IT Systems Administrator
Critical Materials Group · Critical Materials Group provides advanced materials and manufacturing solutions for defense, aerospace, and national security.
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JOB DESCRIPTION
IT Systems Administrator
Department
Operations
Reports To
Director of Operations, Ballinger Campus
Location
Ballinger, TX
FLSA Status
Exempt
Employment Type
Full-Time
Position Summary
The IT Systems Administrator is CMG's first dedicated IT hire, responsible for building and running the company's core technology infrastructure — from day-to-day end-user support to systems administration, network reliability, and information security fundamentals — across CMG's Austin and Ballinger, TX locations. This role currently sits under Operations and works closely with the Director of Operations, Ballinger Campus to stand up a dedicated IT/InfoSec function as CMG scales, ensuring employees have the tools and systems they need and that CMG's technology environment meets the security expectations of a defense and government-contracting business.
Key Responsibilities
End-User Support & Device Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for IT helpdesk requests across Austin and Ballinger sites.
• Provision, configure, and maintain laptops, desktops, and mobile devices for new and existing employees.
• Manage endpoint security, patching, and device management (MDM) across the company's device fleet.
Systems & Network Administration
• Administer core business systems, including Google Workspace/Microsoft 365, identity and access management, and core SaaS tooling (including Ashby and Rippling).
• Maintain network infrastructure, Wi-Fi, and connectivity across CMG's office and campus locations.
• Manage server, cloud, and backup infrastructure, including data backup and disaster recovery procedures.
Information Security
• Implement and maintain baseline information security controls (access management, endpoint protection, data protection) appropriate to a defense and government-contracting environment.
• Support CMG's compliance posture with respect to relevant IT security frameworks (e.g., NIST 800-171/CMMC) as government contract requirements dictate.
• Monitor for and respond to security incidents, escalating as appropriate.
IT Operations & Vendor Management
• Manage relationships and contracts with IT vendors and managed service providers.
• Own IT provisioning and de-provisioning as part of employee onboarding and offboarding.
• Document IT systems, processes, and standard operating procedures as the function is built out.
Qualifications
Required
• 3+ years of experience in IT support, systems administration, or a similar generalist IT role.
• Hands-on experience administering Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, endpoint management, and standard business SaaS tools.
• Working knowledge of networking fundamentals (Wi-Fi, VPN, firewalls) and general troubleshooting.
• Comfort working as a solo IT function, prioritizing across a broad range of requests in a fast-paced, scaling company.
• Willingness to travel periodically between Austin and Ballinger, TX locations.
Preferred
• Experience supporting IT in a manufacturing, defense, or other regulated/government-contracting environment.
• Familiarity with NIST 800-171, CMMC, or similar federal information security compliance frameworks.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, Network+, or equivalent).
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
On-site role based in Austin or Ballinger, TX, with regular travel between the two locations. Standard office environment with occasional need to lift and move IT equipment (up to 40 lbs).
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