Systems Administrator at Persona AI Inc

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Administrator
Company: Persona AI Inc
Location: Houston, Texas, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Server Administration, IT Infrastructure
Date Posted: June 7, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site only

🚀 Role Summary

Design, implement, and maintain robust network infrastructure for Persona AI's offices, R&D labs, and future production facilities.
Manage and secure server infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and data protection.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide reliable network and server support for robotics development and testing.
Troubleshoot complex technical issues and proactively identify network bottlenecks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong focus on network design and security, with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience in a fast-paced technology environment and familiarity with robotics or embedded systems would be beneficial.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Infrastructure Management:
- Design, configure, and maintain scalable and secure network infrastructure.
- Manage network hardware, including routers, switches, firewalls, and access points.
- Implement and manage VLANs to segment various hardware testbeds, ensuring network isolation and optimizing traffic flow.
Server Administration:
- Administer and maintain on-premise and cloud-based server infrastructure.
- Manage user accounts, permissions, and access control across all systems and platforms.
- Implement and maintain backup and disaster recovery solutions for critical data.
Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting:
- Implement and manage network monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance.
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues and proactively identify bottlenecks.
- Ensure robust network connectivity for high-bandwidth data transfer requirements from robot sensor arrays and simulation environments.
Virtualized Environments:
- Configure and manage virtualized environments to support development, testing, and simulation of robot software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of network protocols, routing, switching, and virtualization technologies. Familiarity with robotics frameworks or control systems would be an asset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in an IT support or system administration role, ideally in a startup or fast-paced technology environment.

Required Skills:

Strong hands-on experience with network design, configuration, and troubleshooting (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls).
Proven experience with scripting and automation tools (e.g., Python, Bash) and strong familiarity with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles and tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform).
Proficiency in administering both Linux and Windows operating systems.
Solid understanding of IT security principles and best practices.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical users.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).
Experience supporting R&D teams or engineering environments.
Experience with embedded systems and edge computing platforms.
Familiarity with robotics frameworks (e.g., ROS) or control systems.
Experience with network attached storage (NAS) solutions for large datasets.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate your network design and configuration skills with case studies or live projects.
Showcase your scripting and automation skills with examples of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) projects.
Highlight your server administration experience with examples of managed server environments.
Include user testimonials or feedback on your problem-solving and communication skills.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed network diagrams and documentation for your case studies or live projects.
Include server configuration and management guides for your managed server environments.
Demonstrate your understanding of IT security principles with relevant documentation or certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, focus on providing concrete examples of your network design and configuration skills, as well as your ability to manage and secure server infrastructure. Highlight any experience working with robotics or embedded systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on regional market research for mid-level system administrators in the Houston, TX area)

Benefits:

Competitive compensation
Excellent benefits package
Flexible work environment
Equity opportunities

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range for this role has been estimated based on regional market research for mid-level system administrators in the Houston, TX area. Benefits and working hours may vary depending on the company's policies and the candidate's specific needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics and artificial intelligence, with a focus on developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots for real-world applications.

Company Size: Startup, with a small but growing team of passionate professionals.

Founded: Persona AI was founded by a team with a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development.

Team Structure:

Small, cross-functional teams working on various aspects of robot development and testing.
Collaborative environment, with a focus on open communication and continuous learning.
Flat organizational structure, with opportunities for growth and leadership development.

Development Methodology:

Agile development processes, with a focus on iterative improvement and rapid prototyping.
Collaborative development environment, with regular code reviews and testing.
Virtualized environments for development, testing, and simulation of robot software.

Company Website: Persona AI

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI is a startup with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration. The company's culture values open communication, continuous learning, and a passion for cutting-edge technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level system administrator, with opportunities for growth and leadership development.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the CTO and works closely with the robotics engineering and R&D teams.

Technical Impact: As a systems administrator at Persona AI, you will play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and security of the company's network and server infrastructure. Your work will directly impact the development and testing of the company's humanoid robots, as well as the overall success of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your skills in network design, server administration, and automation tools to take on more complex challenges and lead projects.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and driving technical initiatives within the organization.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to high-level architecture decisions that shape the company's network and server infrastructure, enabling the development and deployment of cutting-edge robotics technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI offers significant opportunities for career growth and leadership development. As an early employee, you will have the chance to shape the company's culture and make a lasting impact on its success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.

Office Location(s): Houston, Texas, United States

Workspace Context:

Open floor plan with dedicated workspaces for each team member.
Access to advanced prototyping tools, labs, and the freedom to experiment and innovate.
Collaborative environment with regular team meetings and cross-functional projects.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site position with flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home occasionally.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI's work environment is designed to encourage collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. The company offers a flexible work schedule with the opportunity to work from home occasionally.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
On-site Interview: A visit to Persona AI's headquarters in Houston, Texas, where you will meet with the CTO and other team members to discuss your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit.
Technical Challenge: A hands-on assessment of your network design, configuration, and troubleshooting skills, as well as your ability to manage and secure server infrastructure.
Final Decision: A final decision will be made based on your technical skills, cultural fit, and alignment with Persona AI's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your network design and configuration skills with case studies or live projects.
Showcase your scripting and automation skills with examples of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) projects.
Include user testimonials or feedback on your problem-solving and communication skills.
Tailor your portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of Persona AI's mission and values.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your network design, configuration, and troubleshooting skills, with a focus on TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, and firewalls.
Familiarize yourself with Persona AI's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your technical skills and experience align with the company's goals.
Prepare for a hands-on assessment of your server administration skills, with a focus on managing and securing server infrastructure.

