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Senior Unix Systems Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Linux / Unix Systems Administrator LOCATION Aurora, CO 80014 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a dedicated and detail ...

Linux / Unix Systems Administrator LOCATION Honolulu, HI 96815 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a dedicated and detail ...

Linux / Unix Systems Administrator LOCATION Tysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a dedicated and detail ...

Senior UNIX System Engineer

Radford, VA

$99K - $135K/yr

The Senior UNIX System Engineer will work with the existing UNIX team to manage, maintain, deploy ... Five or more years of experience as a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator or IT Engineer, including ...

Linux / Unix Systems Administrator LOCATION Reston, VA 20190 CLEARANCE TS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this position requires full U.S. Citizenship) KEY SUMMARY We are seeking a dedicated and detail ...

Senior UNIX System Engineer

Radford, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

The Senior UNIX System Engineer will work with the existing UNIX team to manage, maintain, deploy ... Five or more years of experience as a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator or IT Engineer, including ...

Sr. Unix Administrator FedTec is seeking a Senior Unix Administrator to support mission-critical ... This role is responsible for managing and maintaining Solaris and Red Hat Linux systems, ensuring ...

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Senior Unix Systems Administrator information

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$49K

$102.2K

$143.5K

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

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior unix 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.

What does a Senior Unix Systems Administrator do?

A Senior Unix Systems Administrator is responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining Unix-based servers and systems within an organization. They handle tasks such as system monitoring, performance tuning, software updates, security management, and troubleshooting complex issues. In addition, they often design and implement automation scripts, ensure system reliability and availability, and provide technical leadership to junior staff. Their role is critical in supporting the IT infrastructure and ensuring smooth operations of business-critical applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Unix Systems Administrators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Senior Unix Systems Administrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining system uptime during critical updates, managing complex configurations across multiple servers, and ensuring security compliance. Staying proactive by implementing robust monitoring tools and automating routine tasks can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with development and security teams enables administrators to anticipate potential problems and deploy solutions efficiently. Regular training and staying updated with the latest Unix advancements are also key for managing these challenges effectively.

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

AspectSenior Unix Systems AdministratorNetwork Engineer
CertificationsUnix/Linux certifications (e.g., RHCE, Linux+)CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, enterprise ITNetwork infrastructure, routing, switching environments
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging Unix/Linux servers, scripting, system optimizationDesigning, implementing, maintaining network systems
Industry UsageIT, finance, healthcare, governmentTelecommunications, IT, enterprise sectors

While both roles involve technical expertise in IT infrastructure, the Senior Unix Systems Administrator focuses on managing Unix/Linux servers and systems, whereas the Network Engineer specializes in designing and maintaining network infrastructure. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in enterprise environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Unix Systems Administrator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Senior Unix Systems Administrator, you need deep expertise in Unix/Linux operating systems, scripting languages (such as Bash, Perl, or Python), and a strong background in systems architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree or certifications like RHCE. Proficiency with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet), virtualization platforms, and monitoring solutions is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you manage complex environments and coordinate with engineering teams. These skills are essential for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient IT operations in enterprise environments.
More about Senior Unix Systems Administrator jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Unix Systems Administrator jobs? Cities with the most Senior Unix Systems Administrator job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Senior Unix Systems Administrator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Unix Systems Administrator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Unix Systems Administrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,229 per year, or $49.1 per hour.
UNIX SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR

UNIX SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR

Navy Exchange Service Command

Virginia Beach, VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

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:
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).
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).