Senior Systems Administrator – Messaging & AutomationLocation: Atlanta, GA Contract- 6 MonthsClient- Southern Company.Position SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Administrator – Messaging to lead the administration, optimization, and automation of enterprise messaging platforms.This role supports and enhances Microsoft Exchange (on-prem, hybrid, and Exchange Online), Microsoft 365, and Proofpoint environments. A strong emphasis is placed on automation-first engineering, leveraging PowerShell, Python, Microsoft Graph API, REST APIs, and Power Automate to reduce manual operations and enable scalable, resilient systems.The ideal candidate brings a code-first mindset, strong scripting ability, and deep enterprise messaging expertise.Key ResponsibilitiesMessaging Platform Administration & SupportAdminister and support: Microsoft Exchange Server (on-prem & hybrid)Exchange Online (Microsoft 365)Ensure high availability, performance, reliability, and security.Troubleshoot complex issues and conduct root cause analysis.Lead modernization and system improvement initiatives.Proofpoint AdministrationAdminister Proofpoint email security suite: TRAPTAPEFDSERPODTune policies to reduce false positives and improve detection.Coordinate incident response with security teams.Automation & Engineering (Core Focus)Build automation solutions for daily messaging tasks.Develop reusable PowerShell and Python modules with: Error handlingLoggingSource control (Git)Automate user lifecycle and mailbox management via Microsoft Graph API.Consume and integrate REST APIs (authentication, pagination, JSON parsing).Build Power Automate workflows for cross-system orchestration.Continuously identify and eliminate manual processes.Monitoring & AlertingConfigure enterprise monitoring and alerting.Integrate messaging platforms with monitoring/SIEM tools.Implement automated remediation triggered by alerts.Project Delivery & Continuous ImprovementExecute messaging-related projects including: Platform migrationsMail flow changesSecurity enhancementsPartner with infrastructure, identity, and security teams.Maintain technical documentation and code repositories.Standardize processes and improve automation at scale.Required QualificationsStrong automation-first mindset.Advanced PowerShell and Python scripting skills.Experience working with: Microsoft Graph APIREST APIsPower Automate (or similar orchestration tools)Hands-on administration experience with: Exchange Server (on-prem & hybrid)Exchange OnlineExperience with Proofpoint security suite.Experience configuring enterprise monitoring and alerting.Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.Ability to work independently under general direction.Willingness to participate in on-call rotation.Technical Skills SummaryMicrosoft Exchange (On-Prem & Online)Microsoft 365Proofpoint (TRAP, TAP, EFD, SER, POD)PowerShell (Advanced)PythonMicrosoft Graph APIREST APIsPower AutomateGit / Source ControlSIEM / Monitoring IntegrationCore CompetenciesCode-first engineering mindsetProcess automation expertiseEnterprise troubleshooting skillsStrong documentation disciplineCross-team collaborationClear technical communication