IT Systems Engineer

RunPod is pioneering the future of AI and machine learning, offering cutting-edge cloud infrastructure for full-stack AI applications. Founded in 2022, we are a rapidly growing, well-funded company with a remote-first organization spread globally. Our mission is to empower innovators and enterprises to unlock AI's true potential, driving technology and transforming industries. Join us as we shape the future of AI.

You will join our Operations team, reporting to the Head of Operations. We are a lean and dynamic group of professionals dedicated to ensuring the company’s day-to-day functions run seamlessly. The team’s primary goals include building robust internal processes, ensuring organizational efficiency, and maintaining top-tier security and compliance standards. Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and highly execution-focused — every team member has the autonomy to make significant impacts. As the first dedicated IT Systems Administrator, you will play a pivotal role in optimizing RunPod's internal infrastructure, enabling our global, remote workforce to focus on delivering cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions.

As the IT Systems Administrator, you’ll be the go-to person for all things IT. This is a mid-level role with substantial room for growth as the company scales from 60 to 200+ employees. You will handle a wide range of responsibilities, from daily support tasks to implementing strategic IT initiatives. If you thrive on having broad responsibility — from account management and software provisioning to ensuring SOC 2 compliance — this position is for you. Your work will directly impact RunPod’s ability to support a global workforce and maintain secure, efficient systems.

Your Impact:

• Shape Operational Efficiency: Your efforts in streamlining user account management, software provisioning, and helpdesk operations will have an immediate effect on employee productivity.
• Secure Our Infrastructure: You’ll be at the forefront of ensuring our corporate VPN, SSO, and general IT infrastructure are best-in-class, influencing RunPod’s overall security posture.
• Drive Compliance & Trust: By overseeing SOC 2 IT processes and other frameworks, you will help us build and maintain the trust of our customers and partners.
• Enable Future Growth: Your strategic insights on scaling IT systems will lay the foundation for an expanded IT department, where you’ll have the opportunity to grow into a leadership role.

Responsibilities:

1. IT Infrastructure & Networking
• Configure and maintain the corporate VPN, firewalls, and network equipment for optimal security and connectivity.
• Oversee office and remote network setups, ensuring a secure, unified, scalable, and reliable environment for our remote-first workforce.
2. Account & Access Management
• Provision and de-provision accounts across all company systems (SSO, email, productivity suites, etc.) 
• Manage and integrate existing SSO solutions (e.g., Okta or Google Workspace) to streamline user authentication.
3. Software & Device Management
• Centralize procurement, licensing, and distribution of software tools.
• Coordinate with HR for hardware deployment and manage an inventory of devices for new hires, repairs, and replacements.
4. Helpdesk & Support
• Serve as the primary point of contact for technical support queries.
• Establish and maintain helpdesk ticketing processes to track and resolve issues efficiently.
5. Security & Compliance
• Lead SOC 2 IT initiatives, ensuring that RunPod meets all necessary controls and documentation requirements.
• Implement best practices around endpoint security, MFA, password policies, and data protection.
6. IT Policy & Documentation
• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and user guides to ensure standardization and compliance.
• Create documentation for troubleshooting and knowledge-sharing across the organization.
7. Strategic Planning & Scalability
• Collaborate with leadership on IT roadmap planning, introducing tools and processes that will scale with company growth.
• Identify areas for automation and process improvement, implement solutions to optimize efficiency.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in a broad IT Systems Administrator or similar role.
• Hands-on expertise with networking, VPNs, and endpoint security administration.
• Solid understanding of SSO solutions (e.g., Okta, Google Workspace) and identity/access management best practices.
• Experience operating a distributed IT environment for a global remote workforce
• Experience implementing zero trust frameworks with a distributed remote workforce
• Experience leveraging Apple Business Manager and Windows InTune to perform automated OOBE deployments.
• Experience with mobile device management (MDM) platforms (e.g., Hexnode, Jamf, Intune).
• Experience supporting SOC 2 audits or similar compliance frameworks.
• Proven track record in providing IT support and troubleshooting a range of user and system issues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable collaborating across distributed teams.

Preferred:

• Prior involvement in a fast-scaling startup environment.
• Familiarity with scripting or automation (e.g., Bash, PowerShell, Python) to streamline repetitive tasks.
• Any certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CCNA, or related.
• Proficiency in documentation and training for users onboarding and policy rollouts.
• A proactive approach to learning new technologies and frameworks, aligned with RunPod’s values of innovation and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Receive:

• The competitive base salary for this position ranges from $90k to $145k. The final salary will be determined during the interview process, based on factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, and location.
• Stock options
• The flexibility of remote work with an inclusive, collaborative team.
• An opportunity to grow with a company that values innovation and user-centric design.
• Generous vacation policy to ensure work-life harmony and well-being.
• Contribute to a company with a global impact based in the US, Canada, and Europe.

RunPod is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and upholding the principles of equality and respect for all individuals. We believe that diversity in all its forms enhances our team. As an equal opportunity employer, RunPod is committed to creating an inclusive workforce at every level. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.