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Unix Systems Administrator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anritsu

Sr. Systems Administrator

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$95K - $129K/yr

The Sr. Systems Administrator will work closely with engineering teams to maintain systems and ... and/or Unix system administration experience; understanding and working knowledge of layered ...

TEKsystems

Systems Administrator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$60 - $65/hr

They need a minimum of 5 years hands-on experience as a systems administrator/engineer. The client ... Linux/Unix exposure (nice to have) Current / Upcoming Initiatives - Transitioning from Cisco ...

TEKsystems

Systems Administrator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$60 - $65/hr

They need a minimum of 5 years hands-on experience as a systems administrator/engineer. The client ... Linux/Unix exposure (nice to have) Current / Upcoming Initiatives - Transitioning from Cisco ...

TEKsystems

Systems Administrator

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

They need a minimum of 5 years hands-on experience as a systems administrator/engineer. The client ... Linux/Unix exposure (nice to have) Current / Upcoming Initiatives - Transitioning from Cisco ...

Alkaeus

Unix/Linux Systems Administrator

San Jose, CA · On-site

Must-Have Requirements : * 12+ years of hands-on Infrastructure Engineering with deep expertise in Unix/Linux administration, enterprise infrastructure, and AWS cloud platform (EC2, VPC, IAM, EBS ...

General Atomics

Systems Administrator II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$71K - $109K/yr

... Unix operating systems. Will have primary technical focus on Atlassian suite (front-end and ... Administer and maintain Atlassian suite of products including JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo ...

General Atomics

Systems Administrator II

San Diego, CA · On-site

... Unix operating systems. Will have primary technical focus on Atlassian suite (front-end and ... Administer and maintain Atlassian suite of products including JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket, Bamboo ...

Anritsu

Sr. Systems Administrator

Morgan Hill, CA

$135K - $185K/hr

As a Sr. Systems Administrator based in Morgan Hill, CA we are looking for a candidate with a ... Unix system administration experience; understanding and working knowledge of layered products ...

Anritsu Company

Sr. Systems Administrator

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

As a Sr. Systems Administrator based in Morgan Hill, CA we are looking for a candidate with a ... Unix system administration experience; understanding and working knowledge of layered products ...

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All JobsUnix Systems Administrator JobsUnix Systems Administrator Jobs in California

Unix Systems Administrator information

See California salary details

$32

$52

$83

How much do unix systems administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for unix systems 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.

Will AI replace sysadmin jobs?

AI is unlikely to fully replace Unix Systems Administrators, as their role involves complex problem-solving, system configuration, and troubleshooting that require human judgment. Instead, AI tools are increasingly used to automate routine tasks, allowing sysadmins to focus on more strategic and advanced responsibilities. Maintaining skills in scripting, automation, and security remains essential for sysadmins in an evolving technological environment.

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

Unix Systems Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing complex server environments, ensuring system security, and maintaining high uptime. Troubleshooting issues quickly, especially during outages or performance drops, can be demanding. Staying up-to-date with evolving technologies and scripting for automation are key to overcoming these challenges. Building strong documentation practices and collaborating closely with network, security, and development teams also help maintain smooth operations and facilitate efficient problem-solving.

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

AspectUnix Systems AdministratorLinux Systems Administrator
CertificationsUnix certifications (e.g., UNIX System Administration)Linux certifications (e.g., RHCSA, RHCE)
Work EnvironmentProprietary Unix systems (AIX, Solaris, HP-UX)Open-source Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat)
Employer UsageFinancial, government, and large enterprises with legacy systemsTech companies, startups, and organizations adopting open-source solutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve managing and maintaining server systems, Unix Systems Administrators typically work with proprietary Unix platforms, whereas Linux Systems Administrators focus on open-source Linux environments. The core skills and certifications overlap, but the specific operating systems and tools differ based on the organization's infrastructure.

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

To thrive as a Unix Systems Administrator, you need a strong understanding of Unix/Linux operating systems, shell scripting, system security, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Bash, Perl, Ansible, and system monitoring solutions, as well as certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), is highly beneficial. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for proactively managing systems and collaborating with IT teams. These skills ensure reliable, secure, and efficient operation of critical IT infrastructure, minimizing downtime and supporting organizational goals.

What are Unix Systems Administrators?

Unix Systems Administrators are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and supporting Unix-based servers and systems. Their duties include monitoring system performance, ensuring security, performing backups, applying patches, and troubleshooting issues. They play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of a company’s IT infrastructure by managing user accounts, setting permissions, and maintaining system documentation. Unix Systems Administrators often work closely with other IT staff to support organizational needs and optimize system resources.

What is the salary of Unix administrator?

The salary of a Unix Systems Administrator typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced administrators with skills in scripting, security, and cloud environments can earn higher salaries.

Is Unix used anymore?

Unix remains in use today, especially in enterprise environments, servers, and mainframes. Many systems rely on Unix or Unix-like operating systems such as Linux, and Unix skills are valuable for systems administrators managing these platforms.

What does a Unix systems administrator do?

A Unix systems administrator manages and maintains Unix-based operating systems and servers, ensuring their stability, security, and performance. They install, configure, troubleshoot, and update systems, often using tools like shell scripting and monitoring software, and may hold certifications such as CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified Engineer. Their work typically involves routine maintenance, security management, and supporting users or applications running on Unix environments.
What are popular job titles related to Unix Systems Administrator jobs in California? For Unix Systems Administrator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Unix Systems Administrator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Unix Systems Administrator jobs in California are:
Unix Systems Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unix Systems Administrator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,141 per year, or $53 per hour.

AIX System Administrator

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

AIX System Administrator
Downey, CA
12+ months
Skills Required:
Working knowledge of IBM AIX and Power Series hardware Experience in UNIX security; working with and hardening UNIX operating systems Creating UNIX shell scripts used for the automation of system monitoring and maintenance procedures. Configuring file systems on EMC/IBM storage on AIX systems using Logical Volume Manager (LVM).
Four (4) years' experience in implementing and administering PowerVM virtualization technologies (Virtual I/O) on IBM System pSeries platform. Four (4) years as a systems administrator installing, configuring, and updating AIX 7.x on IBM pSeries hardware. Four (4) years as a UNIX systems administrator managing servers in an enterprise environment consisting of 50 or more AIX servers.
The possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or Engineering field.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com

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