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Linux System Administrator Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Senior System Administrator

Ashville, OH · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Install, configure, and maintain Windows workstations, Windows servers, and Linux operating systems CORE REQUIREMENTS: * 8+ years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing Classified ...

Battelle

Network Systems Administrator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$81K - $116K/yr

Conducts periodic classified system reviews and self-inspections, identifies compliance gaps or ... Experience with Linux systems considered a plus. * Experience with network systems administration ...

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How much do linux system administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system administrator in Columbus, OH is $50.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.71 and $60.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux system administrator?

A Linux system administrator— or sysadmin—is an information technology professional who oversees the lifespan of Linux software installed on a server, computer, or other pieces of hardware, including network devices. As a Linux sysadmin, your responsibilities include software installation, day-to-day maintenance of applications, and an overall understanding of Linux operating systems. As part of the daily maintenance team, your job is to monitor system health and ensure that security patches are up-to-date, so that network systems perform well for business users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux system administrator?

To thrive as a Linux System Administrator, you need a strong understanding of Linux operating systems, system troubleshooting, and networking, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Familiarity with command-line interfaces, shell scripting, system monitoring tools, and configuration management systems like Ansible or Puppet is essential. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable system performance, quick resolution of technical issues, and smooth collaboration within IT teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux system administrators when managing large-scale server environments?

Linux System Administrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent configurations across numerous servers, ensuring security compliance, and minimizing downtime during updates or maintenance. Managing automation tools, such as Ansible or Puppet, and monitoring system performance are also critical aspects. Effective communication and collaboration with development and network teams are essential to quickly resolve issues and implement new technologies smoothly.

What is the difference between Linux System Administrator vs Network Administrator?

AspectLinux System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC, RHCSACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentServers, data centers, cloud platformsNetworking hardware, routers, switches
ResponsibilitiesManaging Linux servers, scripting, securityConfiguring networks, troubleshooting connectivity
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise networks

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, a Linux System Administrator focuses on managing Linux servers and related software, whereas a Network Administrator specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in ensuring smooth IT operations within organizations.

Are Linux System Administrators in high demand?

Linux System Administrators are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Employers seek professionals with skills in scripting, networking, and system security, often requiring certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE.

How much do Linux system administrators make?

Linux system administrators typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in scripting, networking, or cloud platforms can earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions generally start around $50,000 to $70,000.

Is a Linux System Administrator a good job?

A Linux System Administrator is a valuable role responsible for managing and maintaining Linux-based servers and infrastructure. It often requires skills in scripting, networking, and security, and can offer stable employment with opportunities for certification and career growth.
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Linux System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux System Administrator job openings in Columbus, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $104,393 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Mid-level Linux Infrastructure Administrator

Battelle Memorial Institute

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Battelle Memorial Institute rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle's Cyber Business Line is seeking a mid-level Linux Infrastructure Administrator to help operate and grow an airgapped, multi-site research network supporting 70+ scientists and engineers. This role spans the full infrastructure stack-virtualization, identity, storage, networking, automation, and observability-within a petabyte-scale environment working toward CMMC Level 2 compliance.
As a Linux Infrastructure Administrator, you will work within a small, agile infrastructure team with broad ownership of the systems researchers depend on every day. This includes supporting enterprise virtualization, storage, networking, security hardening, automation, and GPU-enabled environments for offline AI/ML workloads. You will have the opportunity to design, automate, and improve infrastructure in a highly mission-focused, closed-network environment.
Location / Work Arrangement
  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site in a closed-network research environment
  • Schedule: Flexible, compressed work schedule with every other Friday off

Responsibilities
  • Administer Linux domain services including identity, authentication, DNS/NTP, and certificate services across an airgapped, multi-site environment.
  • Build, deploy, and maintain virtual machines and services on enterprise virtualization platforms such as VMware, Proxmox, Nutanix, or similar technologies.
  • Develop and maintain Ansible playbooks and provisioning workflows for repeatable, automated system configuration.
  • Administer enterprise storage infrastructure including NAS platforms, network file shares, and object storage.
  • Support network operations including VLAN segmentation, enterprise firewall rule management, site-to-site VPN, and remote-access VPN.
  • Deploy and operate containerized services and support migration of core services to a container orchestration platform.
  • Implement and maintain security hardening, patching, file integrity monitoring, and audit logging in a disconnected environment.
  • Support compliance activities aligned to CMMC Level 2 / NIST SP 800-171, including evidence collection and configuration baselines.
  • Collaborate closely with researchers and technical staff to improve reliability, automation, and usability of shared infrastructure.

Key Qualifications
  • Experience with Linux systems administration in an enterprise or research environment.
  • Experience with Linux domain administration, identity or directory services, centralized authentication, and host lifecycle management.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, and multi-site architectures.
  • Experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, or Salt.
  • Experience with containerization and container orchestration technologies.
  • Storage administration experience including RAID, volume management, network file shares, backup, and recovery.
  • Strong Python and Bash scripting fundamentals.
  • Virtualization experience with enterprise hypervisors such as VMware, Hyper-V, KVM-based platforms, or similar technologies.
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience administering airgapped, disconnected, or classified networks, including offline mirrors, removable-media transfer, and manual patch workflows.
  • STIG, CIS benchmark, or other compliance baselining experience; familiarity with NIST SP 800-171 / CMMC.
  • Identity and access management experience including directory services, LDAP/Kerberos, SSO/OIDC, PKI, and hardware-token deployment.
  • Distributed NAS administration experience.
  • Database administration experience in relational and/or search and analytics platforms.
  • Monitoring and SIEM experience including metrics and dashboarding, log aggregation, and host-based intrusion detection.
  • Experience with CI/CD and artifact management including pipelines, container registries, and offline package mirrors.
  • Experience with bare-metal and golden-image provisioning tooling.
  • Experience supporting GPU compute clusters or self-hosted AI/ML inference workloads.
  • Experience establishing, writing, and enforcing infrastructure policy.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
  • Relevant certifications such as RHCSA, CompTIA Linux+, or Security+ (DoD 8570 IAT Level II).

Some of the Extras That Make Working Here Great
  • Flexible, compressed work schedule with every other Friday off
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contributions
  • Tuition assistance for higher education
  • Professional development opportunities and Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program participation

Compensation Data
Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $140,000, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
  • Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

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