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Systems Administrator Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Systems Administrator

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$47 - $65.80/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to provide technical leadership for enterprise information systems and infrastructure supporting critical government missions. This role is ideal for an ...

Lead Systems Administrator

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$47 - $65.80/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to provide technical leadership for enterprise information systems and infrastructure supporting critical government missions. This role is ideal for an ...

Lead Systems Administrator

Hanahan, SC · On-site

$47 - $65.80/hr

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to provide technical leadership for enterprise information systems and infrastructure supporting critical government missions. This role is ideal for an ...

PEMCCO is seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to provide technical leadership for enterprise information systems and infrastructure supporting critical government missions. This role is ideal for an ...

We are seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to join our team. Working at NT Concepts means that you are part of an innovative, agile company dedicated to solving the most critical challenges in ...

We are seeking a Lead Systems Administrator to join our team. Working at NT Concepts means that you are part of an innovative, agile company dedicated to solving the most critical challenges in ...

Lead Systems Administrator / Architect Position Type : Full-Time Schedule : Monday-Friday during regular business hours, with the ability to perform administrative duties and maintenance outside ...

The System Administrator maintains, upgrade and manages all software, hardware and networks. System ... Optimize processes and lead process improvement * Create and implement training for staff * Ensure ...

Showing results 21-40

Systems Administrator Lead information

See salary details

$41K

$88.9K

$137.5K

How much do systems administrator lead jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems administrator lead in the United States is $88,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a systems administrator lead?

A Systems Administrator Lead is an IT professional responsible for overseeing a team of system administrators and managing the overall operation, maintenance, and security of an organization's computer systems and networks. They ensure that systems run efficiently, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and implement upgrades or new technologies as needed. Additionally, they often develop policies, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with other departments to support business objectives. Their role is critical in maintaining uptime and ensuring data integrity across the organization's IT infrastructure.

Do systems administrator leads make good money?

Systems administrator leads typically earn higher salaries than standard administrators due to their leadership responsibilities and technical expertise. According to industry data, their median annual pay ranges from $80,000 to over $120,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as CompTIA or Cisco. They often work in enterprise environments and require strong skills in network management, security, and team coordination.

What is the difference between Systems Administrator Lead vs Systems Administrator?

AspectSystems Administrator LeadSystems Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, Cisco CCNACompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project coordination, overseeing IT infrastructureMaintaining and supporting IT systems, troubleshooting, daily operations
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments across various industries, often in larger organizationsIT support teams, small to medium businesses, enterprise environments

The Systems Administrator Lead typically has additional responsibilities in team management and project oversight compared to the Systems Administrator. While both roles require similar technical certifications and work in similar environments, the Lead focuses more on leadership and strategic planning, whereas the Systems Administrator concentrates on daily system maintenance and support.

What are some typical challenges a systems administrator lead faces when managing a diverse IT team?

As a Systems Administrator Lead, you may encounter challenges such as aligning team members with varying skill sets, ensuring consistent adherence to security protocols, and coordinating responses to critical system incidents. Balancing project deadlines with ongoing maintenance tasks and facilitating effective communication between stakeholders and technical staff are also common hurdles. Proactively fostering collaboration and continuous learning within your team can help address these challenges and contribute to overall IT performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems administrator lead?

To thrive as a Systems Administrator Lead, you need advanced knowledge of system architectures, server management, networking, and a relevant degree or certifications such as CompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, or Red Hat Certified System Administrator. Expertise in tools like Active Directory, VMware, Linux/Unix systems, and monitoring platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with other IT departments. These skills ensure the stability, security, and optimal performance of critical IT infrastructure while effectively guiding and mentoring junior administrators.
More about Systems Administrator Lead jobs
Infographic showing various Systems Administrator Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,927 per year, or $42.8 per hour.

Systems / Network Administrator Lead

Computer World Services

Chicago, IL

$72K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

CWS seeks an experiencedSystems / Network AdministratorLeadto lead enterprise systems and network administration supporting the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) Enterprise Network for Lifecycle, Information Support, and Technology (ENLIST) program. 

The Systems/Network Administrator Lead willbe responsible forsystems and network administration, operations and maintenance (O&M), and associated activities supporting platforms installed throughout the USMEPCOM enterprise. This individual will serve as thecontractor'sservice owner for enterprise infrastructure services, ensuring systems consistently meet defined service levels while providing secure, reliable, andhighly availableoperations. 

The Systems/Network Administrator Lead will provide technical leadership for enterprise servers, operating systems, databases, virtualization platforms, storage, collaboration technologies, cloud environments, and network infrastructure.  

This position will also lead the Outage Response Team (ORT),directingenterprise outage response, disaster recovery, Continuity of Operations (COOP), incident management, and restoration efforts while serving as the primary technical point of contact during major incidents. 

Working closely with Government leadership, engineering teams, cybersecurity personnel, vendors, and external partners, the Systems/Network Administrator Lead will ensure enterprise infrastructureremainssecure, compliant, resilient, interoperable, andmission-ready. 

