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and for any reason or no reason.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Compensation Package:
- Bonus opportunities
- Yearly pay
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Security clearance:
- Confidential (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Lancaster, PA 17601 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Lancaster, PA 17601: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000