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Principal Systems Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Envision Innovative Solutions

$175 - $205/hr

Riverstone is seeking a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Principal Systems Administrator to join our team in Annapolis Junction, Maryland . This position is onsite. Primary Responsibilities

Prattwhitney

Principal Systems Administrator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Role Overview Principal System Administrator - Tucson, AZ (Onsite, Full Time) Responsibilities * Provide IT systems administration for a heterogeneous Microsoft Windows and Red Hat Enterprise Linux ...

Prattwhitney

Principal Systems Administrator (Onsite)

Andover, MA · On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Principal System Administrator - Principal Specialist, Information Workplace Services (P3), located in Andover, MA, United States. Overview This role supports Windows and Linux enterprise ...

Northrop Grumman Corporation

$94K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • PTO

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Windows Server Administrator/Principal Windows Server Administrator to maintain and enhance Windows Systems and Infrastructure in support of the National Air and Space ...

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Principal Systems Administrator information

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$41K

$88.9K

$137.5K

How much do principal systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal systems administrator in the United States is $88,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is a principal systems administrator a high paying job?

A principal systems administrator is typically a senior IT role with a high salary compared to entry-level positions, reflecting advanced skills in network management, security, and system architecture. Salaries vary by industry and location but generally are above average for IT professionals, especially with certifications like CISSP or Cisco CCNP. The role often involves leadership responsibilities and extensive experience.

How does a principal systems administrator typically collaborate with other IT teams to ensure system reliability and security?

A Principal Systems Administrator often serves as a key liaison between multiple IT teams, such as network engineering, security, and application development. They coordinate activities like system upgrades, incident response, and vulnerability assessments, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned. Regular collaboration occurs through meetings, documentation, and project management tools, allowing for efficient troubleshooting and proactive risk mitigation. This cross-functional teamwork helps maintain robust, secure, and high-performing IT infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal systems administrator?

To thrive as a Principal Systems Administrator, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and network management, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in IT or related fields. Familiarity with enterprise operating systems (like Linux and Windows Server), virtualization platforms (such as VMware), and certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage teams and complex projects effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining robust, secure IT infrastructure and ensuring business continuity in demanding environments.

Do principal systems administrators make good money?

Principal systems administrators typically earn high salaries due to their advanced technical skills, leadership responsibilities, and experience managing complex IT infrastructure. Salaries can vary based on industry, location, and certifications such as CISSP or VMware, but they generally offer competitive compensation within the IT field.

What is the difference between Principal Systems Administrator vs Systems Administrator?

AspectPrincipal Systems AdministratorSystems Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires advanced certifications like CISSP, VMware, or Cisco certificationsOften requires basic certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentHandles complex, enterprise-level systems, often in large organizationsManages day-to-day IT operations, often in smaller teams or companies
ResponsibilitiesDesigns, implements, and oversees large-scale systems and infrastructureMaintains and supports existing systems, troubleshooting issues

The Principal Systems Administrator typically has more advanced certifications and handles complex, enterprise-level systems, while the Systems Administrator focuses on daily system maintenance and support. Both roles are essential in IT operations but differ in scope and responsibility.

What is a principal systems administrator?

A Principal Systems Administrator is a senior-level IT professional responsible for overseeing, managing, and optimizing an organization's computer systems and network infrastructure. They lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex systems, ensure security and reliability, and often mentor junior administrators. Their role typically involves troubleshooting advanced technical issues, developing automation scripts, and supporting the strategic IT goals of the organization. Principal Systems Administrators also collaborate with other IT teams to plan for scalability and future technology needs.
More about Principal Systems Administrator jobs

What states have the most Principal Systems Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Systems Administrator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Principal Systems Administrator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Systems Administrator jobs are:

Principal Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Systems Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,927 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Principal Systems Administrator

Envision Innovative Solutions

Annapolis Junction, MD

$210K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Envision Innovative Solutions
Current Job Openings >> Principal Systems Administrator
Principal Systems Administrator
Summary
Title: Principal Systems Administrator ID: 1039 Department: Mission Intelligence and Cyber Location: Annapolis Junction, Maryland Clearance Requirements: TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph
Description

At Envision Innovative Solutions, we're more than a technology company-we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and mission-focused professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Since 2006, we have delivered innovative technology, engineering, cybersecurity, and mission support solutions to government and commercial clients. Our people are our greatest strength. We foster a collaborative, and people-first culture where creativity is encouraged, professional growth is supported, and every team member has the opportunity to make a difference.
Envision is seeking a motivated, career, and customer-oriented Principal Systems Administrator to join our team in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. This position is onsite.

Primary Responsibilities:
    Provide support for implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of IT systems
    Provides support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all of the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices
    Manage the daily activities of configuration and operation of IT systems.
    Provide assistance to users in accessing and using IT systems
    Provide Tier I (Help Desk) and Tier 2 (Escalation) problem identification, diagnosis and resolution of problems
    Provide support to IT systems including day-to-day operations, monitoring and problem resolution for all of the client/server/storage/network devices, mobile devices, etc.
    Provide support for the escalation and communication of status to agency management and internal customers
    Optimize system operations and resource utilization, and perform system capacity analysis and planning
    Provide support for the dispatch system and hardware problems and remains involved in the resolution process
    Configure and manage UNIX and Windows (or other applicable) operating systems and installs/loads operating system software, troubleshoot, maintain integrity and configure network
    Analyze and resolve complex problems associated with server hardware applications and software integration                      
Required Skills:
    15 years' experience as a Systems Administrator in programs and contracts of similar scope, type, and complexity
    Bachelor's degree in technical discipline from an accredited college or university. Five (5) years of additional Systems Administrator experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree.
Security Clearance Requirement: Current/Active TS/SCI with Full Scope Polygraph.

The projected compensation range for this position is $210,000.00-$219,000.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.

Envision Innovative Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.
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