ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Systems Administrator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Bowhead

System Administrator

Albuquerque, NM

Overview Bowhead seeks a System Administrator to support the Joint Navigation Warfare Center (JNWC ... computer systems, network servers, and virtualization Provide documentation and technical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSystems Administrator JobsSystems Administrator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Systems Administrator information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$38.6K

$83.6K

$129.3K

How much do systems administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems administrator in Rio Rancho, NM is $83,645.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,800.00 and $97,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Systems Administrator do?

A Systems Administrator manages and maintains an organization’s computer systems, servers, and networks to ensure they run efficiently and securely. They install, configure, troubleshoot hardware and software, monitor system performance, and implement security measures, often using tools like monitoring software and scripting. Strong technical skills, certifications such as CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified: Windows Server, and the ability to respond quickly to technical issues are essential in this role.

Will AI replace sys admins?

Systems administrators perform tasks such as managing networks, servers, and security, which require technical expertise and problem-solving skills. While AI can automate routine tasks and assist in monitoring and troubleshooting, it is unlikely to fully replace sys admins, as human oversight and complex decision-making remain essential in IT environments.

Can you be a sysadmin without a degree?

Systems administrators can often enter the field without a degree by gaining relevant skills through certifications, self-study, and hands-on experience with operating systems, networking, and scripting. Employers may prioritize practical knowledge and technical abilities over formal education, though some roles may prefer or require a degree or equivalent experience.

What Is the Job Description of a Systems Administrator?

The primary duties of a system administrator are to install, update, and maintain computer systems while managing user access regimes. As a systems administrator, you have administrative privileges to change settings, install or remove software, and access security functions unavailable to normal users. A systems administrator might oversee multiple machines at once, or even an entire network. You provide technical support to users who are experiencing problems and collaborate with network administrators to ensure the continued performance of the network. As a systems administrator, you determine the level of access a user has to network information and what operations they can perform, limiting users to only what they need to perform their job.

What are some typical challenges a Systems Administrator faces when managing both on-premises and cloud infrastructure?

Systems Administrators often juggle responsibilities across on-premises servers and cloud-based platforms, which can introduce challenges such as ensuring seamless integration, maintaining consistent security policies, and managing access controls. Balancing updates, backups, and monitoring tools across different environments requires strong organizational skills and up-to-date technical knowledge. Effective communication with other IT team members and end users is also crucial for troubleshooting and minimizing downtime.

What are Systems Administrators?

Systems Administrators, often called SysAdmins, are IT professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, and supporting computer systems and networks within an organization. Their duties include installing hardware and software, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring system security and data integrity. They play a key role in minimizing downtime, performing regular backups, and updating systems to keep an organization's IT infrastructure running smoothly.

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

To thrive as a Systems Administrator, you need a solid understanding of operating systems, network management, and security protocols, typically supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), or Linux+. Familiarity with tools such as Active Directory, virtualization platforms, and configuration management systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you respond quickly to issues and work collaboratively with IT teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining system reliability, minimizing downtime, and ensuring secure, efficient IT operations.

Is system admin a high paying job?

Systems administrators typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. In many regions, they are considered well-paid IT professionals, especially those with certifications like CompTIA or Cisco and skills in network management and security.

What is the difference between Systems Administrator vs Network Administrator?

AspectSystems AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManage servers, operating systems, and enterprise applicationsFocus on network infrastructure, routers, switches, and connectivity
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments across various industries, supporting internal systemsOrganizations with complex networks, telecom, and internet service providers

While both roles support IT infrastructure, Systems Administrators primarily manage servers and software systems, whereas Network Administrators focus on network hardware and connectivity. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within IT.

More about Systems Administrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Administrator jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Systems Administrator jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Systems Administrator job openings:
Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Administrator job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $83,645 per year, or $40.2 per hour.
Senior Systems Administrator - Operations Lead

Senior Systems Administrator - Operations Lead

Akima, LLC

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 20 days ago

Akima rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

247th of 356 rated engineering

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator - Server Operations Lead to support a mission-critical IT security program within a Federal Government environment. This role is responsible for leading server operations, system administration, and infrastructure management, ensuring the security, availability, and performance of IT systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in server architecture, virtualization, Active Directory management, and IT security best practices. Additionally, this position requires strong leadership abilities to mentor team members, optimize system performance, and ensure compliance with Federal IT policies.
Responsibilities
Server Operations & System Administration
  • Oversee server infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security.
  • Plan, test, and implement information systems to support mission-critical operations.
  • Manage hardware configuration and software application integration to meet system requirements.
  • Maintain and administer Active Directory, Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and identity management solutions.
  • Perform patch management, backups, and disaster recovery planning to safeguard IT assets.
  • Monitor system health, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance to minimize downtime.
  • Virtualization & Cloud Operations
  • Administer VMware environments, ensuring proper virtualization, scalability, and resource allocation.
  • Optimize virtual machine (VM) performance and troubleshoot issues related to hypervisor environments.
  • Work with multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc.) to maintain system interoperability.
  • Security & Compliance Management
  • Implement IT security best practices and ensure compliance with Federal cybersecurity policies (e.g., NIST, FISMA).
  • Support system audits, vulnerability assessments, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Develop and enforce access control measures, encryption policies, and system hardening techniques.
  • Maintain documentation of security configurations, system changes, and incident responses.
  • Team Leadership & Training
  • Lead and mentor system administrator team, fostering a culture of technical excellence and collaboration.
  • Provide training on server administration, security best practices, and IT operational procedures.
  • Assign and oversee team workloads, ensuring timely completion of projects and troubleshooting efforts.
  • Strategic Planning & Requirements Analysis
  • Analyze current IT infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
  • Develop strategic plans to enhance system resilience, scalability, and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with Federal stakeholders, IT teams, and contractors to align IT operations with mission objectives.
  • Communication & Reporting
  • Prepare and deliver technical reports, system status updates, and recommendations to leadership and Federal stakeholders.
  • Act as a liaison between technical teams and non-technical personnel, ensuring clarity and alignment of IT initiatives.
  • Maintain comprehensive documentation of system configurations, standard operating procedures, and troubleshooting guidelines.

Qualifications
  • An active DOE Q clearance or equivalent is required for consideration.
  • Minimum 3 years as a Senior Systems Administrator within the last 5 years.
  • 10+ years (MA/MS) or 12+ years (BA/BS) of experience in IT systems administration and operations.
  • Experience in Federal IT environments preferred.
  • Expertise in server operations, system administration, and IT security best practices.
  • Hands-on experience with:
  • Planning, testing, and implementing IT systems.
  • Hardware configuration and maintenance.
  • Software application integration for enterprise environments.
  • Active Directory management and Group Policy implementation.
  • Scripting languages (PowerShell, Bash, or Python) for automation and system management.
  • VMware administration and virtualization best practices.
  • Multiple operating systems (Windows Server, Linux, etc.).
  • ITIL Certification (Required).
  • Industry certifications such as MCSA, MCSE, VCP, or CISSP (Preferred).
  • Proven ability to lead teams, mentor junior administrators, and foster collaboration.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose and resolve system issues efficiently.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Work Environment:
  • Requires on-site presence at a federal facility, with adherence to government security requirements.
  • Occasional travel may be necessary to support program operations and Federal agency needs.

Job ID
2025-15845
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Mission Optimization (AMO), an Akima company, is not just another federal logistics contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At AMO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, AMO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, AMO delivers innovative administrative support services that streamline operations, and enhance productivity.
As an AMO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

What Akima employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Akima logo

About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Akima Jobs

Apply