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Senior Linux Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relativity Space

Sr Linux Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

... senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration * Mentor junior administrators ...

Relativity Space

Sr Linux Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

... senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration * Mentor junior administrators ...

Relativity Space

Sr Linux Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

... senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration * Mentor junior administrators ...

Boot Barn

Linux Administrator

Irvine, CA

LINUX ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS TO: SR. SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other ...

Boot Barn

Linux Administrator

Irvine, CA · On-site

LINUX ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS TO: SR. SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR STATUS: EXEMPT Summary Boot Barn is where community comes first. We thrive on togetherness, collaboration, and belonging. We build each other ...

Akraya Inc.

Linux Systems Admin

Palo Alto, CA

Linux Admin, vsphere, support, VMWare Duration: 16 months Contract Type: W2 only. No vendors ... Mid to Sr. level switching L2 / L3 expertise. * Mid to Sr. level scripting. * Experience can range ...

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Senior Linux Administrator information

See California salary details

$37

$52

$68

How much do senior linux administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior linux administrator in California is $52.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $56.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a senior Linux administrator faces when managing large-scale server environments?

Senior Linux Administrators often encounter challenges such as ensuring system reliability across numerous servers, automating routine maintenance tasks, and maintaining security compliance. Balancing the need for rapid updates with minimizing downtime requires careful planning and coordination with other IT teams. Additionally, troubleshooting complex issues in heterogeneous environments can demand deep expertise and effective communication with developers, network engineers, and support staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Linux administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Linux Administrator, you need advanced expertise in Linux operating systems, scripting languages (like Bash or Python), and strong troubleshooting abilities, typically backed by several years of experience and a relevant degree or certifications such as RHCE. Familiarity with configuration management tools (Ansible, Puppet), virtualization platforms, cloud environments, and monitoring systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you efficiently resolve incidents and coordinate with other IT professionals. These skills ensure system reliability, security, and optimal performance in complex, mission-critical IT environments.

What does a senior Linux administrator do?

A Senior Linux Administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and securing Linux servers and systems in an organization. They monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure high availability and reliability of critical infrastructure. Their duties often include automating routine tasks, managing user permissions, applying security updates, and supporting development teams. Senior administrators typically also mentor junior staff and contribute to planning and implementing IT strategies.

What is the difference between Senior Linux Administrator vs Linux Engineer?

AspectSenior Linux AdministratorLinux Engineer
CertificationsLinux+, RHCE, LPIC-2Linux+, RHCE, LPIC-2
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise servers, IT teamsDevelopment environments, cloud platforms, automation projects
Primary FocusSystem maintenance, troubleshooting, security, performance tuningDesigning, developing, and implementing Linux-based solutions

While both roles require similar certifications and often work within enterprise environments, Senior Linux Administrators focus on maintaining and securing existing systems, whereas Linux Engineers are more involved in designing and building new Linux solutions. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Administrator jobs in California? The most popular types of Linux Administrator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Linux Administrator jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Linux Administrator job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Linux Administrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,494 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Sr Linux Administrator

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The IT team is responsible for the full scope of computing infrastructure, end-user systems, servers, virtualization, cloud, networking, software services, telecommunications, and information security. You'll support every function across the company, from the production floor to flight operations, enabling Relativity's world-class team to design, build, and launch rockets. The team balances near-term execution with long-term vision, developing scalable solutions and processes to enable the company's growth. The evolving complexity of our IT environment offers opportunities to stretch and sharpen problem solving and hands-on technical skills. We invest in our people, encouraging ownership, cross-training, and advancement, so our team can grow as fast and ambitiously as the company itself.

About the Role:

  • Strengthen the reliability, scalability, and performance of Relativity's critical infrastructure platforms in Long Beach, supporting Terran R manufacturing, test, and engineering operations
  • Take ownership of Linux systems administration-deploying, configuring, automating, and maintaining production systems across on-prem and cloud environments (Azure/GCP)
  • Provide advanced support for Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Enterprise Backups, ensuring uptime, data protection, and compliance (AS9100)
  • Partner closely with senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration
  • Mentor junior administrators, building their technical depth and operational maturity, while standardizing and automating day-to-day administration tasks

About You:

  • 6+ years of progressive Linux and Windows systems administration experience in enterprise or mission-critical environments
  • Deep expertise in Linux systems administration, including configuration management, patching, and performance tuning
  • Advanced understanding of Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and enterprise backup solutions (e.g., Veeam, Commvault, Rubrik, etc.)
  • Solid grasp of networking fundamentals and experience troubleshooting at the network/system boundary
  • Proven ability to manage and monitor large environments with an emphasis on reliability, automation, and documentation
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently own issues through resolution

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Experience with Azure, GCP, or hybrid-cloud systems administration
  • Exposure to configuration management and orchestration tools (Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, etc.)
  • Familiarity with enterprise backup compliance and retention policies
  • Scripting skills in Bash, Python, or PowerShell for automation and system health monitoring

What Relativity Space employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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