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Windows System Admin Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a (Mid-to-Senior) Windows System Administrator at SMS, you'll work within a DoD Enterprise environment, managing and securing Windows infrastructure to support vital operations. This position ...

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GCyber is seeking a Senior Windows System Administrator, to help support our government customer in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on ownership of our Windows environment while supporting a mixed-OS ...

System Admin - Windows Client Location: Blue Bell, PA 100% Remote Required Skills - Vulnerability Management Tanium Windows Admin GPO Package creation & deployments This is a remote position.

GCyber is seeking a Senior Windows System Administrator, to help support our government customer in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on ownership of our Windows environment while supporting a mixed-OS ...

Windows Systems Administrator This resource will be installing and patching new Windows systems in a corporate environment. Work with a team of six sys admins to deploy and maintain customer facing ...

Overview/ Job Responsibilities The Windows System Administrator position will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful technical administration of NOAA systems within the contract. You will be ...

Overview/ Job Responsibilities The Windows System Administrator position will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful technical administration of NOAA systems within the contract. You will be ...

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Windows System Admin information

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$54K

$96K

$130.5K

How much do windows system admin jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows system admin in the United States is $95,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Windows System Admins?

Windows System Admins, or Windows System Administrators, are IT professionals responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining Microsoft Windows-based servers and systems within an organization. Their duties include installing software, managing user accounts, ensuring system security, troubleshooting issues, and performing regular backups. They play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation, reliability, and security of an organization’s IT infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Windows System Admin, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows System Admin, you need a solid understanding of Windows server environments, Active Directory, networking concepts, and typically a relevant degree or certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Fundamentals. Familiarity with tools like PowerShell, Hyper-V, System Center, and backup/restore systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in managing incidents, collaborating with teams, and supporting end users. These competencies are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient IT operations in business environments.

What is the difference between Windows System Admin vs Network Administrator?

AspectWindows System AdminNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Server+, Microsoft Certified: Windows Server FundamentalsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentManaging Windows servers, Active Directory, and system securityConfiguring and maintaining network infrastructure, routers, switches
Primary FocusServer and OS managementNetwork connectivity and infrastructure

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, Windows System Admins focus on managing Windows servers and related systems, whereas Network Administrators handle network hardware and connectivity. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within an organization's IT environment.

How much does a Windows Administrator make?

The average salary for a Windows System Administrator typically ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced administrators with skills in scripting, virtualization, and security can earn higher salaries, especially in enterprise environments or with specialized certifications like Microsoft Certified: Windows Server.

Is system admin a high paying job?

A Windows System Administrator is generally considered a well-paying IT role, with salaries often above average for technology positions. Compensation depends on experience, certifications, and location, with specialized skills in scripting, networking, and security increasing earning potential.

What is a typical sysadmin salary?

A Windows System Administrator's salary varies based on experience, location, and certifications, but generally ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually in the United States. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced admins with skills in scripting, virtualization, and security can earn higher salaries. Salaries are also influenced by the size of the organization and the complexity of the IT environment.

What are some common challenges Windows System Administrators face when managing large enterprise environments?

Windows System Administrators in large enterprise settings often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent configurations across multiple servers, ensuring security compliance, and managing software updates without disrupting business operations. They also need to troubleshoot complex issues that may arise due to the interaction of various applications and network components. Effective communication and collaboration with other IT teams, such as network and security specialists, are essential to address these challenges efficiently and maintain a stable IT infrastructure.

Will sysadmin be replaced by AI?

Windows System Administrators perform tasks that require critical thinking, troubleshooting, and managing complex systems, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While automation and AI tools can handle routine tasks, sysadmins are essential for overseeing system security, configuration, and problem resolution, making complete replacement unlikely in the near future.
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Windows System Administrator

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

As a (Mid-to-Senior) Windows System Administrator at SMS, you’ll work within a DoD Enterprise environment, managing and securing Windows infrastructure to support vital operations. This position calls for a dedicated professional who thrives in high-stakes settings and has a passion for optimizing systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and upholding the highest standards in cybersecurity and compliance.

