Senior IT Technical Support Specialist

Affymetrix (AFFX) is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are driving the genomic revolution. The vision, innovation, and devotion of Affymetrix employees help us empower scientists around the world to alleviate human suffering. It is not just the sheer power of GeneChip® technology that inspires us; it is the potential for it to help people.

The culture at Affymetrix is based on core values of innovation, excellence and integrity. Our employees create a highly energized, team-oriented work environment. We are an employer committed to supporting the aspirations and achievements of our employees and offer our employees a comprehensive, competitive program of benefits and a corporate culture based on core values of innovation, excellence and integrity.

Senior IT Tech Support Specialist

Work within the Affymetrix IT (Information Technology) department to support production client and server systems as Technical Support Specialist.  Reporting to the IT Solutions Center Manager, act as technical lead and escalation point for infrastructure-related issues as reported through the Solutions Center.  Hands-on and phone support for desktop/laptops, servers, and network systems.  Function as the liaison between IT infrastructure teams and Solutions Center to ensure support continuity, knowledge transfer, and effective communications.  Use your people skills, and extensive technical skills to mentor and cross train team members in advanced network administration and troubleshooting practices to increase team knowledge depth while improving customer service levels.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

•Serve as Solutions Center escalation point to resolve complex technical issues, perform root cause analysis and implement corrective action procedures
•Actively partner with IT Network and Storage Teams to provide production level support for Windows servers (server builds, monitoring, break/fix) Enterprise storage (SAN/NAS - Capacity planning, network disk space management), and Windows network infrastructure (DNS, Active Directory)
•Provide regular technical mentoring, and cross training to other members of the Solutions Center team
•Developing process and procedures for infrastructure management and IT support operations for areas such as Storage management, exchange email, network account management processes, PC systems management, automation and scripting.
•Evaluate and recommend new PC hardware, software, and peripherals based on business requirements and alignment with IT corporate standards and strategies
•Identify current operational process inefficiencies, perform detailed gap analyses, provide and implement recommendations for improvement.
•Directly or via telephone, support enterprise desktops, laptops and servers in a Microsoft Windows environment.
•Support customer issues and requests by creating, tracking and documenting technical solutions in support database
•Ensure adequate customer follow up communications and timely issue status updates to customer and IT management as required.

Position Requirements

•Hands-on experience with Windows Server, MS Exchange administrative tools and McAfee product suites (ePolicy Orchestrator, Virus Scan, Netshield) is required.
•Enterprise Desktop Management Application experience required (McAfee EPO, Altiris, Softgrid, Ghost)
•In depth working knowledge of wireless and broadband technologies, Blackberry handhelds,  VPN experience is required.
•Detailed knowledge in development of IT operational processes and procedures.
•Solid understanding of TCP/IP and Windows networks (WINS,DHCP, DNS, Active Directory) is essential.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills and a positive, customer-service attitude are necessary for the position.
•The role requires a highly motivated self-starter with ability to effectively solve complex technical problems both independently and as a member of a team.
•Exceptional time management and organizational skills under minimal supervision is essential for success.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

•BS in MIS, CS or related discipline or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
•7+ years experience in supporting enterprise Windows client and server systems.
•Experience in managing projects related to enterprise software, hardware and networking.  
•IT operational experience in maintaining production client and server stability and reliability.
•Experience with Enterprise PC client management.
•Experience working with multi-departmental, cross-functional teams.
•Experience with processes and tools for case management.


To pursue this rewarding career opportunity with Affymetrix, please apply on our corporate website to requisition 3716 (http://www.affymetrix.com/corporate/careers/careers.jsp).

**Affymetrix is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to a diverse workforce is demonstrated through all aspects of our hiring and employment practices.**