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Senior Unix System Administrator Jobs in California

Sr. Systems Administrator

Morgan Hill, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $129K/yr

The Sr. Systems Administrator will work closely with engineering teams to maintain systems and ... and/or Unix system administration experience; understanding and working knowledge of layered ...

Senior System Administrator

Seal Beach, CA ยท On-site

$146K - $197K/yr

Senior System Administrator Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Space Mission Systems Organization seeks an Senior System Administrator to support Proprietary Programs ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Senior System Administrator in Camarillo/Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA . The ... Lead administration, maintenance, and sustainment of Windows and UNIX/Linux systems supporting ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Senior System Administrator in Camarillo/Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA . The ... Lead administration, maintenance, and sustainment of Windows and UNIX/Linux systems supporting ...

Senior System Administrator

Seal Beach, CA ยท On-site

$146K - $197K/yr

Senior System Administrator Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), Space Mission Systems Organization seeks an Senior System Administrator to support Proprietary Programs ...

Senior Systems Administrator

Camarillo, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Saalex is seeking a Senior System Administrator in Camarillo/Naval Air Station Point Mugu, CA . The ... Lead administration, maintenance, and sustainment of Windows and UNIX/Linux systems supporting ...

System Administrator

Modesto, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

System Administrator Location: Modesto, CA (On-Site) Reports To ... Senior Infrastructure Manager Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: $95,000 - $120,000 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Unix System Administrator information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$100.9K

$141.6K

How much do senior unix system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior unix system administrator in California is $100,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior Unix system administrator?

Senior Unix System Administrators are experienced IT professionals who manage, maintain, and troubleshoot Unix or Linux-based server systems within an organization. They are responsible for ensuring system reliability, security, and performance by configuring servers, applying updates, monitoring system health, and responding to incidents. In addition to technical duties, they may also mentor junior admins, design system architecture, and implement automation tools to streamline operations. Their expertise is essential for organizations that rely on Unix or Linux servers for critical applications and data management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Unix system administrator?

To thrive as a Senior Unix System Administrator, you need deep expertise in Unix/Linux operating systems, scripting languages (such as Bash, Python, or Perl), and a strong understanding of networking and security principles, usually backed by relevant certifications or degrees. Familiarity with configuration management tools (like Ansible or Puppet), virtualization platforms, and monitoring systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you manage complex issues and mentor junior staff. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining system reliability, optimizing performance, and ensuring secure, efficient IT operations.

What are some common challenges senior Unix system administrators face when managing large-scale, multi-user environments?

Senior Unix System Administrators often deal with challenges such as maintaining system uptime across multiple servers, ensuring security compliance, and managing complex patching schedules in environments with numerous users. Balancing proactive monitoring with rapid incident response is crucial, as is collaborating with developers, network engineers, and support staff to troubleshoot issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to evolving technologies and automating repetitive tasks are key to maintaining system performance and reliability.

What is the difference between Senior Unix System Administrator vs Linux Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Unix System AdministratorLinux Systems Engineer
CertificationsUnix/Linux certifications (e.g., LPIC, RHCE)Linux certifications (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+)
Work EnvironmentUnix servers, enterprise data centersLinux servers, cloud environments
Industry UsageFinancial, telecom, large enterprisesTech companies, startups, cloud providers
Job FocusSystem maintenance, troubleshooting, scriptingDeployment, automation, infrastructure design

Both roles require Linux/Unix knowledge and certifications, but Senior Unix System Administrators focus more on maintaining enterprise Unix systems, while Linux Systems Engineers often work on deploying and automating Linux environments, especially in cloud and development settings.

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Unix System Administrator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Unix System Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Unix System Administrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,891 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Summary: This position will provide the technical expertise necessary to implement computer hardware, resolve technical issues related to user problems, and is responsible for the planning, design, implementation, documentation and maintenance of complex computer systems.ย 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):

  • Directly provide services in the form of problem resolution, troubleshooting, training and support on any IT equipment.
  • Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve hardware, and software problems.
  • Perform daily operational functions in support of UNIX, mail systems, telecommunication systems, PCโ€™s and networks.
  • Provide the resolution of user help desk problems in a timely manner.
  • Provide support for IT infrastructure.
  • Sets up, configures, and supports internal and/or external networks.
  • Perform system maintenance on PCโ€™s networks, and communication systems.
  • Answers, evaluates, and prioritize incoming telephone, voicemail, e-mail, and in-person requests for assistance from users experiencing problems with hardware, software, networking, and other computer-related technologies.
  • Interviews user to collect information about problem and leads user through diagnostic procedures to determine source of error.
  • Determines whether problem is caused by hardware such as modem, printer, cables, or telephone.
  • Handles problem recognition, research, isolation, resolution and follow-up for routine user problems, referring more complex problems to supervisor or technical staff.
  • Logs and tracks calls using problem management database, and maintains history records and related problem documentation.
  • Prepares standard statistical reports, such as help desk incident reports.
  • Analyzes and evaluates incident reports, and makes recommendation to reduce help line incident rate.
  • Consults with programmers to explain software errors or to recommend changes to programs.
  • Calls hardware vendors to request service regarding defective products.
  • Tests hardware to evaluate case of use and whether product will aid user in performing work.
  • Writes hardware evaluation and recommendation for management review.
  • Writes or revises user training manuals and procedures.
  • Develops training materials such as exercises and visual displays.
  • Installs personal computers, software, and peripheral equipment.

Education and/or Experience:

  • BS, BA or AA degree in related field.
  • 2-4+ years of experience and/or training

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  • Requires considerable knowledge of: modern office methods and procedures; modern business English, spelling and arithmetic; the operations of common office machines and equipment.
  • Requires considerable ability to: use good judgment in making routine decisions in accordance with existing laws, ordinances, regulations and departmental policies and procedures; establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with departmental personnel and customers.

Computer Skills:

  • Knowledge of Windows Operating Systemsย 
  • Experience with MS Outlook and MS Office
  • Knowledge of or experience with Switches and routers VPN experience

Qualifications:

  • Direct experience with Ethernet LANs, TCP/IP and Windows
  • Direct experience with MS Exchange Server
  • Knowledge of or experience with SunOS, Solaris, HPUX
  • UNIX, programming, and scripting skills: C, C++, PERL

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • May require some lifting of computer parts and/or equipment.
  • Must be able to lift or move 5-10 lbs. occasionally.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Work in Office Environment
  • May need to perform duties in an ESD controlled environment.