Desktop Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Life Sciences Desktop Administrator - Benchtop - Win 11

Location: Thousand Oaks, CA

Duration: 4-12+ Month W2 Contract (No C2C/No Visa or Student Sponsorship)

Pay rate: Up to $48/hr. (No PTO and No Paid Holidays)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (occasional after-hours support required)

***Technical screening needed for submissions***

The ideal candidate for this role is an IT Benchtop Support professional with 5+ years of experience, preferably supporting QC laboratories or manufacturing environments within a GxP-regulated setting. The primary focus of the role will be supporting the Windows 10 to Windows 11 migration across lab and manufacturing environments, so hands-on experience with desktop/benchtop support and Windows migrations is highly desirable. The candidate should have a strong IT background with excellent attention to detail, strong documentation skills, and experience creating or maintaining SOPs, work instructions, and other process-driven documentation. GxP validation experience is a nice-to-have, but this is not intended to be a full-blown validation role; the client is looking for someone who is primarily IT-focused and understands how to work within a regulated environment. The successful candidate should be a quick learner who is eager to learn, open, friendly, approachable, and committed to providing excellent customer service with a “can-do” attitude.

We are seeking an experienced Specialist IS Technical Support Analyst to support a large-scale Windows 10 to Windows 11 migration initiative across laboratory and manufacturing environments. This role will be responsible for upgrading, validating, deploying, and supporting laboratory instrument workstations and associated systems within a highly regulated GxP environment.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience administering Windows desktop platforms, supporting laboratory systems, and working within regulated industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical research, manufacturing, or quality control laboratories.

This individual will collaborate closely with scientists, laboratory personnel, manufacturing teams, instrument vendors, and enterprise IT organizations to ensure successful migration and ongoing support of critical laboratory computing systems.

This is a hands-on role requiring both technical expertise and strong customer service skills, as many systems directly support scientific research, testing, manufacturing operations, and laboratory instrumentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support migration activities from Windows 10 to Windows 11 across laboratory and manufacturing environments.
• Assess workstation readiness, compatibility requirements, and hardware upgrade needs.
• Validate operating system upgrades for GxP-regulated systems and instrument controller workstations.
• Ensure compliance with validation requirements and approved change-control procedures.
• Partner with enterprise desktop engineering teams to implement standardized Windows 11 configurations and security policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting regulated laboratory, clinical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing, or life sciences environments.
• Experience with GxP, GMP, GLP, or validated computer systems.
• Understanding of computer system validation (CSV) processes and documentation.
• Experience supporting Quality Control (QC) laboratory systems.
• Familiarity with laboratory applications such as:
• LIMS
• ELN
• Waters Empower
• Chromatography Data Systems
• Scientific Data Management Platforms
• Experience supporting laboratory instrumentation including:
• HPLCs
• Mass Spectrometers
• Spectroscopy Systems
• Analytical Testing Equipment
• Working knowledge of ITIL principles and service management best practices.
• Scripting or automation experience using:
• PowerShell
• Batch
• Python
• SQL
• C#
• Advanced technical certifications such as:
• CompTIA A+
• Network+
• Security+
• Microsoft Certifications
• MCSE
• MCSA

Professional Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities.
• Exceptional customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ownership and accountability for issue resolution.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 40 lbs.

Required Qualifications

Technical Experience

• 5+ years of Windows desktop administration and technical support experience.
• Proven experience supporting Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments.
• Hands-on experience with SCCM/MECM for software deployment and endpoint management.
• Experience using ServiceNow or comparable IT Service Management platforms.
• Strong PC and laptop hardware troubleshooting and repair skills.
• Experience supporting enterprise software deployments and patch management.
• Working knowledge of:
• TCP/IP networking
• DNS
• DHCP
• Windows Domains
• Active Directory
• Network connectivity troubleshooting
• Endpoint security tools

Asset Management & Documentation

• Maintain accurate inventory records for laboratory computers and instrument-connected systems.
• Conduct physical audits and asset reconciliations.
• Document system configurations, upgrade activities, validation records, and support procedures.
• Ensure all work is appropriately tracked and documented within ServiceNow.
• Support audit readiness and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to scientific, engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.
• Administer Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems.
• Utilize SCCM/MECM for software deployments, operating system imaging, patching, and endpoint management.
• Support Active Directory, Group Policy, domain membership, and endpoint security initiatives.
• Deploy antivirus updates, security patches, and enterprise software solutions.
• Configure file shares, permissions, and data management solutions supporting laboratory operations.
• Assist with data remediation efforts and automated movement of scientific data into enterprise storage environments.
• Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 desktop and systems support for laboratory and manufacturing users.
• Respond to incidents, service requests, and change requests through ServiceNow.
• Troubleshoot Windows operating systems, application issues, hardware failures, and connectivity problems.
• Perform user account management, software licensing administration, and access control activities.
• Escalate complex issues while maintaining ownership through resolution.

Laboratory & Instrument Computer Support

• Install, configure, administer, and maintain laboratory-based computer systems used to operate scientific instruments.
• Support instrument controllers connected to systems including HPLCs, Mass Spectrometers, chromatography platforms, analytical equipment, and other laboratory technologies.
• Work directly with laboratory scientists and business stakeholders to resolve technical issues impacting research and testing activities.
• Perform software installation, configuration, upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors during new installations, software updates, and configuration changes.
• Support laboratory data acquisition, transfer, storage, and archival processes.

The estimated pay range for this position is USD $40.00/Hr. - USD $45.00/Hr. Exact compensation and offers of employment are dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, licenses or certifications, and location. We also offer comprehensive benefits. The Talent Acquisition Partner can share more details about compensation or benefits for the role during the interview process.