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Senior Systems Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Systems Administrator

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Leidos is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join the Maru Program on a high-performing team supporting an Intelligence Community customer on a fast-paced Agile program. In this role, you'll ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Overview Senior Systems Administrator Gaithersburg, MD Active TS (SCI eligibility) clearance and eligibility to obtain a CI poly At Bcore, our strength comes from how we deliver impact to the mission.

Senior Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The Senior Systems Administrator is responsible for leading and performing advanced IT infrastructure and systems administration activities, including the installation, configuration, administration ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Responsibilities & Qualifications RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Systems Administrator is expected to be able to accomplish the following: * Monitors and manages system resources, including CPU usage ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Responsibilities & Qualifications RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Systems Administrator is expected to be able to accomplish the following: * Monitors and manages system resources, including CPU usage ...

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Senior Systems Administrator AGENCY SUPPORTED: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - MEGA 6 Automated Litigation Support POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Contingent Upon Award LOCATION: Remote CLEARANCE:

Be Seen First

Position: Sr. Systems Administrator - Windows, AWS & Azure Location: Tallahassee, FL Duration: 10+ Months [Extension Possible] Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator to ...

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Systems Administrator is expected to be able to accomplish the following: * Monitors and manages system resources, including CPU usage, disk usage, and response times to ...

Be Seen First

Position: Sr. Systems Administrator - Windows, AWS & Azure Location: Tallahassee, FL Duration: 10+ Months [Extension Possible] Summary: We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator to ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Aurora, CO

$87K - $118K/yr

Overview We are seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join our Task Order proposal on the Defense Intelligence Agency's Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise III (SITE III). The ...

Sr Systems Administrator

Reston, VA

$89K - $121K/yr

AnaVation is seeking a Sr Systems Administrator to join our team and support our mission critical customer in Reston, VA. As a Sr Systems Administrator you will: * Plan, design, and implement ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Systems Administrator information

See salary details

$49K

$102.2K

$143.5K

How much do senior systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems administrator in the United States is $102,229.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $116,500.00 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.
What cities are hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs? Cities with the most Senior Systems Administrator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Administrator jobs? The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Systems Administrator jobs? The top employers for Senior Systems Administrator jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Systems Administrator jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Systems Administrator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,229 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Sr. Systems Administrator

Leidos

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 485 rated business services


Job description

Are you a seasoned Systems Administrator who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and keeping mission-critical environments operating at peak performance? Are you passionate about modern infrastructure, automation, and enabling Agile software development in support of national security?
Leidos is seeking a Senior Systems Administrator to join the Maru Program on a high-performing team supporting an Intelligence Community customer on a fast-paced Agile program. In this role, you'll work alongside talented engineers, DevSecOps practitioners, software developers, and cybersecurity experts to build, secure, and maintain the infrastructure that powers mission success.
This is more than a traditional systems administration role, you'll have the opportunity to modernize enterprise infrastructure, automate operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and directly enable rapid software delivery for systems that make a real-world impact. If you're energized by innovation, collaboration, and solving some of the nation's most challenging technical problems, we'd love to have you on our team.
Position Overview
As a Senior Systems Administrator, you will administer, secure, and optimize enterprise Windows and Linux environments supporting development, test, integration, and production systems. You'll play a critical role in ensuring highly available, resilient, and secure infrastructure while partnering with Agile teams to continuously improve system performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Please note Gaithersburg, MD is the program's primary work location.
Clearance Level Required:
Active Top Secret/SCI with the ability to successfully pass a Polygraph examination.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Administer and maintain Windows and Linux server environments.
  • Install, configure, patch, and upgrade operating systems and enterprise applications.
  • Monitor system health, performance, capacity, and availability.
  • Support Agile development teams by provisioning and maintaining development, test, staging, and production environments.
  • Implement infrastructure changes through established configuration management and change control processes.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, and storage issues to minimize downtime.
  • Collaborate with DevSecOps engineers to automate system administration tasks using scripting and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools.
  • Maintain compliance with IC cybersecurity requirements, RMF controls, STIGs, and security policies.
  • Perform vulnerability remediation, security patching, and system hardening.
  • Support virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere or Nutanix.
  • Manage Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, DHCP, PKI, and identity management services.
  • Develop and maintain system documentation, standard operating procedures, and architecture diagrams.
  • Participate in Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, backlog refinement, standups, and retrospectives.
  • Provide Tier III operational support and participate in after-hours maintenance windows as required.

Required Qualifications:
  • US citizenship is required per contract.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology or related field and 8-12 years of prior relevant experience or Master's with 6-10 years of prior relevant experience.
  • 8+ years of systems administration experience supporting enterprise environments.
  • Experience supporting Intelligence Community or Department of Defense customers.
  • Strong experience administering:
    • Windows Server
    • Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
    • VMware vSphere
    • Active Directory
    • DNS/DHCP
    • Group Policy
  • Experience with scripting using PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA)
  • ITIL 4 Foundation
  • Knowledge of storage technologies, backup solutions, and disaster recovery.
  • Experience applying DISA STIGs and RMF security controls.
  • Familiarity with configuration management and automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
  • Experience using Git and supporting CI/CD pipelines.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting cloud technologies such as AWS GovCloud, Azure Government, or C2S.
  • Experience with Kubernetes and container platforms.
  • Familiarity with Docker and OpenShift.
  • Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation, or Ansible).
  • Knowledge of Elastic Stack, Splunk, Grafana, or Prometheus.
  • Experience supporting DevSecOps environments.
  • Understanding of Zero Trust architecture principles.
  • Experience with SAN/NAS administration.

Desired Competencies:
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic Agile environment.
  • Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
  • Collaborative mindset with cross-functional technical teams.
  • Commitment to continuous process improvement and automation.

#Maru
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 6, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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