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Associate System Administrator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

PKI System Administrator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

PKI System Administrator

Lorton, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a ... Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years ...

Position Summary ECS is seeking a System Administrator - Journeyman to support the Army National ... Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or Associate's degree in Computer Technology * Minimum ...

Senior System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The Senior Systems Administrator ensures the stability, performance, and security of mission ... Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104) CompTIA Security+ (or higher-level security certification ...

Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced Senior System Administrator to ... Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university OR offerings listed in DoD 8140 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate System Administrator information

See Virginia salary details

$40.6K

$88.2K

$136.3K

How much do associate system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate system administrator in Virginia is $88,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges an Associate System Administrator may face during their first year on the job?

As an Associate System Administrator, newcomers often face challenges such as quickly learning the organization's specific IT infrastructure and adapting to a fast-paced environment where prompt troubleshooting is essential. Managing priorities between routine maintenance tasks and urgent technical issues can be demanding. Additionally, balancing learning new technologies while ensuring system security and uptime is maintained requires strong time-management and communication skills. Most teams provide mentorship and structured onboarding to support new associates as they build confidence and technical proficiency.

What is the difference between Associate System Administrator vs Network Technician?

AspectAssociate System AdministratorNetwork Technician
CertificationsCompTIA A+, Network+; Microsoft CertifiedCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, IT departments, enterprise environmentsNetwork operations centers, troubleshooting sites, enterprise networks
Job FocusManaging servers, user accounts, system updatesInstalling, maintaining, troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity

While both roles support IT infrastructure, Associate System Administrators focus on server and system management, whereas Network Technicians specialize in network hardware and connectivity issues. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Can I become a sysadmin without a degree?

While a degree in computer science or related fields can be helpful, many associate system administrators become successful through hands-on experience, certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA, and strong technical skills. Employers often value practical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and familiarity with operating systems, networking, and scripting over formal education alone.

Is a sysadmin role stressful?

A sysadmin role can be stressful due to the need to maintain system uptime, troubleshoot issues quickly, and handle urgent problems often outside of regular hours. The job requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and sometimes working under pressure during system outages or security incidents.

Will AI replace sys admins?

AI is unlikely to fully replace associate system administrators, as their role involves complex problem-solving, system configuration, and troubleshooting that require human judgment. Instead, AI tools are expected to augment their work by automating routine tasks, allowing sys admins to focus on more strategic and specialized responsibilities. Continuous learning and familiarity with automation tools are important for staying relevant in this evolving field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate System Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of operating systems (Windows, Linux), basic networking, and a relevant degree or IT certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals. Familiarity with system monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and remote management software is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in diagnosing issues and supporting users. These competencies ensure reliable system performance, minimize downtime, and contribute to smooth IT operations.

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A typical associate system administrator salary ranges from $50,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CompTIA or Microsoft. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced sysadmins with specialized skills can earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

What are Associate System Administrators?

Associate System Administrators are entry-level IT professionals responsible for assisting in the maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems and networks. They typically support senior system administrators by monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and performing routine updates or backups. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in system administration, providing hands-on experience with servers, security protocols, and user support. Associate System Administrators work in a variety of industries to ensure that IT infrastructure runs smoothly and efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Administrator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of System Administrator jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Associate System Administrator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Associate System Administrator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate System Administrator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate System Administrator job openings:
PKI System Administrator

PKI System Administrator

Leidos

Annandale, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 427 rated business services


Job description

Description

Unleash Your Potential

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customer’s success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. 

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading! 

The Mission

Leidos is seeking a System Administrator to partner on a large enterprise IT contract for the DOD. The System Administrator will partner and lead operations across multiple geographic locations. The System Administrator provides systems and software operations and maintenance support in a large network enterprise, multi-enclave environment.  This individual will work in a team environment to ensure mission needs are met and ensure functionality of capabilities of customers.
This role requires an individual that is technical, customer oriented and familiar with using desktop software applications such as web browsing and client software, and IT Service Management (ITSM) software. This individual should be detail oriented in order to capture customer inquiries appropriately. Role requires excellent oral and written communication skills with experience interacting with walkup customers of all types, to include senior executives. Individuals should be familiar with the basic concepts of Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) utilizing token cards and soft certificates to allow authentication within classified systems and for digital signing/encrypting communications. Administrator will handle walkup customers at the PKI main office, assist remote customers to troubleshoot issues, train Trusted Agents at remote sites/locations to perform basic TA duties, and ensure the PKI servers are operational and maintained. O&M duties include patching, routine maintenance, upgrades, and implementing new PKI technologies developed by the customer’s Engineering division. 

Primary Tasks

  • Experience with interacting with customers, senior managers, and customers, to handle service inquiries and problems.
  • Coordinate with customers and stakeholders to collect data, conduct analysis, develop, and implement solutions associated with incident tickets and requirements.
  • Implement, troubleshoot and maintenance of complex PKI, RCVS, OCSP, and other Identity Management tools/systems. 
  • Enforce security strategies and policies within established guidelines across the O&M IdAM function.
  • Design, develop and document solutions to complex active directory and windows technical issues.
  • Provide follow-up reports (technical findings, feedback, resolution steps taken) for root cause analysis, engineering technical assessment and process improvement initiatives. 
  • Mentor junior team members
  • Update troubleshooting documentation for 24/7/365 IT Operations Center watch personnel

Basic Qualifications

  • Mastery of IdAM technical areas and broad expertise across multiple level systems.
  • Experience with RCVS, OCSP, Certificate Authorities and other PKI technologies
  • Knowledge of Intelligence Community (IC) systems security standards, concepts and tools to be able to complete technology assignments.
  • Experience working independently on technical solutions in support of a client
  • Experience with issuing, troubleshooting, and managing token cards to support 2FA for administrator accounts
  • Familiarity with troubleshooting soft-certificate issues for customers locally and at remote locations
  • Experience with Tier 2 system/server administration
  • Experience supporting a broad range of assignments requiring originality and innovation in determining how to accomplish tasks.
  • Experience developing methodologies and presenting solutions to team members.
  • Experience collaborating with and reviewing the work of team members on requirements and solutions.
  • Experience with log reviews, incident analysis, and identification of issue trends
  • Experience with utilizing an IT Service Management (ITSM) tool, such as Service Now, to track, manage, and resolve customer incidents and complete customer requests
  • Strong oral and written communications skills
  • Ability to work independently

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years of prior relevant experience, Master’s degree with 2 years, Associate's with 6 years, or High School Diploma with 8 years or High School Diploma with 8 years of related experience.

Clearance:

  • Due to the nature of the government contracts we support, US Citizenship is required.
  • TS/SCI with Poly required for Position or TS/SCI and willingness to obtain and maintain a poly.

Certifications:

  • Candidate must, at a minimum, meet DoDM 8140.03 (previously DoD 8570) – IT System Admin Intermediate certification requirements (Cloud+, GICSP, SSCP, Security+ CE, GSEC, or higher). Specific “or higher” certifications for systems administrators include FITSP-O, GFACT, CASP+, CCNP Security, or CCSP.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 1, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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