The successful candidate willpossessexceptional technical leadership skills, extensive enterprise infrastructure experience, and the ability to lead geographically dispersed technical teams supporting a complex Department of Defense IT enterprise. 

Key Tasks & Responsibilities
  • Lead enterprise systems administration, network operations, and operations and maintenance (O&M) activities across the USMEPCOM enterprise. 

  • Serve as thecontractor'sservice owner for enterprise infrastructure services and ensure systems consistently meet defined service level objectives. 

  • Plan, organize, and direct contractor personnel responsible for operations and maintenance of USMEPCOM-constructed networks. 

  • Provide technical leadership for Windows and UNIX/Linux operating systems, physical and virtual servers, databases, VMwareESXienvironments, Storage Area Networks (SANs), collaboration tools, enterprise applications, and cloud infrastructure. 

  • Perform system-level configuration, validation, integration, and administration of enterprise hardware, software, operating systems, and infrastructure platforms whilemaintaininginteroperability with existing legacy systems. 

  • Lead engineering development, infrastructure integration, interface design analysis, software and hardware testing, and enterprise systems implementation activities. 

  • Apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) security principles, practices, and procedures tomaintaincompliance with Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements. 

  • Lead the Outage Response Team (ORT) and direct all activities associated with enterprise outage response, incident management, disaster recovery, and Continuity of Operations (COOP). 

  • Serve as the primary point of contact during enterprise outages, coordinating response activities with Government leadership, vendors, DISA, external agencies, and other stakeholders. 

  • Coordinate, direct, and oversee outage resolution efforts while providingtimelystatus updates to Government leadership throughout incident response activities. 

  • Develop,maintain, and regularly update enterprise outage response procedures, Incident Response Plans, disaster recovery documentation, and operational playbooks. 

  • Review Incident Response Plans quarterly to ensure system inventories, procedures, documentation, and operational processesremaincurrent. 

  • Lead geographically dispersed teams responsible for enterprise infrastructure operations, systems administration, and network support. 

  • Monitor enterprise performance, availability, and operational health while proactivelyidentifyingopportunities for infrastructure improvements, automation, and operational efficiencies. 

  • Support cloud technologies, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), enterprise networking,firewalladministration, secure communications, and enterprise modernization initiatives. 

  • Foster continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with Federal Government, Department of Defense, and enterprise IT operational standards and best practices. 

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, or a related technical discipline is preferred. 

  • Minimum five (5) years recent experience managing enterprise IT teams in geographically dispersed locations supporting operations and maintenance of enterprise servers (physical and virtual), operating systems (Windows and UNIX/Linux), databases, VMwareESXi, Storage Area Networks (SANs), collaboration tools, enterprise applications, scripting, and enterprise security. 

  • Minimum one (1) year recent experience: 

    • Leading network personnel and coordinating enterprise outage response procedures 

    • Supporting DISA network transport solutions.  

  • Minimum five (5) years recent experience supporting: 

    • Cloud-based enterprise solutions and cloud infrastructure 

    • Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments 

    • In enterprise network and systems administration, including outage response and incident management 

    • Leading enterprise network operations teams supporting programs similar in size, scope, and complexity to this Task Order 

  • Minimum six (6) years recent experience supporting global enterprise network systems and subsystems, including LAN, WAN, MPLS, BGP, network availability, troubleshooting, and infrastructure optimization 

  • Minimum three (3) years experience: 

    • Supporting IPv4 and IPv6 protocol stacks 

    • Planning and executing local and long-haul communications 

    • Supporting and troubleshootingfirewallappliances,firewallrulesets, and enterprisefirewallsolutions 

Certifications
  • ITIL 4 Foundation (or higher) Certification
  •  At least two network certifications (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+)
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certification
  • Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification
  • One of the below:
    • CISSP-ISSAP (Information Systems Security Architecture Professional) - the architecture concentration
    • CISSP-ISSEP (Information Systems Security Engineering Professional) - the engineering concentration
    • CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) - added in more recent baseline updates
Candidates who do not currently possess the required certifications must obtain them within one month of hire. CWS may sponsor certification training and examination costs.
Security Clearance
  •  Active Secret Clearance is required. 
Other (Travel, Work Environment, DoD 8570 Requirements, Administrative Notes, etc.)
  • This position is primarily remote. Candidates located in the Chicago area are preferred, but this is not a requirement. Approximately 25% travel is anticipated during the first six months of the contract, primarily to the USMEPCOM Headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois, to support transition activities and program ramp-up. Once the program is fully operational, travel is expected to decrease to approximately 10% for periodic customer meetings and program support. 
$115,000 - $155,000 a year

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity. The posted range is appropriate for a typical candidate meeting, at a minimum, all the core requirements of the position. 

Computer World Services is an affirmative action and equal employment opportunity employer. Current employees and/or qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Computer World Services is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Computer World Services will ensure that individuals with disabilities (IWD) are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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