Linux System Administrator Jobs in California
Linux System Administrator jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, with strong demand concentrated in enterprise technology, cloud infrastructure, defense contracting, and financial services sectors, drawing candidates from entry-level helpdesk crossovers to senior principal engineers. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where well-established employers such as Oracle, Northrop Grumman, and Kaiser Permanente maintain significant infrastructure teams with ongoing linux administration needs. The most in-demand specialties include cloud platform management, Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments, and systems automation with Ansible and Terraform. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 8+ Linux System Administrator jobs
Date Posted:
2026-09-14Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-CA-GOLETA-H03 ~ 6380 Hollister Ave ~ BLDG H03Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: SecretSecurity Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
Raytheon has an available position for an experienced Linux System Administrator who will work in a highly collaborative, multi-platform and multi–disciplined environment. The System Administrator must possess a secret se
curity clearance as they will be responsible for administering systems that contain classified data.
The candidate is responsible for provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software related to a Linux infrastructure for classified programs. Duties include, but are not limited to, server management (software and hardware); storage management (logical and physical); cross platform authentication and access management; data backup and restoration; software and license configuration; and workstation support.
What You Will Do:
Implement and maintain an enterprise Linux environment including system administration, networking, performance monitoring/tuning, security hardening, and troubleshooting.
Employ disaster recovery and business continuity standards and practices, including working knowledge to backup data, restore systems, and troubleshoot.
Conduct short-term and long-term capacity planning to address network growth, technology modernization, and service availability.
Monitor security infrastructure and mitigate threats with enterprise security platforms (e.g. Ivanti, Symantec, Splunk, Tenable Nessus).
Leverage experience with Windows server, virtual servers, or Linux fundamentals that include DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, RAID, backup, restore and server replication.
Install and configure desktop applications and replace hardware end points.
Automation via scripting.
Partner with cross functional teams from applications, project, security, vendors, and executive stakeholders to plan, design, and implement new IT infrastructure.
Develop and maintain IT artifacts.
Systems are operational 24x7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
Full time 100% Onsite position.
Qualifications You Must Have:
Typically requires a University degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years experience.
Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
Experience with, but not limited to, enterprise technologies and system administration related to RHEL, Active Directory, WSUS, VMware, Backup Exec, NetBackup, and Windows.
Experience managing large Storage environments (HPE MSA, NetApp).
Experience with Ivanti, Symantec, Splunk, Tenable and Nessus products.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Must be able to obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification) within 6 months of start date.
System deployment, administration, performance tuning, and monitoring.
Multi-tenancy architecture knowledge.
NetApp FAS, HPE MSA, NAS, and SAN technologies.
Experience with Window Servers, Active Directory, Group Policy, WSUS, Microsoft Configuration Manager (MCM) [formerly SCCM, MECM], and Exchange
Network and infrastructure services such as domain controllers, global catalogs, DNS, and DHCP
Practical knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery practices
Experience with datacenter concepts and technologies
Direct working experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS and/or DoD/RMF
What We Offer:
Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Learn More & Apply Now!
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Date Posted:
2026-09-14Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-CA-GOLETA-H03 ~ 6380 Hollister Ave ~ BLDG H03Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: SecretSecurity Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
Raytheon has an available position for an experienced Linux System Administrator who will work in a highly collaborative, multi-platform and multi–disciplined environment. The System Administrator must possess a secret se
curity clearance as they will be responsible for administering systems that contain classified data.
The candidate is responsible for provisioning, installation/configuration, operation, and maintenance of systems hardware and software related to a Linux infrastructure for classified programs. Duties include, but are not limited to, server management (software and hardware); storage management (logical and physical); cross platform authentication and access management; data backup and restoration; software and license configuration; and workstation support.
What You Will Do:
Implement and maintain an enterprise Linux environment including system administration, networking, performance monitoring/tuning, security hardening, and troubleshooting.
Employ disaster recovery and business continuity standards and practices, including working knowledge to backup data, restore systems, and troubleshoot.
Conduct short-term and long-term capacity planning to address network growth, technology modernization, and service availability.
Monitor security infrastructure and mitigate threats with enterprise security platforms (e.g. Ivanti, Symantec, Splunk, Tenable Nessus).
