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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Decatur, AL

SAIC

Senior Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL

$84K - $114K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator located in Huntsville, AL to support USPACOM to enhance and upgrade a myriad of applications and services, in an enterprise ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator located in Huntsville, AL to support USPACOM to enhance and upgrade a myriad of applications and services, in an enterprise ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator located in Huntsville, AL to support USPACOM to enhance and upgrade a myriad of applications and services, in an enterprise environment. As ...

Starfish

Senior Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Torch Technologies is seeking a versatile and proactive Senior Systems Administrator to manage the end-to-end lifecycle of our infrastructure in one of our labs supporting the US Army Aviation and ...

IGNITE

SENIOR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$84K - $114K/yr

Job Title SENIOR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR Location Huntsville, AL US (Primary) Category Information ... Job Requirements Key Responsibilities: • Administer Windows and Linux systems • Apply security ...

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All JobsSystems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator JobsSenior Systems Administrator Jobs in Decatur, AL

Senior Systems Administrator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$45.9K

$95.8K

$134.5K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in Decatur, AL is $95,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a senior systems administrator make in the US?

A senior systems administrator in the US typically earns between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often hold certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) and work with environments involving Windows, Linux, or cloud platforms.

What are some common challenges faced by senior systems administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Systems Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing complex, multi-platform environments, ensuring uptime during upgrades or maintenance, and responding to unexpected technical incidents. Balancing proactive system improvements with urgent troubleshooting is a frequent demand. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize clear documentation, automate routine tasks where possible, and foster strong communication with IT and non-IT teams. Staying current with industry best practices and security protocols also helps prevent many common issues before they arise.

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

To thrive as a Senior Systems Administrator, you need deep expertise in server management, network administration, and operating systems, typically backed by a bachelor’s degree in IT or a related field. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Active Directory, Linux/Windows Server, and certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), or Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies are crucial for maintaining system reliability, minimizing downtime, and supporting organizational technology needs.

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

AspectSenior Systems AdministratorSystems Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, or Cisco CCNAOften requires similar certifications, with additional focus on network design and engineering
Work EnvironmentPrimarily manages and maintains existing IT infrastructure within organizationsDesigns, develops, and implements new systems and network solutions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments across various industries, focusing on operational stabilityFound in organizations needing system design and integration, often in tech and engineering sectors

While both roles require strong technical skills and certifications, Senior Systems Administrators focus on maintaining and supporting existing systems, whereas Systems Engineers are more involved in designing and implementing new systems and solutions.

What is a senior systems administrator?

Senior Systems Administrators are IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer systems, servers, and networks. They oversee system performance, ensure security, troubleshoot complex issues, and often mentor junior administrators. Their work is critical for minimizing downtime, implementing upgrades, and ensuring the reliability and security of IT infrastructure. Senior Systems Administrators typically have years of experience and deep technical knowledge in areas like operating systems, networking, and cloud platforms.

What does a senior systems administrator do?

A senior systems administrator is an IT professional who manages the network and computer system infrastructure for a company or organization. Your responsibilities may vary depending on your employer; at a large company, you may be in a management position in which you oversee a team or department to design and implement network and database solutions for an organization, perform software programming to expand technological capabilities, or troubleshoot network issues and devise solutions. In a smaller company, you may more directly engage with these duties, supported by a small technical staff.

Do senior systems administrators make good money?

Senior systems administrators typically earn a competitive salary that reflects their experience, technical skills, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. Their compensation often includes benefits and opportunities for advancement, with salaries varying by industry and location. They are also responsible for managing complex IT infrastructure and ensuring system security and reliability.
More about Senior Systems Administrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Administrator jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Decatur, AL? For Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:
Senior Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in Decatur, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,835 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Senior Systems Administrator

SAIC

Huntsville, AL

$84K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 223 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2614937

Location: Huntsville, AL, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Category: Information Technology

Subcategory: Sys Administrator

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 50% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: TS/SCI

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

SAIC is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator located in Huntsville, AL to support USPACOM to enhance and upgrade a myriad of applications and services, in an enterprise environment. As part of team, you will participate in implementation and maintenance of Cloud and On-Prem IT Infrastructure to support software development in Modeling and Simulation.

The Senior Systems Administrator will be responsible for but not limited to the following duties: 

  • Provide level II and III systems support to Huntsville based software development team.
  • Provide user level testing of the platform prior to deployment of the software.
  • Linux and Windows Administrative duties (RHEL & Ubuntu).
  • Support the maintenance and connectivity of the development platform on a private cloud on prem.
  • Create and manage user and group accounts across enclaves of responsibilities.
  • Respond to and implement Cyber Tasking Orders.
  • Apply patches to systems and conduct regression tests.
  • Apply STIGs and conduct regression tests.
  • Document updates for user manuals and procedures.
  • Required travel of up to 50% with overseas travel from 1 to 3.5 weeks at a time.

Qualifications

Required Education:

  • Bachelor's degree and five (5) years’ experience; additional four (4) years’ experience can be considered in lieu of degree.

Required Clearance:

  • Must possess an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI; US Citizenship required.

Required Skills:

  • Willingness to travel of up to 50% with overseas in support of exercise events.
  • Experience working with operating systems such as RHEL, Ubuntu, Windows 11, Windows Server, ESXi.
  • Must have or obtain a US Passport within 30 days of start.

Required Certification:

  • Must have a current DoD 8570 IAT level II or higher certification such as Security+ CE, CySA+, CISSP, CASP etc. 

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