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Unix System Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monitor system performance, troubleshoot complex hardware, software, and network issues, and ... Enterprise Windows and Linux/Unix administration * Server deployment, patching, upgrades, and ...

Description Building new systems and administering systems Exchange 2012, Citrix Xendesktop on ... Some Unix would be nice - hpux but not necessary Network cisco - layer3 Citrix netscaler ...

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Unix System Administrator information

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How much do unix system administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for unix system administrator in California is $52.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.82 and $60.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Unix system administrator?

A UNIX system administrator performs a variety of duties related to the management of a UNIX system. In this career, your primary responsibilities involve overseeing a work environment with a multi-user UNIX operating system. You help install all new hardware and software on the system and train employees on how to use the system and the applications. You perform system management tasks, such as storing and protecting user data and maintaining security. You also develop user manuals and technical guides for the company.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Unix system administrator?

To thrive as a Unix System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of Unix/Linux operating systems, scripting languages (like Bash or Python), and networking fundamentals, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Familiarity with server management tools, configuration management systems (like Ansible or Puppet), and monitoring solutions is also crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with IT teams and resolve issues efficiently. These technical and interpersonal skills ensure reliable system performance, security, and seamless support for organizational IT infrastructure.

What are some common challenges a Unix system administrator faces when managing large-scale server environments?

Unix System Administrators often encounter challenges related to maintaining uptime, ensuring security, and efficiently handling system updates across multiple servers. Coordinating scheduled maintenance windows without disrupting critical services, troubleshooting hardware or software failures quickly, and scaling systems to accommodate growth all require strong organizational and technical skills. Additionally, admins must stay current with the latest security patches and best practices, often collaborating closely with network engineers, developers, and security teams to keep systems running smoothly.

What is the difference between Unix System Administrator vs Linux Administrator?

AspectUnix System AdministratorLinux Administrator
CertificationsUnix certifications (e.g., UNIX Certified Administrator)Linux certifications (e.g., RHCSA, LPIC)
Work EnvironmentUnix-based servers, enterprise environmentsLinux servers, data centers, cloud platforms
Industry UsageFinancial, telecommunications, large enterprisesWeb hosting, cloud services, startups

Both roles involve managing and maintaining server systems, but Unix System Administrators focus on Unix-based platforms, while Linux Administrators specialize in Linux environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the specific OS expertise differs based on employer needs.

What is the salary of a Unix System Administrator?

The salary of a Unix System Administrator varies based on experience, location, and certifications, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually in the United States. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in scripting, security, or cloud environments can earn higher salaries.

What cities in California are hiring for Unix System Administrator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Unix System Administrator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Unix System Administrator jobs in CA?

For Unix System Administrator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Unix System Administrator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,141 per year, or $53 per hour.

Staff Linux Systems Administrator - TS/SCI

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SCITRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and secure technological solutions to enable strategic objectives. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we will support yours by expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you will have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

The Northrop Grumman CIDO Classified Solutions team is seeking a Staff Computer Systems Analyst - Linux Systems Administrator to support information system lifecycle activities. The selected candidate will be required to work on-site, full-time at our Redondo Beach, CA location.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform as a lead Staff Computer Systems Analyst - Linux in support of classified government contracts.

  • Lead the development and governance of enterprise-wide Linux architecture for classified contracts, establishing technical direction, standards, and roadmaps across multiple programs, with expert administration of modern Linux distributions

  • Architect the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of backup, disaster recovery, and high-availability solutions for mission-critical Linux systems, leveraging advanced virtualization and containerization technologies.

  • Oversee administration and support of multiple networks, ensuring completion of essential tasks, providing guidance to technical teams, and applying strong networking expertise.

  • Direct large-scale system enhancement projects, from requirements analysis through design, procurement, deployment, and post-implementation validation, utilizing scripting and automation to optimize performance and reliability.

  • Develop and enforce policies for user and computer account management, file permissions, and enterprise-wide identity and access controls, ensuring cross-platform operations.

  • Author, maintain, and enhance technical SOPs, standards, and best-practice guides for Linux environments, integrating monitoring and security tools.

  • Provide regular project status updates for recurring and non-recurring efforts.

  • Operate independently, resolving complex and ambiguous technical challenges.

  • Provide strategic mentorship and technical leadership to junior, mid-level, and senior team members, cultivating a high-performance culture and advancing organizational expertise across the enterprise.

  • Lifts and moves equipment up to 50 pounds.

  • Work after hours, and weekends, as needed.

Note: Due to the classified nature of the work being performed, this position does not offer any virtual or telecommute working options. Applicants are encouraged to apply, only if they are willing to work on-site.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree with 10 years of IT experience; OR a Bachelor's Degree with 12 years of IT experience; OR an Associate's Degree with 14 years of IT experience is required

  • Linux Operating Systems, server and workstation management experience in a classified environment

  • Operating System Cross-platform awareness (i.e. two or more: Windows, Linux, Solaris, OSX, UNIX, etc.)

  • Candidates must meet the U.S.Government 8140 certification requirements for a Staff Computer Systems Analyst - IAT Level II (examples: Security+ CE, CND, CCNA Security)

  • Candidates must have a current U.S. Government Top Secret level security clearance to include SCI access level eligibility (at a minimum) in order to be considered

  • Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a CI-Polygraph as a condition of continued employment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Information Technology, and 12 years of Linux

  • Server Administration experience in a classified environment

  • Expert administration of modern Linux distributions, including RHEL 8/9, Rocky Linux, etc. across enterprise and classified environments

  • Architect and manage advanced virtualization solutions using platforms such as VMware vSphere/ESXi, Citrix XenServer, and KVM/QEMU, ensuring optimal resource utilization and scalability

  • Lead containerization initiatives, leveraging Docker, Docker Compose, and container security tools to enhance application deployment and security posture

  • Designed and orchestrated Kubernetes environments (CNCF Kubernetes, Rancher, Kubernetes Dashboard), driving automation and resilience for mission-critical workloads

  • Integrate and optimize cloud platforms, including Azure CycleCloud, VMware Cloud Foundation, and nerdctl, to support hybrid and multi-cloud strategies

  • Networking expertise in subnets, routing, VLANs, VTCs, and cloud networking to ensure robust and secure connectivity across complex infrastructures

  • Supported enterprise monitoring and security tools, such as Splunk, and SolarWinds, to maintain system integrity and compliance

  • Developed and implemented advanced scripting and automation solutions using Bash, Python, and Ansible to streamline operations and accelerate system enhancements

  • Direct cross-platform operations, ensuring seamless interoperability between Linux, Windows, and UNIX systems in diverse environments

  • Experience with the creation and deployment of system images in an enterprise environment

  • Experience with Assessment & Authorization process

  • Active Top Secret/SCI to include a current CI-Polygraph highly desirable

We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 work schedule, and a great 401k matching program. Come join us!

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939