Leverage experience with Windows server, virtual servers, or Linux fundamentals that include DNS, DHCP, Active Directory, RAID, backup, restore and server replication.
Install and configure desktop applications and replace hardware end points.
Automation via scripting.
Partner with cross functional teams from applications, project, security, vendors, and executive stakeholders to plan, design, and implement new IT infrastructure.
Develop and maintain IT artifacts.
Systems are operational 24x7 and occasionally require work effort beyond standard work hours.
Full time 100% Onsite position.
Qualifications You Must Have:
Typically requires a University degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years experience.
Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
Experience with, but not limited to, enterprise technologies and system administration related to RHEL, Active Directory, WSUS, VMware, Backup Exec, NetBackup, and Windows.
Experience managing large Storage environments (HPE MSA, NetApp).
Experience with Ivanti, Symantec, Splunk, Tenable and Nessus products.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Must be able to obtain Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 8140 / 8570 Certification requirements (CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent certification) within 6 months of start date.
System deployment, administration, performance tuning, and monitoring.
Multi-tenancy architecture knowledge.
NetApp FAS, HPE MSA, NAS, and SAN technologies.
Experience with Window Servers, Active Directory, Group Policy, WSUS, Microsoft Configuration Manager (MCM) [formerly SCCM, MECM], and Exchange
Network and infrastructure services such as domain controllers, global catalogs, DNS, and DHCP
Practical knowledge of business continuity and disaster recovery practices
Experience with datacenter concepts and technologies
Direct working experience with NISPOM, JAFAN, JSIG, DFARS and/or DoD/RMF
What We Offer:
Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Learn More & Apply Now!
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
See All 8 Linux System Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsLinux System Administrator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Linux System Administrator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in linux system administrator jobs across California.
- Proficiency with Red Hat Enterprise Linux or CentOS in a production enterprise environment
- Experience administering servers, storage, and networking in on-premises or hybrid cloud infrastructure
- Hands-on knowledge of scripting languages such as Bash, Python, or Perl for automation tasks
- Familiarity with configuration management tools including Ansible, Puppet, or Chef
- Understanding of security hardening, patch management, and compliance frameworks like NIST or CIS benchmarks
- Experience with monitoring platforms such as Nagios, Zabbix, or Prometheus and incident response procedures
Linux System Administrator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a linux system administrator in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a linux system administrator, so the path centers on education and vendor credentials. Most employers look for a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, though candidates who earn industry certifications such as CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator, or LPIC-1 compete effectively regardless of degree. Building hands-on experience through home labs, open-source contributions, or junior helpdesk and IT support roles in California's large enterprise or government contractor environments is a practical route into the field.
How much do linux system administrators make in California?
Linux system administrators in California earn a median of about $106,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,400 for the lowest 10% to over $166,730 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire linux system administrators in California?
Employers hiring linux system administrators in California right now include NVIDIA, Raytheon, and Motorola Solutions, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major health systems, and cloud-native technology companies means linux administration roles appear across a wider range of industries here than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most linux system administrator jobs?
San Jose, Santa Clara, and Goleta have the most linux system administrator openings in California. The Bay Area dominates because of the density of enterprise software, cloud, and semiconductor companies headquartered there, while Los Angeles draws demand from entertainment technology, aerospace, and large health networks, and San Diego's concentration of defense contractors and biotech firms generates consistent infrastructure hiring.
Are there remote linux system administrator jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most infrastructure roles, because linux administration work is often performed over secure remote connections rather than requiring physical data center presence. About 33% of linux system administrator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting broad employer acceptance of distributed teams. Tasks involving cloud management, configuration automation, and monitoring tend to be the most remote-friendly, while roles requiring hands-on hardware work in on-premises data centers remain primarily on-site.
How can I get hired as a linux system administrator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from an IT support, helpdesk, or junior network technician role into linux administration, since California's large enterprises and defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and Kaiser Permanente routinely hire entry-level infrastructure staff who demonstrate hands-on linux familiarity. Earning a Red Hat Certified System Administrator or CompTIA Linux+ credential before applying signals practical ability. Community college programs across California, including those at De Anza College and Los Angeles City College, offer structured pathways into systems administration for candidates without four-year degrees.
Where can I find and apply to linux system administrator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to linux system administrator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond. Find roles that fit your experience level and specialization and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 8 Linux System Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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