Senior Systems Administrator - Contractor

Looking for a Senior Systems Administrator (Microsoft Platforms) who thrives in both worlds: deeply technical *and* people-savvy. You’ll manage infrastructure, lead projects, support users, and handle shifting priorities across multiple clients — all while keeping communication clear and expectations aligned. This is a 1099 contractor role, and yes, that’s a smart move if you know what you’re doing.

W-9 Isn’t a Downgrade — It’s Freedom (If You Know How to Use It) - up to $10k/mo

Degrees and Certs? Nice, but Not Required

Doesn't matter where (or if) you went to school. The knowledge is everywhere now — GPT, YouTube, Google. What matters is that you know how to solve problems, find answers fast, and get things done.We don't expect you to memorize every command — we expect you to know how to look it up and execute confidently.

What You’ll Actually Do

• Own and support Microsoft-heavy environments: AD, Azure AD, Exchange Online, Intune (a must), SharePoint, Teams, Windows Server
• Handle day-to-day support: hardware, software, networking, etc
• Maintain and troubleshoot VMware infrastructure
• Manage backups (Veeam, Acronis, Datto) and run test restores
• Configure and support firewalls (Sophos, SonicWall), VPNs, routing
• Troubleshoot LAN/WAN infrastructure: DNS, DHCP, VLANs, switches, Wi-Fi
• Implement security controls: MFA, Conditional Access, Defender
• Lead projects: migrations, onboarding, upgrades, cleanups
• Write clean documentation so others aren’t guessing
• Manage multiple clients and competing priorities without losing your cool

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years in Microsoft environments
• Experience supporting multiple clients (MSP strongly preferred)
• Deep knowledge of Microsoft 365, Azure AD, Windows Server, Intune
• VMware proficiency
• Solid networking fundamentals (VLANs, firewalls, wireless)
• Clear communicator with users and decision-makers
• Organized, self-managed, and flexible
• Valid driver’s license and reliable car — you’ll be onsite regularly

The Details

• 1099 contractor – no benefits, but flexibility and up to $10k/month
• 10–40 hours/week, mostly during business hours
• Onsite work required — SoCal-based clients
• Long-term engagement for the right person
• Must Reside in the Irvine area - no relocation or remote

If you’re great with tech *and* people — and want freedom, not micromanagement — reach out.

Job Type: Contract - DO NOT APPLY IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY FULLY EMPLOYED

Work Location: In person NOT REMOTE

Pay: $65.00 - $120.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• What's your desired HOURLY rate? (not a salary position)
• Can you confidently configure Entra Conditional Access policies from scratch?
• How would you seed 40TB of backup data on a 300MB connection?
• What do you do before making any major config change at a client?
• What time is on time?
• Do you have a full time job? If yes, DO NOT APPLY

Work Location: In person