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Virtualization System Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salaried Compensation: $82,000.00 CSCC is looking for a dymanic System Administrator II, Virtualization. This position is a high-level professional position responsible for virtual server and desktop ...

In this role, you will take ownership of critical components of our cloud and virtualization ... Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior system administrators. Qualifications * 7+ ...

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Virtualization System Administrator information

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$41K

$88.9K

$137.5K

How much do virtualization system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtualization system administrator 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 virtualization system administrator?

A Virtualization System Administrator is an IT professional responsible for managing and maintaining virtualized computing environments. They install, configure, monitor, and troubleshoot virtualization platforms such as VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM. Their role is crucial in optimizing server resources, ensuring security, and supporting business continuity through effective virtual machine management. They also handle backups, updates, and performance tuning of virtual servers to ensure efficient operation. Virtualization System Administrators often work closely with network engineers, security teams, and other IT staff to provide a reliable virtual infrastructure.

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

A Virtualization System Administrator needs expertise in server administration, virtualization technologies (like VMware, Hyper-V, or KVM), and a solid understanding of networking, often backed by a degree in IT or related certifications such as VMware Certified Professional (VCP) or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator. Proficiency with hypervisors, management consoles, automation tools, and monitoring systems is critical for daily operations. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable administrators to resolve issues efficiently and collaborate with IT teams. These skills ensure reliable, secure, and scalable virtual environments that support organizational productivity and business continuity.

What are some common challenges faced by virtualization system administrators, and how can they be addressed?

Virtualization System Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing resource allocation across multiple virtual machines, ensuring system security in a virtualized environment, and minimizing downtime during maintenance or upgrades. Staying proactive with monitoring tools and automating routine tasks can help maintain optimal performance. Additionally, regularly applying security patches and collaborating closely with network and storage teams ensures a stable and secure virtual infrastructure.

What is the difference between Virtualization System Administrator vs Network Administrator?

AspectVirtualization System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsVMware, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, CompTIA Server+Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentData centers, cloud environments, virtualized infrastructureCorporate networks, LAN/WAN environments
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging virtual machines, hypervisors, and cloud platformsConfiguring and maintaining network hardware and protocols

The Virtualization System Administrator focuses on managing virtualized environments and cloud infrastructure, while the Network Administrator handles network hardware and connectivity. Both roles require technical certifications and work in IT infrastructure, but their daily tasks and expertise areas differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Virtualization System Administrator jobs?

Cities with the most Virtualization System Administrator job openings:

What states have the most Virtualization System Administrator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virtualization System Administrator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Virtualization System Administrator jobs?

For Virtualization System Administrator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Classified Virtualization Systems Administrator

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you thrive in and love a fast-paced, dynamic classified environment?
Do you want to be empowered to take ownership and stake in the overall engineering and operations of the IT infrastructure?
Are you interested in learning new technologies and creating new IT capabilities?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to apply and join our team at APL!
We are ranked as one of Computerworld 's Top Places to Work in IT for 8 years running, and we are seeking a Virtualization Systems Administrator to help us protect APL's information technology infrastructure. We are seeking a skilled Virtualization System Administrator with classified working experience and expertise in VMware Horizon Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to join our team. As a Virtualization System Administrator, you will play a vital role in maintaining and supporting our classified systems and infrastructure.
As a Virtualization Systems Administrator you will...
  • Design, Implement, Manage, configure, and maintain VMware Horizon VDI infrastructure in a classified environment. This includes installation, configuration, patching, and ongoing system administration/monitoring to ensure optimal performance, security, and availability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on organization-wide IT projects, providing expertise on VDI-related matters. Contribute to infrastructure upgrades, migrations, and technology evaluations within the classified environment.
  • Evaluate technical requirements and develop solutions that balance security, performance, reliability, scalability, and operational needs.
  • Lead system deployments, upgrades, migrations, modernization efforts, and infrastructure improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze and resolve complex technical, operational, and cybersecurity issues affecting critical systems.
  • Implement and oversee security controls, vulnerability management activities, compliance initiatives, and system hardening efforts.
  • Evaluate risks and determine appropriate mitigation strategies while ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop automation solutions, operational improvements, and technical standards to increase efficiency and reliability.
  • Lead root-cause analysis activities and recommend long-term corrective actions for recurring issues.
  • Serve as a technical resource and advisor to project teams, engineers, cybersecurity personnel, and leadership.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, standards, procedures, and implementation guidance.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend enhancements that improve organizational capabilities.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to less experienced staff.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...
  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, related field or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 2+years experience with installation, configuration, and administration of virtual environments, particularly VMware ESXi, vCenter Server, and VMware Horizon View.
  • Familiarity with user profile management, application provisioning, and desktop pool management within the VDI environment.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills diagnosing and resolving complex virtual environment related issues.
  • Experience with classified systems, including applying STIGs to operating systems, applications and network peripherals.
  • Superb communication and collaboration skills effectively working and interacting with the team.
  • Current DoD 8570 certification (Security+ or CISSP), or ability to obtain DoD 8570 certification within 6 months of employment required.
  • Have an active Secret security clearance and can obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you have...
  • A Master's degree in Information Systems/Technology, Cybersecurity or Computer Science or related field.
  • Relevant virtualization certifications, such VMware Certified Professional (VCP).
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (PowerShell, Python, etc.) for automation of VDI tasks, customization, and process optimization.
  • Familiarity with application virtualization technologies, such as Microsoft App-V or VMware ThinApp, to deliver virtualized applications within the VDI environment.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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