IT Support Specialist

ABOUT DEFCON AI

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems.
In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions.

About the Role

We are seeking an IT Support Specialist to support day to day internal IT operations for a growing company supporting government and defense customers.

This role is hands on and operational, focused on keeping employees productive and systems running smoothly. You will handle internal IT tickets, user support, hardware and software provisioning, license tracking, and new hire IT setup, while partnering closely with our managed service provider (MSP) and our managed security service provider (MSSP) and our Director of IT.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being the go to IT problem solver, has strong attention to detail, and wants exposure to security conscious and regulated environments while growing their IT career.

Key Responsibilities

Internal IT Support & Ticketing

• Serve as first line support for internal IT issues (hardware, software, access, connectivity)

• Troubleshoot and resolve common issues independently; escalate when appropriate

• Manage and track IT tickets, including coordination with MSP and MSSP for overflow or specialized support

• Ensure timely, friendly, and professional support for a distributed workforce

Hardware, Software & User Lifecycle

• Provision and configure laptops, peripherals, and mobile devices

• Manage software installations, updates, and access provisioning

• Support onboarding and offboarding processes, including:

• Device setup and recovery

• Account creation, modification, and deactivation

• Coordination with HR and IT leadership to ensure Day1 readiness

License Management & IT Asset Tracking

• Track software licenses and subscriptions to ensure accurate counts and compliance

• Assist with license provisioning, renewals, and deprovisioning as employees join or leave

• Maintain IT asset inventory (devices, peripherals, licenses)

• Identify unused or underutilized licenses and flag optimization opportunities to IT leadership

Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Assist with IT procurement activities, including:

• Ordering laptops, accessories, and approved software

• Tracking delivery and deployment of IT equipment

• Support vendor relationships by:

• Coordinating with MSP and MSSP on ticket resolution and escalations

• Helping manage routine vendor communications (quotes, renewals, basic inquiries)

• Maintain basic documentation related to vendors, tools, and contracts for IT reference

Security Aware Operations

• Follow established security policies and procedures when handling systems and data

• Support device hygiene, access controls, and baseline security best practices

• Assist with operational or evidence gathering tasks related to compliance efforts as directed (training and guidance provided)

• Escalate potential security concerns promptly to IT leadership

Required Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in IT support, IT engineering, or a similar role

• Strong hands-on experience with:

• End-user hardware and software support

• Windows and/or macOS environments

• SaaS and cloud based tools

• Experience working with ticketing systems and/or external IT vendors or MSPs

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail (especially for asset and license tracking)

• Clear communication skills and a customer service mindset

• Self-motivated and adaptable in a fast-paced startup environment. Willing to take the initiative to learn new systems or technologies as needed. Reliable and trustworthy, especially when handling sensitive data or system access.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting remote or hybrid teams

• Familiarity with identity, device, or license management tools (MDM, SSO, endpoint management)

• Exposure to regulated or security conscious environments (government, defense, healthcare, finance)

• Interest in growing into more advanced IT operations or security responsibilities over time

Technical Bonus Skills: Exposure to cloud-based IT environments (AWS,) and tools for device management or endpoint security (MDM, EDR solutions) is advantageous. Experience with Linux basics or scripting for task automation can be helpful. Familiarity with collaboration and DevOps tools (Slack, GitHub, GitLab) in a corporate setting.

What Success Looks Like

• Employees receive fast, reliable IT support and feel supported

• New hires are fully set up and productive on Day 1

• IT assets and software licenses are accurately tracked and well managed

• Strong working relationship with Ardalyst and internal IT leadership

• The IT environment remains organized, secure, and scalable

Why This Role Is a Great Fit

• You’ll be a key part of a small but growing IT function, not lost in a large helpdesk queue

• You’ll gain hands-on experience across support, systems, vendors, and tooling

• You’ll work closely with senior IT leadership and have clear growth opportunities

• Your work will have visible, day-to-day impact across the company

What We Offer:

• A fully remote, results-based environment

• Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package

• 100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family

• Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval

• Flexible work environment where you manage your work day

• 14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave

Salary Range: $75,000-$100,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors.

We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer: You’ll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Applicant Data Disclosure

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Defcon AI uses third-party service providers to facilitate its recruitment and hiring processes. These providers include applicant tracking systems, candidate verification platforms, and fraud detection tools (collectively, "Hiring Platforms"). Your application materials, including your résumé, cover letter, work samples, responses to application questions, and any other information you submit, may be transmitted to and processed by these Hiring Platforms for the following purposes:

• Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process;

• Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide against publicly available sources and proprietary databases;

• Identifying indicators of potentially fraudulent, fabricated, or materially misleading application content, including but not limited to discrepancies between submitted materials and publicly available professional profiles, geographic anomalies, and fabricated work histories.

Applications that are flagged through this process as containing indicators of fraud or material misrepresentation may be declined from further consideration. If you have questions about the status of your application or the evaluation process, please contact [email protected].

Defcon AI requires its Hiring Platform providers to process your information solely for the purposes described above and in accordance with applicable law. Your information will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill these purposes and any applicable legal obligations, after which it will be deleted in accordance with Defcon AI's data retention policies.

For more information about how your data is used, please refer to our Privacy Policy and Applicant Privacy Notice.