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Linux Unix System Administrator Jobs in California

Bowhead

Linux SME

Corona, CA

Responsibilities Install, configure, administer, and maintain Linux operating systems (RHEL, CentOS ... CKA) GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX) SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must ...

Xinnovit

Adobe AEM System Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Adobe Aem System Administrator Xinnovit is a global leader in technology consulting, outsourcing ... WINDOW/UNIX/LINUX platform and dispatcher configuring on apache and apache configurations ...

Collabera

Linux System Administrator

Monterey, CA · On-site

Provide Linux operating systems maintenance on HPC clusters, general systems and user support, and Cross Domain Security development and maintenance Responsible for improving the efficiency and ...

Axos Bank

Sr. Systems Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA

$120K - $145K/yr

Ensure system stability, security hardening, and uptime * Support application teams with OS and ... Administer vSphere, ESXi, and vCenter * Provision and manage Unix/Linux VMs and templates * Support ...

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All JobsLinux Unix System Administrator JobsLinux Unix System Administrator Jobs in California

Linux Unix System Administrator information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$118.1K

$197.9K

How much do linux unix system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux unix system administrator in California is $118,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux/Unix System Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux/Unix System Administrator, you need expertise in system installation, configuration, troubleshooting, scripting (such as Bash or Python), and a solid understanding of networking and security principles, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Ansible, Puppet, Nagios, and commonly used distributions, plus certifications such as RHCSA or CompTIA Linux+, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help administrators excel in managing systems and collaborating with technical teams. These competencies are essential to maintain robust, secure, and efficient server environments critical to business operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Unix System Administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Linux Unix System Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing system uptime, applying timely security patches, and troubleshooting unexpected performance issues. Balancing routine maintenance with urgent incidents can be demanding, especially in environments with 24/7 operations. To address these challenges, administrators typically rely on automation tools, proactive monitoring, and clear communication within their IT teams. Staying current with documentation and best practices also helps streamline problem-solving and ensures system reliability.

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

AspectLinux Unix System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsLinux/Unix certifications (e.g., LPIC, RHCE)Network certifications (e.g., CCNA, CompTIA Network+)
Work EnvironmentServers, data centers, cloud platformsNetworking hardware, routers, switches, firewalls
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging Linux/Unix servers, scripting, system securityConfiguring and maintaining network infrastructure
Industry UsageIT, data centers, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise networks

The Linux Unix System Administrator focuses on managing and maintaining Linux and Unix servers, ensuring system security and performance. In contrast, the Network Administrator primarily handles network infrastructure, including routers and switches, to ensure reliable connectivity. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in IT and enterprise environments, but they specialize in different aspects of technology infrastructure.

What are Linux Unix System Administrators?

Linux Unix System Administrators are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux and Unix-based servers and systems. They ensure that these systems run efficiently, securely, and reliably for users and applications. Their duties often include user account management, system updates, monitoring system performance, implementing security measures, and performing regular backups. They play a critical role in supporting business operations that depend on stable and secure computing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in California? For Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in CA? For Linux Unix System Administrator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux Unix System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Unix System Administrator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, and 92% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,067 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Linux SME

Bowhead

Corona, CA

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Overview

Bowhead seeks a Linux SME to join our team on the Corona IT program. The Linux SME will provide senior-level administration, engineering, and operational support for Linux-based enterprise systems and container platforms supporting mission-critical government and DoD programs and serve as a technical authority for Linux infrastructure, container orchestration, automation, and secure system operations in classified and unclassified environments.

This position is 100% onsite.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, administer, and maintain Linux operating systems (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky, or equivalent) across physical, virtual, and containerized platforms. Deploy, configure, administer, and sustain Red Hat OpenShift clusters, including control plane and worker nodes, storage integration, networking, and platform upgrades. Support containerized workloads using Kubernetes and OpenShift, including image lifecycle management, registry integration, role-based access control (RBAC), and namespace management. Perform system hardening, patching, and vulnerability remediation in accordance with DoD STIGs, RMF, and cybersecurity requirements, including container security best practices. Support and maintain virtualized and hyper-converged infrastructure (VMware ESXi) hosting Linux and OpenShift environments. Develop and maintain automation and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using Ansible, Bash, Python, and CI/CD integrations to accelerate platform provisioning and consistency. Monitor system, cluster, and application performance; troubleshoot complex Linux, Kubernetes, and OpenShift-related issues across development, test, and production environments. Implement and maintain logging, monitoring, and alerting solutions for Linux systems and OpenShift clusters. Support backup, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions for Linux systems, container platforms, and persistent storage. Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, DevSecOps, SOC/NOC, and application teams to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant operations. Develop and maintain technical documentation including build guides, SOPs, platform architecture diagrams, and configuration baselines. Participate in security assessments, audits, inspections, and Authority to Operate (ATO) activities. Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior Linux and container platform administrators. Provide technical briefings and system status updates to program leadership and government stakeholders as required. The Senior Linux & OpenShift Systems Administrator reports to the Program Manager or IT Lead. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field. Seven plus (7+) years of experience as a System Administrator with a strong focus on Linux systems. Senior-level administration of Linux enterprise environments Hands-on experience with Red Hat and Kubernetes Container platform security, RBAC, and compliance implementation Scripting and automation (Ansible, Bash, Python) Virtualization and enterprise infrastructure support Experience supporting mission-critical or classified systems Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts

Certifications: Comp TIA Sec+ and one of the following Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in DoD, classified, or SAP environments DevSecOps and CI/CD pipeline integration experience LPIC-2 & LPIC-3 (Linux Professional Institute) Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the minimum Secret level.

Physical Demands:

Ability to work in data centers, secure facilities, and operational environments Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

#LI-DNI

MN1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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