Desktop Support Specialist

Job Summary

Desktop Support Specialist
Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN

Join a community that never stops innovating. At Purdue University, we’re transforming education and research through technology that empowers discovery, collaboration, and learning. As a Desktop Support Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the faculty and staff who drive that mission forward.

In this role, you’ll coordinate and deliver technical support services that keep our academic and research environments running smoothly. You’ll install, upgrade, and support hardware, software, and peripheral devices while helping identify innovative solutions that enhance teaching and research across campus. Working within a collaborative IT team, you’ll serve as a trusted partner to faculty and staff—offering expertise, problem-solving, and guidance with a customer-first mindset. This position operates under limited supervision and offers opportunities to expand your skills while contributing to Purdue’s world-class academic community.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong experience providing technical support and resolving desktop computing issues in professional environments
• Proficiency with enterprise tools and standard operating systems (Windows, macOS, common peripherals)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse users across academic, research, and administrative areas
Initiative to identify improvements that enhance efficiency, reliability, and user satisfaction

Why Purdue:
You’ll find more than a workplace—you’ll find purpose. Purdue offers a dynamic environment where technology professionals can directly impact teaching, learning, and research. We provide opportunities for professional growth, an inclusive culture that values every voice, and the stability of a world-renowned institution committed to continuous innovation.

Be part of the next giant leap in higher education. Apply today to join Purdue’s IT team.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Associate degree in Computer Science, Computer Technology OR a related field of study
• Six (6) months of IT desktop support or related IT experience
• Experience installing and maintaining hardware, software, and peripheral components of PC (Windows) and Macintosh based workstations including operating system, hardware drivers, and common office automation software
Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required work experience

Skills Required:

• Expansive knowledge of one of the following operating systems (Apple and Microsoft Windows), as well as PC hardware networking
• Apple software/hardware and A+ certification preferred or the ability to earn certification within the first six months of employment is required
• Knowledge of personal computer, network, server and office productivity technologies
• Capable of providing quality end-user support and training with patience and consideration of others
• Clear and effective verbal and written communications skills. Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot hardware and software problems on desktops
• Knowledge of computer networking concepts including IP networking and firewalls
• Ability to:
  • plan, organize and prioritize workloads, manage details of multiple projects simultaneously, and work within a team environment
  • complete projects within deadlines
  lift and carry 10-25 pounds frequently and 40 pounds occasionally
  

Preferred:

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Active Directory management including group policy
• Ability to navigate collections and packages via SCCM
• Previous academic support is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of:
  • workstation/user administration within a LAN environment
  • web design and maintenance desirable
  multiple operating systems
  

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

• Pay Band S050
• Job Code #20003371

Career path maker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.