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System Administration Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Novul Solutions

System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

This full-time role requires a professional with a strong background in system administration, specifically within a secure, high-stakes environment. You will be instrumental in ensuring our systems ...

NSS

Systems Administration

Quantico, VA

Identify system problems due to system component connections and notify appropriate Network Owner ... administration of the network storage arrays and Email Archiving System; Support the Microsoft ...

NSS

Systems Administration

Quantico, VA

Identify system problems due to system component connections and notify appropriate Network Owner ... administration of the network storage arrays and Email Archiving System; Support the Microsoft ...

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All JobsSystem Administration JobsSystem Administration Jobs in Reston, VA

System Administration information

See Reston, VA salary details

$42.7K

$92.7K

$143.3K

How much do system administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for system administration in Reston, VA is $92,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $108,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of operating systems, networking, and server management, typically supported by a degree in IT or related certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server. Familiarity with tools such as Active Directory, virtualization platforms, and monitoring software is crucial. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and efficiency of IT infrastructure, which is vital for organizational productivity and data protection.

What is the job of a system administrator?

A system administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems, servers, and networks within an organization. They install, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot hardware and software to ensure system security, performance, and reliability, often using tools like command-line interfaces and management software. Certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) can enhance their qualifications.

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A system administrator's salary varies based on experience, location, and certifications, but generally ranges from $50,000 to $90,000 annually in many regions. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced sysadmins with skills in scripting, networking, and security can earn higher salaries or additional benefits.

Will sysadmin be replaced by AI?

System administrators perform complex tasks such as configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting IT infrastructure, which currently require human judgment and problem-solving skills. While AI and automation tools can handle routine tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace sysadmins in managing complex systems and making strategic decisions in the foreseeable future.

What is system administration?

System administration is the process of managing, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and servers within an organization. System administrators (sysadmins) are responsible for tasks such as installing and updating software, managing user accounts, ensuring security, monitoring system performance, and troubleshooting issues. Their work ensures that IT infrastructure runs efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime. Sysadmins often handle both hardware and software components, supporting business operations and user needs.

What are some common challenges faced by system administrators, and how can they be addressed in a professional setting?

System administrators often face challenges such as managing multiple systems across different environments, troubleshooting unexpected outages, and ensuring security compliance. To address these, many organizations encourage proactive system monitoring, thorough documentation, and regular training on new technologies. Collaborating closely with IT teams and end-users also helps identify issues early and implement best practices, creating a more resilient and efficient IT infrastructure.

What is the difference between System Administration vs Network Administration?

AspectSystem AdministrationNetwork Administration
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManaging servers, operating systems, and hardwareConfiguring and maintaining network infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments across various industries, focusing on servers and systemsOrganizations with complex networks, telecom, and internet providers

While both roles involve maintaining IT infrastructure, System Administrators focus on servers and operating systems, whereas Network Administrators specialize in network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within IT.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

System administrators can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. High-paying roles often require strong technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and sometimes working in high-demand industries or environments, but a formal degree is not always mandatory for top-tier compensation.
What are popular job titles related to System Administration jobs in Reston, VA? For System Administration jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Administration jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for System Administration jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for System Administration jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most System Administration job openings:
System Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Administration job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,686 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Specialist, System Administration

L3HHCM20

Chantilly, VA

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, System Administration
Job Code: 35770
Job Location: Chantilly, VA
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

 

Job Description: 

L3Harris is looking for a driven Systems Administrator to join the Engineering team in Chantilly, VA. This role is ideal for someone who is hands-on and ready to take initiative in a fast-moving technical environment. The right candidate will have experience with Linux systems administration and be comfortable configuring, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting systems in both physical and virtual environments. We're looking for someone who takes ownership, likes solving real problems, and is excited to keep learning and expanding their technical skills. This role offers the opportunity to learn from an experienced team who will provide hands-on guidance, mentorship, and support as you grow your technical skills and take on new challenges. The responsibilities below highlight the essential functions of the position; the selected candidate is expected to have experience in one or more with the ability to learn the others and grow as needed.

 

Essential Functions:

  • Configure, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux systems in both physical and virtual environments.
  • Deploy and manage infrastructure through automation using scripting languages such as Bash, Python, and Perl, as well as tools such as Kickstart, Podman, Ansible, and Puppet.
  • Support RMF and cybersecurity activities in partnership with Cyber Engineering, including BOE development, implementation and maintenance of security controls, and system hardening in compliance with DoD, NIST, STIG, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) requirements.
  • Support Software and System Engineers, CI/CD, Agile development, and DevSecOps processes within the system environment.
  • Use software development lifecycle and DevSecOps tools such as Jenkins, Jira, and Bitbucket to support build, integration, tracking, and configuration management activities.
  • Deploy, manage, and troubleshoot containers and containerized services using technologies such as Docker and Podman.
  • Customize, optimize, and troubleshoot enterprise-level applications.
  • Work in cloud-based environments and use monitoring, logging, and observability tools such as CloudWatch, Datadog, Grafana, Elastic, or similar platforms to support security requirements, system health, and performance.
  • This is a full-time onsite role that requires direct access to the team, systems, and mission environment on a daily basis.
  • Apply basic network administration and troubleshooting skills using core networking concepts and protocols such as DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, routing, switching, and HTTP.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience
  • Active TS/SCI w/CI Poly clearance.
  • DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level 2 certification (e.g. Security +) or within 180 days of time of hired.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Current Certifications such as:
    • RedHat Certification (RHCSA or RHCE)
    • CompTIA Linux+
  • Previous experience supporting DoD & IC Government customers.
  • Experience with Virtualization (KVM), Backup Technologies such as NAS, SAN, iSCSI, SAS.
  • Experience integrating and administering cross-domain systems.

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