ATS Keywords: See the comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category, at the end of this document.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals in detail.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Network Hardware:

Routers: Cisco, Juniper, or similar enterprise-grade routers
Switches: Cisco, Arista, or similar enterprise-grade switches
Firewalls: Fortinet, Palo Alto, or similar enterprise-grade firewalls
Access Points: Cisco, Aruba, or similar enterprise-grade access points

Server Infrastructure:

On-premise servers: Dell, HP, or similar enterprise-grade servers
Cloud-based servers: AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud platforms
Virtualization platforms: VMware, Hyper-V, or similar virtualization technologies

Network Monitoring Tools:

SolarWinds, Nagios, or similar network monitoring tools
Wireshark, tcpdump, or similar network packet analysis tools

Server Administration Tools:

Linux: Ubuntu, CentOS, or similar Linux distributions
Windows Server: Windows Server 2016, 2019, or similar Windows Server versions
Scripting and automation tools: Python, Bash, PowerShell, or similar scripting languages
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools: Ansible, Terraform, or similar IaC tools

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI uses enterprise-grade network hardware and server infrastructure to support the development and testing of its humanoid robots. Familiarity with these technologies is essential for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Innovation: Persona AI values innovation and encourages team members to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
Collaboration: Persona AI fosters a collaborative environment, with a focus on open communication and continuous learning.
Quality: Persona AI is committed to delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations.
Customer Focus: Persona AI prioritizes customer feedback and uses it to drive product development and improvement.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Persona AI encourages collaboration between different teams, with a focus on open communication and shared goals.
Code Review Culture: Persona AI values code reviews and uses them to ensure code quality, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: Persona AI encourages team members to share their knowledge and expertise with others, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI's culture values innovation, collaboration, quality, and customer focus. The company fosters a collaborative environment with a focus on open communication and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Design: Design and implement scalable and secure network infrastructure for Persona AI's offices, R&D labs, and future production facilities.
Network Security: Implement and manage network security measures to protect Persona AI's intellectual property and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive data.
High-bandwidth Data Transfer: Ensure robust network connectivity for high-bandwidth data transfer requirements from robot sensor arrays and simulation environments.
Server Administration: Administer and maintain on-premise and cloud-based server infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and data protection.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your skills in network design, server administration, and automation tools to take on more complex challenges and lead projects.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in robotics, artificial intelligence, and IT infrastructure.
Technical Mentorship: Seek mentorship from experienced team members to gain insights into the robotics industry and develop your technical skills.
Leadership Development: Develop your leadership skills by mentoring junior team members and driving technical initiatives within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI offers significant opportunities for technical skill development and growth. As an early employee, you will have the chance to take on complex challenges and lead projects that drive the company's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Design: Describe your approach to network design and configuration, with a focus on scalability, security, and performance optimization.
Network Security: Discuss your understanding of network security principles and best practices, with a focus on protecting Persona AI's intellectual property and ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive data.
Troubleshooting: Walk through a complex network troubleshooting scenario and explain your approach to diagnosing and resolving the issue.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Mission: Explain why you are interested in Persona AI's mission and how your technical skills and experience align with the company's goals.
Team Dynamics: Describe your preferred working style and how you would contribute to Persona AI's collaborative and innovative team culture.
Problem-solving Approach: Discuss your approach to problem-solving and how you would apply it to the challenges and opportunities presented by Persona AI's mission and values.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Design Case Studies: Highlight your network design and configuration skills with case studies or live projects, focusing on scalability, security, and performance optimization.
Server Administration Examples: Showcase your server administration skills with examples of managed server environments, focusing on performance optimization, data protection, and user management.
User Testimonials: Include user testimonials or feedback on your problem-solving and communication skills, demonstrating your ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Persona AI's interview process is designed to assess your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Administrator position at Persona AI:

Submit Your Application: Click the application link and follow the instructions to submit your resume and cover letter.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Highlight your network design and configuration skills with case studies or live projects, focusing on scalability, security, and performance optimization. Include user testimonials or feedback on your problem-solving and communication skills.
Optimize Your Resume: Use the comprehensive list of web development and server administration-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category, to highlight your technical skills and experience.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your network design, configuration, and troubleshooting skills, with a focus on TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, and firewalls. Familiarize yourself with Persona AI's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your technical skills and experience align with the company's goals.
Research Persona AI: Learn about Persona AI's mission, values, and company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during your interviews, demonstrating your interest in the company and your understanding of its goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

ATS Keywords:

Programming Languages:

Bash
Python
PowerShell

Web Frameworks:

Not applicable for this role

Server Technologies:

Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS)
Windows Server (2016, 2019)
Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Databases:

Not applicable for this role

Tools:

Scripting and automation tools (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (Ansible, Terraform)
Network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Nagios)
Network packet analysis tools (Wireshark, tcpdump)

Methodologies:

Agile development processes
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles and tools

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
Adaptability and continuous learning mindset

Industry Terms:

Network design, configuration, and troubleshooting (TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, firewalls)
Server administration (Linux, Windows Server, cloud-based servers)
Virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V)
Robotics and artificial intelligence
Embedded systems and edge computing platforms
Network attached storage (NAS) solutions for large datasets
IT security principles and best practices
Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles and tools
Agile development processes
Collaborative development environment, with regular code reviews and testing
Virtualized environments for development, testing, and simulation of robot software

Systems Administrator