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Unix Systems Administrator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Administrator (Unix/Linux)

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The selected candidate will administer, secure, maintain, and optimize enterprise Unix and Linux server environments supporting mission-critical Department of the Navy systems. The role includes ...

Senior UNIX System Engineer

Radford, VA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Five or more years of experience as a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator or IT Engineer, including experience automating assigned tasks.Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Enterprise Linux ...

Senior UNIX System Engineer

Radford, VA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Five or more years of experience as a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator or IT Engineer, including experience automating assigned tasks. * Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Enterprise ...

Senior UNIX System Engineer

Radford, VA · On-site

$99K - $135K/yr

Five or more years of experience as a UNIX/Linux Systems Administrator or IT Engineer, including experience automating assigned tasks. * Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Enterprise ...

Showing results 21-40

Unix Systems Administrator information

See Virginia salary details

$32

$53

$83

How much do unix systems administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for unix systems administrator in Virginia is $53.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.01 and $60.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is a unix systems administrator?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia?

For Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Unix Systems Administrator jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Unix Systems Administrator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,645 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

JCIP Expert Reviewer - UNIX

Pueo Business Solutions LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

Essential:

JCIP Technical Reviewers play a pivotal role in evaluating the cybersecurity posture of enterprise environments across the Intelligence Community (IC). Conduct thorough technical assessments of UNIX-based systems (e.g., Solaris, AIX, Linux variants) for compliance with Intelligence Community Directives (ICDs), Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), Security Requirement Guides (SRGs), and NIST 800-53 Rev 5 and 800-171 controls.  

Other:

  • Perform manual audits of UNIX configurations, user access controls, file system permissions, patch management, and security logging.
  • Analyze vulnerabilities related to UNIX systems and recommend mitigation strategies aligned with JCIP and IC security policies.
  • Interpret and apply complex STIG requirements specific to UNIX environments.
  • Collaborate with system administrators, security teams, and leadership to present findings and provide actionable security recommendations.
  • Lead and mentor Level 1 UNIX inspectors, providing guidance on technical evaluations and inspection reporting.
  • Stay updated on emerging UNIX threats, patches, and best practices for system hardening.
  • Participate in inspection planning, execution, and reporting.
  • Travel as required to support onsite inspections. (8-12 weeks of travel avg, some international and passport required).
  • The primary day-to-day seat is at Tysons Corner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

  • Deep understanding of UNIX operating systems including Solaris, AIX, and major Linux distributions (Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu).
  • Expertise in system hardening, patch management, user and group management, file permissions, and security auditing.
  • Proficient in interpreting UNIX-specific STIGs and aligning findings with NIST 800-53/800-171 controls.
  • Familiarity with shell scripting for automation of audit and remediation tasks.

Skills:

  • Strong hands-on experience performing manual UNIX system security audits.
  • Ability to analyze system logs, identify anomalies, and assess system security posture.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical briefings and reporting.
  • Leadership and mentoring capabilities for guiding junior inspectors.

Abilities:

  • Independently lead UNIX inspections with minimal supervision.
  • Provide expert recommendations for system configuration and architecture improvements.
  • Manage inspection schedules and deliverables effectively.
  • Adapt inspection techniques to diverse UNIX environments and organizational policies.


Requirements

Certifications:

Obtain an IAT-III or Maintain IAT Level III Certification in compliance with DoD 8570.01-M and DoD Directive 8140 Cyberspace Workforce Management. 

CASP+ CE  

CCNP Security  

CISA  

CISSP (or Associate)  

GCED  

GCIH  

CCSP 


Level Certifications Indicative of Qualification:

Level 1- CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), Solaris Certified System Administrator (SCSA)

Level 2 - Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-2), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Level 3 - Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA), GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX), CISSP-ISSAP

Education:

Possess a master's degree, with 8+ years of total experience/equivalent certifications.

Other:

Master's degree may be substituted with a bachelor's degree and 5+ years of additional experience/equivalent certifications, for a total of 13+ years.


Clearance:

Hold a Top Secret Security Clearance with SCI eligibility.

Ability to Pass CI Poly.