Systems & Network Administrator

About the Role

Varda is looking for a Systems & Network Administrator who thrives at the intersection of cutting-edge aerospace and enterprise-grade infrastructure. You’ll be the architect and guardian of our on-premise and multicloud network — the backbone that powers everything from engineering innovation to manufacturing operations. You’ll have real ownership over critical systems built on Cisco Meraki, Microsoft Azure, and AWS, managing endpoint fleets across macOS, Windows, and Linux via Jamf and Intune, and enforcing zero-trust access through Zscaler. You’ll shape how we scale infrastructure across both cloud and physical environments, working alongside Engineering, Integration and Test, Manufacturing, and Business Operations teams doing things that have never been done before. If you want your work to matter and your decisions to leave a mark, this is that role.

This is a full-time, exempt position located in our El Segundo headquarters.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain a Cisco Meraki environment spanning MX security appliances, MS switches, MR wireless access points, and MV cameras — and keep it performing flawlessly as we grow.
• Own network health end-to-end: proactively monitor throughput and availability via the Meraki Dashboard, and hunt down bottlenecks and security events before they become problems.
• Architect and manage VLANs, DHCP, DNS, firewall rules, site-to-site VPNs, and traffic-shaping policies across both production and office environments.
• Build and maintain resilient cloud networking across Microsoft Azure (VNets, NSGs, ExpressRoute/VPN Gateways, Azure Firewall, Private Endpoints) and AWS (VPCs, Transit Gateway, Security Groups).
• Lead network expansions, office buildouts, and infrastructure refreshes — from whiteboard to production.
• Administer and harden Windows and Linux servers, owning patching, performance monitoring, and backup/recovery.
• Manage a diverse endpoint fleet across macOS, Windows, and Linux via Jamf Pro, Microsoft Intune, and supplemental Linux tooling — including configuration profiles, OS patching, compliance policies, and app deployment.
• Administer endpoint security tooling, including ThreatLocker and CrowdStrike, collaborating closely with IT Support on imaging, provisioning, and compliance enforcement.
• Manage physical security and AV systems, including Kisi access control and Envoy visitor management.
• Operate and optimize Zscaler ZPA and ZIA for zero-trust network access — tuning policies, monitoring connector health, and resolving client issues.
• Own IT asset tracking, network documentation, cloud topology diagrams, and MDM runbooks in Confluence — leaving things better than you found them.
• Write clean, maintainable automation in Bash, PowerShell, and Python to streamline operations, reduce toil, and improve visibility.
• Champion compliance efforts tied to Vanta, ITAR, NIST 800-171, and GCC-High — particularly around network segmentation, endpoint posture, and cloud security.
• Lead special projects from kickoff to completion, with full accountability for outcomes.

Basic Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in IT, Network Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field — or equivalent experience that speaks for itself.
• 3+ years in network or systems administration with a meaningful networking focus.
• Demonstrated Cisco Meraki proficiency: security appliance policies, switch port configuration, SSID management, and client troubleshooting.
• Strong networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, 802.1X, spanning tree, routing, and Wi-Fi (802.11ax).
• Solid Azure networking knowledge (VNets, subnets, NSGs, VPN Gateways) and working familiarity with AWS (VPCs, Security Groups).
• MDM experience across macOS, Windows, and Linux — enrollment, configuration profiles, compliance, and patch management.
• Confident Windows and Linux server administration: patching, hardening, and service management.
• Self-directed and composed under pressure, with a track record of managing competing priorities without dropping the ball.
• Clear communicator who can translate technical complexity for any audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Meraki certifications (ECMS1, ECMS2) or deep hands-on experience across the full MX, MS, MR, and MV product line.
• Microsoft certifications such as AZ-700 (Azure Network Engineer) or AZ-104 (Azure Administrator).
• Enterprise-scale Jamf Pro and Microsoft Intune experience, plus familiarity with Linux endpoint tooling like Landscape or Fleet.
• Hands-on zero-trust experience with Zscaler ZPA/ZIA in production environments.
• Real multicloud networking chops — Azure VNets, NSGs, ExpressRoute, and AWS VPCs, Transit Gateway, or Direct Connect.
• Familiarity with compliance frameworks, including NIST 800-171, CMMC, and ITAR, and how they shape network and endpoint security decisions.
• Experience supporting VoIP, multicast, or industrial IoT on enterprise networks.
• Background in a high-growth startup or aerospace environment — you know how to build for scale while staying nimble.

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary Range: $110,000 – $130,000 per year 

Job-related skills, education, experience, and performance determine leveling and base salary. You’ll also be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards. 

• 🚀  Equity in a fully funded space startup with serious growth potential 
• 💰  401(k) matching 
• 🏖️  Unlimited PTO 
• 🏥  Health, vision, and dental insurance 
• 🍱  Daily lunch and snacks on site; dinners twice a week 
• 👶  Maternity/Paternity leave