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Linux Unix System Administrator Jobs in California

Btisolutions

Linux System Admin

San Jose, CA

$39/hr

Systems Administration/System Engineer certification in Linux+, e.g., CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) preferred * Network ...

New

GDIT

Systems Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Netapp Storage Area Network (SAN) Administration, Unix System Administration, Windows System ... Linux, and Solaris systems Knowledge of the Customer's processes and procedures and of the Customer ...

Zealogics.com

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

... Linux administrator, operating systems (Linux, Windows), computer network * Distributed file ... HPC Operating System Installation/provision - Windows Server, Linux, Unix. * Troubleshooting and ...

iQuasar LLC

System Admin

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

iQuasar is seeking to fill an Systems Administrator in San Diego, CA. At iQuasar, we strive to ... Advanced LINUX/Unix-based system administration and security hardening experience * Clearance:

Bloom Energy

Linux Systems Administrator

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Linux Systems Administrator to join our team in one of today's most exciting ... Applies revisions to host system firmware and software. Works with vendors to assist 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 26, 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 System Admin

Btisolutions

San Jose, CA

$39/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Linux System Admin

Position Summary:

The DevOps/SystemEngineer is responsible for effective installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software and related infrastructure. The system administration tasking will be focused on improving the stability and performance of the system, maintaining and improving the security posture of the systems, continuous monitoring of system health, and troubleshooting issues that arise.

This individual is accountable for Linux, Windows, and application systems that support infrastructure and research and development (R&D). Responsibilities on these systems include SA engineering, operations and support, maintenance and research and development to ensure continual operation.

Responsibilities:

  • Engineering of systems administration-related solutions for various project and operational needs.
  • Install new/rebuild existing servers and configure hardware, peripherals, services, settings, directories, storage, etc. in accordance with standards and project/operational requirements.
  • Virtualization platform (VMware, KVM, and other)
  • Storage management (Netapp, Dell/EMC, PureStorage, and others)
  • Infra automation tools(ansible) support
  • Foreman deployment management
  • System inventory system (GLPI)
  • Network equipment management (Cisco, Mellanox, and others)
  • Install and configure systems which support infrastructure and/or R&D activities.
  • Develop and maintain installation and configuration procedures.
  • Configure/maintain storage equipment and troubleshoot with vendors.
  • Configure/install EDA tools, FlexLM licenses, and troubleshoot software tool issues.
  • Contribute to and maintain system standards.
  • Contribute to and maintain security posture of the systems
  • Research and recommend innovative, and where possible, automated approaches for system administration tasks. Identify approaches that leverage resources.
  • Operations and Support
  • Install and maintain security patches on the operational and development system, which includes but is not limited to, Red Hat Linux (Centos, Ubuntu...etc.), Windows 2008/2k8R2/2k12, VMWare, and Apache web services.
  • Report Security Patch compliance.
  • Perform daily system monitoring, verifying the integrity and availability of all hardware, server resources, systems and key processes, reviewing system and application logs, and verifying completion of scheduled jobs such as backups.
  • Perform regular security monitoring to identify any possible intrusions.
  • Perform daily backup operations, ensuring all required file systems and system data are successfully backed up to the appropriate media, recovery tapes or disks are created, and media is recycled and sent off site as necessary.
  • Perform regular file archival and purge as necessary.
  • Create, change, and delete user accounts per request as necessary.
  • Provide Tier III/other support per request from various constituencies. Investigate and troubleshoot issues.
  • Repair and recover from hardware or software failures. Coordinate and communicate with impacted constituencies.
  • Maintenance
  • Apply OS patches and upgrades on a regular basis, and upgrade administrative tools and utilities. Configure/add new services as necessary.
  • Manage existing and/or deploy new instances of Jirra, Git, LDAP, Jenkins, VMWare environments.
  • Upgrade and configure system software that supports infrastructure applications or Asset Management applications per project or operational needs.
  • Maintain operational, configuration, or other procedures.
  • Perform ongoing performance tuning, hardware upgrades, and resource optimization as required. Configure CPU, memory, and disk partitions as required.
  • After hours and weekend support and/or alternative work schedules are required at various points in the year

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

  • Especially high skill level of VMware admin and management, also including but not limiting, Jenkins, GIT, DevOps tool administration
  • Systems Administration/System Engineer certification in Linux+, e.g., CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) preferred
  • Network equipment management, Cisco equipment preferred,
  • 7+ years of system administration experience in Linux environments and proficient in tasks such as shell scripting, creating corn jobs, analyzing log files, managing user accounts and groups, configuring iptables, and setting up mail services.
  • Proven ability to multi-task.
  • Independent, self-starter.
  • Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written correspondence) in a professional and courteous manner with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • CompTIA Security+ (SY0-301) or other DoD 8570.1 Workplace Improvement Plan IAT Level II compliant certification required (or equivalent experience).
  • Familiarity with web-based technologies, including but not limited to, reverse proxy servers, SSL certificate configuration, three-tier architecture, and service oriented architecture, enterprise service bus, http, and differences between browsers.
  • Able to lift 50 lbs.
  • Able to move servers to and from main DC to the colocation and labs
  • Install new hardware or migrate existing servers (rack and stack)

Salary: up to $39/hr (negotiable)

Why work at BTI?

We're committed to creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Our team benefits from competitive compensation, comprehensive health and wellness offerings, and opportunities for professional development. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, including those related to fair hiring practices, pay transparency, workplace safety, and reasonable accommodations. We are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully.

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