1

Senior Unix System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... for system administration activities including system monitoring, performance tuning, backup ... Reviews DISA's Unix Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) and Checklists for guidance.

We are hiring a Senior Unix Administrator to support an enterprise-level program within a federal ... Remotely provide systems management and technical troubleshooting for UNIX SIPRnet/NIPRnet systems.

Senior Unix Administrator

Blacklick, OH · On-site

$120K - $125K/yr

We are hiring a Senior Unix Administrator to support an enterprise-level program within a federal ... Remotely provide systems management and technical troubleshooting for UNIX SIPRnet/NIPRnet systems.

... Unix Admin will be responsible to ... Provide Tier 2 support, based on industry standards, to clients for all system problems and ...

Solid Financial Resources and low Employee Turnover (5%) The Unix Admin will be responsible to: • ... Support trouble tickets submitted via the electronic problem reports system. • Prepare systems ...

Unix/Linux/Solaris/-Senior System Administrator Operator for Disaster Recovery services contract. Good to also have SAN skills as well. XIV /EMC Additional Information All your information will be ...

Senior System Administrator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

MTA IT is seeking a Senior System Administrator role with extensive enterprise level experience in ... environments Unix Shell Scripting or PowerShell Scripting • 10+ years of experience Microsoft ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Unix System Administrator information

See salary details

$49K

$102.2K

$143.5K

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 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.

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 are hiring for Senior Unix System Administrator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Unix System Administrator job openings:

What states have the most Senior Unix System Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Unix System Administrator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Unix System Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,229 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

UNIX SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR

NEXCOMHQ

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$80K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary: Responsible for installation configuration and support of Unix servers and operating systems within a large retail Enterprise environment spanning multiple geographical locations and requiring 24 x 7 uptime. Responsibilities include building Logical and Virtual partitions and VIO servers deploying and testing OS LVM HACMP security patching virus updates and performance tuning.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Incumbents of this position must be U.S. Citizens
- Installs and configures Unix server hardware and software, to include logical and virtual servers, IBM/HP Virtualization, Virtual I/O servers, Shared Ethernet Adapters, Virtual SCSI Adapters, AIX, HP-UX, Linux, and HBSS.
- Assumes a primary role in the testing of new equipment. Has knowledge of AIX pSeries hardware as well as hardware capable of hosting Linux.
- Troubleshoots Unix server and OS issues. Independently utilizes all available resources (knowledge bases, online resources, etc.) to ensure timely resolution of server issues.
- Develops operating procedures for system administration activities including system monitoring, performance tuning, backup/recovery, server architecture design and system maintenance.
- Follows operating procedures and utilizes established support tools for analysis and reporting requirements.
- Executes a planned program of patch and virus update management, including testing, deployment staging, and documentation. Install, maintain and manage AIX NIM, HP Ignite and HBSS for automated updates. On Linux servers, packages updates, as necessary, creates RPM's, and utilizes YUM to install and update packages.
- Performs regular system maintenance, hardware and software upgrades, server migrations and performance tuning.
- On Linux servers uses security tools such as SELinux and FAPolicyd to monitor and apply security settings in accordance with DoD, NEXCOM, and industry best practices.
- Uses system tools and utilities including HMC, DLPAR, LVM, NIM, etc. in performing duties and responsibilities.
- Writes and modifies shell scripts to monitor and automate system administration tasks.
- Actively participates in project planning and assumes a leadership role as needed to ensure timely and successful completion of projects assigned to Unix server team.
- Provides technical knowledge and makes recommendations to staff members as required.
- Provides server hardware capacity recommendations.
- Interfaces with Network Engineers, Storage Engineers, Database Administrators and Application Teams to optimize systems use and configuration.
- Provides installation support for new applications and software releases.
- Interfaces with hardware vendors to maintain and schedule repair of equipment in a timely manner.
- Implements installation, configuration, testing and support of HACMP and other High Availability technologies as required.
- Provide on-call 24 x 7 support on a rotating basis.
- Ensure/implement the rigorous application of Information Security/Information Assurance policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of Systems, Applications and/or Services (Hardware & Software).
- Installs and executes the Secure Readiness Review program and implements system security controls as required. Reviews DISA's Unix Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) and Checklists for guidance. Implements Payment Card Industry standards and requirements as mandated on Unix Systems
- Performs other related duties as assigned. IAT2 jobs:
SECNAV M-5239.2 DoN, Information Assurance (IA) Workforce Manual requires that all incumbents of this position possess, and maintain current, two types of certifications as follows:
IA Certification: One of the following certifications: Security+, GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP); or any one of the following higher level certifications: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Security Expert (GSE), Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA).
NEXCOM preferred certification is Security+ Technical Certification: IBM Certified Specialist.
Certification must be valid (not expired) as defined by the policy of the certification issuer. Candidates without the required certification may be placed into this job but must obtain the required certification within 6 months of appointment; failure to obtain the proper certification requirement will result in termination of employment.
This position is designated IT-2 (Non-critical Sensitive) in accordance with SECNAV M-5510.30 and will require a favorable Access National Agency Check and Inquiries (ANACI).
Qualified candidates must be U.S. Citizens.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE: 3 years experience in technical administrative work, which demonstrated the ability and aptitudes required to perform technical, managerial or analytical work involving management information systems.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR EXPERIENCE: One year of related academic study above the high school level may be substituted for 9 months of experience up to a maximum of a 4 year bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems discipline for 3 years of general experience.
AND
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in the following:
>Unix Systems Administration (configuration, monitoring, tuning, backup/recovery, etc.)
>O/S upgrade and patching
>Logical volume management
>Troubleshooting and support
>Unix shell scripting
>O/S level security
>Experience with AIX, HP-UX and/or Linux
>Experience with high availability / clustering highly preferred
IAT2 jobs:
SECNAV M-5239.2 DoN, Information Assurance (IA) Workforce Manual requires that all incumbents of this position possess, and maintain current, two types of certifications as follows:
IA Certification: One of the following certifications: Security+, GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC), Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP); or any one of the following higher level certifications: Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), GIAC Security Expert (GSE), Security Certified Network Architect (SCNA).
NEXCOM preferred certification is Security+
Technical Certification: IBM Certified Specialist. Certification must be valid (not expired) as defined by the policy of the certification issuer. Candidates without the required certification may be placed into this job, but must obtain the required certification within 6 months of appointment; failure to obtain the proper certification requirement will result in termination of employment.
This position is designated IT-2 (Non-critical Sensitive) in accordance with SECNAV M-5510.30 and will require a favorable Access National Agency Check and Inquiries (ANACI).