Analyst IT-Wintel

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

The  Windows Administrator & Engineer is responsible for the day-to-day administration, operational support, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the enterprise Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure. This role ensures stability, availability, security, and performance of core Microsoft services supporting global business operations.

The Senior Analyst serves as a subject matter expert for Microsoft Active Directory, Domain Controllers, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and Windows Server technologies, providing advanced troubleshooting, incident resolution, problem management, and operational support. The role works closely with Infrastructure Engineering, Cybersecurity, Network, Service Desk, and Application teams to maintain a secure, resilient, and highly available enterprise environment while adhering to ITIL-based operational processes.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Windows Infrastructure Operations

• Administer, maintain, monitor, and support enterprise Microsoft Windows Server environments across physical and virtual infrastructure.
• Perform daily operational support activities including health monitoring, incident response, problem resolution, and system maintenance.
• Maintain high availability, performance, reliability, and security of Windows Server infrastructure.
• Execute server lifecycle activities including provisioning, patching, upgrades, decommissioning, and compliance remediation.
• Perform operating system patch management in accordance with enterprise security and maintenance schedules.

Active Directory Services

• Administer and support complex Active Directory environments including forests, domains, sites, trusts, and Organizational Units (OUs).
• Manage and maintain Domain Controllers, including installation, promotion, demotion, replication health, FSMO roles, and recovery procedures.
• Monitor Active Directory replication and proactively resolve replication or authentication issues.
• Manage user, computer, and service accounts following established identity and access management standards.
• Support authentication services including Kerberos, NTLM, LDAP, and LDAPS.

DNS, DHCP & Group Policy Administration

• Administer enterprise DNS infrastructure including forward and reverse lookup zones, conditional forwarders, DNS replication, and troubleshooting name resolution issues.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise DHCP environments including scopes, reservations, failover, and IP address management.
• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to support enterprise security, configuration, and compliance requirements.
• Perform Group Policy modeling, inheritance analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization.

Operational Support & Incident Management

• Serve as Tier 2/Tier 3 escalation support for Windows Server and Active Directory-related incidents and service requests.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions for recurring infrastructure issues.
• Participate in on-call support rotation for critical infrastructure services.
• Support disaster recovery activities including Active Directory recovery testing and system restoration.
• Collaborate with Cybersecurity teams to remediate vulnerabilities and implement security recommendations.

Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain PowerShell scripts to automate administrative tasks, reporting, health checks, and operational processes.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through automation and process standardization.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, operational runbooks, knowledge articles, and support procedures.

Change & Service Management

• Execute infrastructure changes following ITIL Change Management processes.
• Support Problem, Incident, Change, and Request Management activities.
• Participate in planned maintenance activities during approved maintenance windows.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineering on technology upgrades, migrations, and operational readiness.

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REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Microsoft Infrastructure: Microsoft Windows Server (2016, 2019, 2022), Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), Domain Controller administration, Active Directory Sites and Services, Active Directory Users and Computers, Active Directory Administrative Center, Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), DFS Namespace and DFS Replication, DNS Administration, DHCP Administration, Certificate Services (PKI) fundamentals, LDAP, LDAPS, Kerberos, NTLM authentication, Windows File and Print Services

• Virtualization: VMware vSphere, VMware ESXi, VMware vCenter, and Virtual machine lifecycle administration
• Automation: PowerShell scripting, Windows Administration Center, Task Scheduler, and Basic automation frameworks
• Monitoring & Operations: Experience with enterprise monitoring and operational tools such as: Microsoft SCOM, SolarWinds, vRealize Operations, PRTG, Logic Monitor, and IT Service Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of enterprise Windows Infrastructure administration experience.
• 5+ years supporting enterprise Active Directory environments.
• Strong hands-on experience administering: Active Directory Domain Services, Domain Controllers, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy.
• Experience supporting enterprise authentication and identity infrastructure.
• Experience administering VMware virtual environments.
• Strong PowerShell scripting and automation skills.
• Experience supporting production enterprise infrastructure in a 24x7 operational environment.

• Experience working within ITIL operational support processes. Experience with performance monitoring, capacity planning, and system optimization.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred Certifications:

• Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• ITIL Foundation Certification
• Experience supporting Azure AD / Microsoft Entra ID hybrid environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Defender for Identity.
• Familiarity with Azure Arc and hybrid infrastructure management.
• Experience supporting geographically distributed enterprise environments.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Excellent root cause analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple operational issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent documentation and knowledge management practices.
• Customer-focused with a strong service orientation.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across Infrastructure, Security, Networking, and Application teams.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while maintaining operational excellence.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:
We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:
We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy