System Administrator

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

POSITION SUMMARY

Location: On-site at our Pinehurst, NC area facility

We are seeking an Systems Administrator to own the company’s day-to-day IT infrastructure, hardware, and systems. This person keeps the business running technically: provisioning new hires, administering endpoints and network equipment, and standing up our first on-premises server environment — while working alongside a dedicated Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager and a Help Desk / Desktop Support Lead.

This role owns infrastructure and systems administration specifically. It is not responsible for cybersecurity strategy or CMMC/NIST compliance ownership (that sits with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager) or front-line ticket support (that sits with the Help Desk Lead) — though close day-to-day coordination with both is essential, especially as we bring our first on-premises server online.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and administer company IT hardware, network systems, and (soon) on-premises server infrastructure.

• Provision and manage endpoints (Windows, macOS, and iOS) across the full device lifecycle — issuance, configuration, maintenance, and retirement.

• Administer network equipment: routers, switches, firewalls, access points, and VPN connections.

• Stand up and maintain the company’s first on-premises server environment, including Windows Server, Active Directory, virtualization, backups, and patching, as this capability comes online.

• Provision new hires: accounts, hardware, and system access, in coordination with HR and the Help Desk Lead.

• Maintain the official IT asset registry and configuration baselines.

• Support integrations with enterprise systems (ERP, MRP, IMS) as the company grows.

• Partner with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager and our Managed Security & Compliance Partner (MSCP) to ensure systems and endpoints meet required security configurations.

• Serve as the Tier 3 escalation point for issues the Help Desk Lead cannot resolve.

• Recommend infrastructure improvements, tools, and standards that support growth and reliability.

Infrastructure and Systems

• Administer on-premises server infrastructure (Windows Server, AD, virtualization, backup/recovery) as it is deployed.

• Maintain network infrastructure across the office, including connectivity, Wi-Fi, and site-to-site/VPN access.

• Ensure encryption, patching, and security configurations are applied and monitored across all endpoints and infrastructure.

Device and Access Management

• Manage the full device lifecycle for company-owned hardware.

• Provision and de-provision user accounts and access as employees join, move, or leave the company.

• Maintain accurate, audit-ready asset and configuration records.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work with the Cybersecurity & Compliance Manager to implement security controls and configuration baselines defined by the MSCP.

• Support the Help Desk Lead on escalated technical issues and infrastructure-level troubleshooting.

• Support enterprise system integrations (ERP/MRP/IMS) alongside business stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements

• 4–7 years of professional IT systems administration experience (mid-to-senior level).

• Hands-on experience with Windows Server, Active Directory, and virtualization — or strong systems administration fundamentals with readiness to stand up on-premises infrastructure.

• Experience managing network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, VPN).

• Experience with endpoint management and device lifecycle across Windows, macOS, and iOS.

• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 (GCC or GCC High preferred) and coordinating with a managed service/security provider.

• Strong documentation and asset management discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate, or Azure Administrator Associate (not required at this time, as the company does not yet handle CUI).

• Experience in DoD, aerospace, or defense industrial base (DIB) environments.

• Experience supporting ERP/MRP/IMS system integrations.

• Experience working alongside an MSSP/MSCP or other outsourced IT security partner.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Kraken Kinetics is committed to offering a competitive compensation package to attract and retain top talent. This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $125,000- $145,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it’s like to live here:
[ Video Link]

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.