Join a team that values innovation, collaboration, and proactive solutions, where you’ll have the opportunity to lead critical projects, drive operational efficiency, and support government and military initiatives through advanced technology.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.

Submit your resume today!

Job Responsibilities

  • Windows System Administration: Configure, manage, and monitor Windows Server environments, ensuring high availability, security, and performance. This includes user, group, and certificate management, Group Policy Management, and related services (DNS, DHCP, BitLocker, PKI, etc.).
  • Patching and Vulnerability Remediation: Perform patch management and apply updates to Windows systems and software, ensuring compliance with STIG standards and using vulnerability remediation tools like ACAS.
  • Storage and File System Management: Manage storage technologies, file system protocols, permissions, and backup methodologies to maintain data integrity, accessibility, and compliance.
  • Automation and Scripting: Develop PowerShell scripts to automate routine tasks, enhance system efficiency, and support daily operations.
  • Networking Basics: Provide support for network services, including DNS and DHCP, with a functional understanding of IP addressing, VLANs, ACLs, routing, and firewall configuration.
  • Active Directory Management: Configure, deploy, and manage Active Directory and Group Policy Objects (GPOs) within enterprise setups.
  • Virtualization: Use and support virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware vSphere/ESXi) to support server deployment, discovery, alerting, and troubleshooting.
  • Monitoring and SIEM Management: Use SIEM tools to monitor security events, tailor alarms/rules, and generate summary reports.
  • Documentation: Create and maintain system documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), network diagrams, knowledgebase entries, ticketing system interactions, and root cause analysis to ensure smooth operational processes.

Required Qualifications:

  • Clearance and Certification: Prior to employment, you must have or be able to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance. Must have or be able to obtain a CompTIA Security+ (or equivalent DoD 8570 IAT-2 certification).
  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years in Windows System Administration within an Enterprise environment, including Active Directory, GPO, DNS, DHCP, PKI, and permissions management.
  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in Windows Server management, PowerShell scripting, Active Directory, storage technologies, patching practices, DNS, DHCP, and fundamental networking concepts.
  • Virtualization Exposure: Familiarity with VMware or similar virtualization tools.
  • Scripting and Automation: PowerShell proficiency for automation and task efficiency.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Proven experience diagnosing and resolving software and hardware issues within a secure and controlled environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced Certifications: Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) or Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) for expertise in Windows environments; ITIL certification for best practices in IT Service Management; VMware Certified Professional (VCP) for advanced virtualization skills.
  • Enterprise Experience: Demonstrated experience working in Military, Government, or Research environments, especially with classified systems and managing compliance within DoD standards.
  • Additional Security and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with advanced cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST 800-53, RMF (Risk Management Framework), or CIS Controls to strengthen overall system and data security.
  • Virtualization Proficiency: Advanced experience with VMware vSphere/ESXi for managing and optimizing virtualized environments, particularly with clustering, failover, and load balancing.
  • Advanced Network Troubleshooting and Security Tools: Proficiency with network monitoring and security tools, such as Wireshark for packet analysis, SolarWinds for monitoring, and Splunk or other SIEM tools for event management.
  • Endpoint Management and Automation: Advanced skills in using MECM/SCCM or Intune for automated deployments and policy management, as well as experience with Ansible, Chef, or Puppet for broader automation and configuration management.
  • Backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) Strategy: Hands-on experience designing and implementing DR solutions for Windows environments, including knowledge of backup solutions like Veeam, Veritas, or CommVault.
  • Cross-Platform System Administration: Familiarity with Linux systems (e.g., Red Hat) and hybrid Windows/Linux environments.
  • Cloud Integration: Exposure to cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GovCloud) with hybrid infrastructure management, especially for data storage, backup, and security controls.
  • Advanced Scripting and Automation Skills: Proficiency in Python or PowerShell scripting for advanced automation tasks and the ability to develop reusable scripts that improve operational efficiency.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.