Network Systems Administrator

Company Overview

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliability while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load‑serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

The Network Systems Administrator is responsible for the smooth and secure operation of network devices and network connectivity. The position is responsible for maintaining core enterprise systems, troubleshooting and maintenance of network hardware, intrusion prevention and detection, and collaboration with other staff and teams. This position requires compliance with IT best practices and regulatory standards. This is a full‑time, primarily in‑person position located in our downtown Houston office.

• Analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve complex network and security incidents, performance issues, and outages.
• Participate in planning, design, and implementation of the company’s enterprise network architecture (LAN, WAN, VPN, DMVPN, Internet, and data center networks).
• Manage, operate, and optimize data center network facilities to meet reliability, performance, and scalability requirements.
• Implement and maintain network security and cybersecurity controls, including firewalls, segmentation, access control, and threat mitigation.
• Maintain full life cycle of networking hardware; configuration, deployment, patching, upgrades, backups and replacement.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, standards, diagrams, device inventory and operational procedures.
• Keep systems up to date with current security updates and vendor recommended updates.
• Utilize monitoring tools to troubleshoot and improve availability, latency, and overall health.
• Investigate new technology and provide recommendations on system improvements and life cycle planning.
• Availability for after‑hours support and maintenance as needed.
• Follow proper change control procedures and adhere to industry compliance standards.

The Network Systems Administrator reports to the IT Manager and works in relation to other IT team members. This position will also require coordination with the operations team, applications team, and other staff within the organization.

The initial compensation will range from $98,300 to $113,050.

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, networking, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

• Hands‑on experience in network engineering, administration, or related roles.
• Experience supporting large‑scale, multi‑site networks, preferably in manufacturing or industrial environments.

• Experience managing Cisco network devices (routers/switches/firewalls).
• Understanding of enterprise network architecture design, including LAN, WAN, Internet, and data center networking.
• Experience with network monitoring tools/software.

• Professional‑level certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, Network +.
• Solid understanding and practical experience with VLANs, IPsec VPN, DMVPN, and EIGRP.
• Experience managing Cisco next generation firewalls/Firepower.
• Experience following compliance standards such as NERC CIP, PCI‑DSS, or SOC, or similar regulated environment.
• Experience with Solar Winds, Netwrix, syslog analysis or other monitoring tools.
• Experience following structured change control procedures.

• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. The ability to relay technical information to non‑technical coworkers is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Typical work schedule is…