Senior Systems Administrator (R4696)

Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

AI Hive is seeking a hands-on, skilled Sr. Systems Administrator based in India to serve as the local IT operational lead and execution arm for Enterprise Operations. This role functions as “remote hands” for U.S.-based IT leadership, delivering day-to-day service desk support, building and provisioning laptops and servers, and maintaining local infrastructure in alignment with global standards. This position is critical to freeing AI Hive engineers from operational IT tasks—such as device builds, infrastructure troubleshooting, and hardware support—so they can focus on delivering Hivemind and other core engineering initiatives.

The Systems Administrator will report administratively to local India leadership while receiving functional direction, priorities, and technical oversight from U.S. Enterprise IT. The ideal candidate is a service-oriented generalist who combines strong hands-on technical skills with operational discipline and a security-first mindset. This role is based in India and supports the AI Hive entity.

What you'll do::
Service Delivery & End User Support:

• Serve as the primary IT support contact for AI Hive India employees.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting for hardware, software, and connectivity issues.

• Manage onboarding and offboarding, including:

• Device imaging and provisioning

• Account setup and access configuration

• Endpoint compliance validation

• Deliver high-quality, responsive customer service and maintain accurate documentation.

Hardware Build & Provisioning:

• Image, configure, and deploy laptops (Windows, macOS, Linux).

• Build and configure local servers as required

• Maintain spare inventory and coordinate hardware replacements.

• Support hardware refresh cycles and large-scale rollouts.

• Coordinate with vendors for procurement, warranty, and repairs.

IT Asset & Lifecycle Management:

• Own local IT asset lifecycle management from procurement through retirement.

• Maintain accurate inventory tracking and compliance documentation.

• Ensure software license compliance and audit readiness.

• Generate reports as required for operational and compliance needs.

Engineering Environment Support:

• Provide Linux workstation and engineering endpoint support.

• Support development-related hardware and lab environments.

• Assist with secure connectivity used by engineering teams.

• Proactively resolve IT issues impacting developer productivity.

• Ensure engineering staff are not burdened with operational IT responsibilities.

Projects & Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Execute work plans and priorities defined by U.S. CIO and Enterprise Operations.

• Coordinate effectively across time zones.

• Contribute to infrastructure models that can be replicated across additional entities.

Required qualifications::
• 8–10 years of experience in systems administration, IT operations, or enterprise IT support.

• Strong hands-on experience supporting:

• Windows, macOS, and Linux environments

• Laptop imaging and provisioning

• Server setup and maintenance

• Experience with Active Directory and Azure AD.

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 administration.

• Experience with endpoint management platforms (Intune, JAMF, or equivalent).

• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN).

• Experience managing IT assets and hardware inventory.

• Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and customer service skills.

• Ability to work independently while aligning with globally defined standards.

Preferred qualifications::
• Experience supporting engineering or R&D teams.

• Experience in secure, regulated, or defense-focused environments.

• Experience supporting air-gapped or segmented networks.

• Familiarity with Azure DevOps or development collaboration tools.

• Scripting experience (PowerShell, Bash, or Python).

• ITIL knowledge or certifications.

• Experience in startup or high-growth environments.

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Total package details for U.S. based positions:
- Regular employee positions: Salary within range listed above + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
- Temporary employee positions: Hourly within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days
of employment)
- Interns/Military Fellows/Part-time not eligible for bonus, benefits or equity

Total package details for International positions which are roles based outside of the United States (where applicable):
- International premium, hardship differential, cost of living differential, living quarters allowance, foreign service transfer
allowance, equity, international benefits, visa assistance, and relocation assistance.

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.