Technical Support Specialist

Job Summary:

The Technical Support Specialist delivers expert support for workplace endpoint technologies, ensuring reliable performance and a seamless user experience. This role is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining hardware and software systems, while diagnosing and resolving technical issues using advanced troubleshooting techniques and diagnostic tools. The specialist partners with peers and end users to coordinate routine projects, optimize workflows, and uphold service excellence. Additionally, this position enforces policies, procedures, and standards to align with organizational goals and industry best practices, contributing to a secure and efficient IT environment.

Description of workplace endpoint technology: 300+ laptops, desktops, and tablets with a mix of Windows and macOS operating systems. Peripherals and conference room equipment to support 285 staff. Training room equipment including laptops, projectors, cameras, and audio equipment. 

Please note: Hybrid schedule with required onsite days.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

  • Assists in the creation of workplace endpoint technology initiatives.   

Administration

  • Recommends modification of practices and procedures to increase effectiveness or efficiency.
  • Collaborate with users to implement projects that leverage IT systems and tools.
  • Authors Scopes of Work for small projects.
  • Creates and maintains user documentation 

Development

  • Installs, repairs, and adjusts workplace endpoint technology using standard tools and test equipment while following established procedures.
  • Performs such tasks as imaging devices, replacing hardware components, deploying new equipment, and participating in team projects.
  • Performs routine preventive maintenance tasks in accordance with established practices.

Performance

  • Diagnoses and resolves complex problems, questions and inquiries encountered by clients according to established practices     

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Successful completion of a full 2-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to an associate's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.   
  • 2 years IT, CS user support or other relevant experience required.
  • Familiarity with enterprise collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, Zoom).

Infrastructure 

  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
  • information security
  • Mac OS X Operating System
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • Microsoft 365
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Zoom
  • Storage hardware
  • Windows Operating System

Analytical

  • critical thinking
  • decision making
  • judgment
  • problem solving
  • Troubleshooting

Project

  • collaboration and teamwork
  • functional documentation
  • organizational skills
  • planning

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Proven expertise in hardware and software diagnostics and troubleshooting
  • Excellent customer service and communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to work autonomously while thriving in collaborative team environments
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear and professional interactions
  • Effective time management with adaptability to shifting priorities
  • Attention to detail ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables
  • Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Relevant certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft, Apple)
  • Prior experience in a technical support or IT service environment.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Advanced proficiency in hardware and software troubleshooting across diverse platforms
  • Experience delivering exceptional customer support in high-volume or complex environments
  • Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives or mentor team members while fostering collaboration
  • Strong technical documentation skills and ability to communicate complex concepts clearly
  • Proven track record of managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines with flexibility
  • Commitment to quality assurance with a focus on process improvement and accuracy

 

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at  to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at  to learn more.



Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

Questions?

For consideration, current employees must submit an online application. For specific questions about this position, current employees may contact Gina Santucci at gina.santucci@northwestern.edu. External candidates should be directed to apply via Northwestern’s career site at careers.northwestern.edu

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...