OPT Linux System Administrator Jobs
Linux System Administrator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with a background in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
Find OPT Linux System Administrator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 35+ Linux System Administrator jobs
See all 35+ Linux System Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Linux System Administrator roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob no: 560783
Work type: Staff
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology
Job Title
Linux Systems Administrator II
Classification
Systems Administrator II
Auto Req. ID
560783
Salary Range
Classification Range $6,492 - $9,458 per month
(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,492 - $8,566 per month)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.
Why CSUF
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.
Department
The Division of Information Technology (IT) strives to be a strategic, innovative, and best‐in‐class IT organization that provides a leading‐edge technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to advance the University’s mission, vision, and goals. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our IT Infrastructure Services department as the Linux Systems Administrator II. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Linux Systems Administrator II is responsible for the installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of Linux servers, High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and related enterprise services supporting academic, research, and administrative computing. Applies systems administration knowledge and technical expertise to ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and security of enterprise Linux environments and research computing resources. This position participates in planning, implementation, documentation, automation, and operational support of campus Linux and HPC services while providing technical consultation and support to faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Under general supervision, deploys and maintains computer systems, servers, and network infrastructure. Applies systems administration knowledge to ensure the availability, reliability, and security of systems by deploying and managing systems and serving on teams to develop and implement new systems. Provides technical support and implements system enhancements. Works independently on most day-to-day assignments with general supervision on new assignments or projects to ensure alignment with objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and is accountable for own work results.
Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, scripting languages, virtualization technologies and cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and technologies. Working knowledge of troubleshooting hardware and software issues and providing technical support. Working knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures. Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple time sensitive assignments and smaller projects. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present technical information to technically diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical skills to evaluate, monitor, and resolve systems issues and design, develop, and implement systems solutions. Skill in leading the work of others. Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies and programs. Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. The position requires the equivalent of two or more years of progressively responsible experience administering enterprise Linux systems, with experience supporting enterprise server environments including virtualization, storage, scripting, monitoring, and system security. Candidates should have experience troubleshooting complex Linux operating system and infrastructure issues, including administering High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters and supporting Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management (SLURM) or similar workload scheduling systems.
Experience supporting graphics processing unit (GPU) computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), or scientific computing environments is preferred, along with experience using container technologies such as Docker, Podman, Singularity/Apptainer, or Kubernetes. Additional experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef; supporting cloud-based Linux infrastructure in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform; and using enterprise monitoring platforms such as Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana, or Zabbix is highly desirable. Experience supporting higher education or research computing environments, as well as Linux certification, is also preferred.
License/Certifications
A valid California driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions
Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator
Benefits at a Glance
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
- Dental and Vision coverage
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
- Retirement plan through CalPERS
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- 15 paid holidays
See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.
Additional Information
California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.
As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.
If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.
Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.
California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.
Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Hiring Preference
On-Campus CSUEU Employees
Advertised: Aug 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Job no: 560783
Work type: Staff
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology
Job Title
Linux Systems Administrator II
Classification
Systems Administrator II
Auto Req. ID
560783
Salary Range
Classification Range $6,492 - $9,458 per month
(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,492 - $8,566 per month)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.
Why CSUF
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.
Department
The Division of Information Technology (IT) strives to be a strategic, innovative, and best‐in‐class IT organization that provides a leading‐edge technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to advance the University’s mission, vision, and goals. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our IT Infrastructure Services department as the Linux Systems Administrator II. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Linux Systems Administrator II is responsible for the installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of Linux servers, High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and related enterprise services supporting academic, research, and administrative computing. Applies systems administration knowledge and technical expertise to ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and security of enterprise Linux environments and research computing resources. This position participates in planning, implementation, documentation, automation, and operational support of campus Linux and HPC services while providing technical consultation and support to faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Under general supervision, deploys and maintains computer systems, servers, and network infrastructure. Applies systems administration knowledge to ensure the availability, reliability, and security of systems by deploying and managing systems and serving on teams to develop and implement new systems. Provides technical support and implements system enhancements. Works independently on most day-to-day assignments with general supervision on new assignments or projects to ensure alignment with objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and is accountable for own work results.
Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, scripting languages, virtualization technologies and cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and technologies. Working knowledge of troubleshooting hardware and software issues and providing technical support. Working knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures. Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple time sensitive assignments and smaller projects. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present technical information to technically diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical skills to evaluate, monitor, and resolve systems issues and design, develop, and implement systems solutions. Skill in leading the work of others. Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies and programs. Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. The position requires the equivalent of two or more years of progressively responsible experience administering enterprise Linux systems, with experience supporting enterprise server environments including virtualization, storage, scripting, monitoring, and system security. Candidates should have experience troubleshooting complex Linux operating system and infrastructure issues, including administering High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters and supporting Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management (SLURM) or similar workload scheduling systems.
Experience supporting graphics processing unit (GPU) computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), or scientific computing environments is preferred, along with experience using container technologies such as Docker, Podman, Singularity/Apptainer, or Kubernetes. Additional experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef; supporting cloud-based Linux infrastructure in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform; and using enterprise monitoring platforms such as Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana, or Zabbix is highly desirable. Experience supporting higher education or research computing environments, as well as Linux certification, is also preferred.
License/Certifications
A valid California driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions
Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator
Benefits at a Glance
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
- Dental and Vision coverage
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
- Retirement plan through CalPERS
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- 15 paid holidays
See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.
Additional Information
California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.
As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.
If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.
Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.
California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.
Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Hiring Preference
On-Campus CSUEU Employees
Advertised: Aug 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
See all 35+ OPT Linux System Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Linux System Administrator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Linux System Administrator
Target infrastructure-heavy industries
Financial services, healthcare IT, and cloud computing companies run large Linux environments and sponsor OPT students regularly. These sectors have ongoing sysadmin demand that justifies the sponsorship investment, making them more receptive to OPT candidates than smaller shops.
Earn a Linux certification before applying
CompTIA Linux+, RHCSA, or LFCS credentials signal employer-ready skills and reduce hiring risk. Certified candidates stand out in applicant pools and give sponsoring employers confidence that onboarding costs will be offset by immediate productivity on Linux infrastructure work.
Emphasize your STEM OPT timeline clearly
Tell employers upfront that your computer science or IT degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension. This reframes your OPT period from a short-term constraint into a multi-year runway, which aligns with how long it typically takes to file and receive H-1B visa approval.
Highlight automation and scripting experience
Employers prioritize sysadmins who write Bash, Python, or Ansible scripts to reduce manual work. Quantify your impact in your resume, such as the number of servers you automated or hours saved, to make sponsorship feel like a return-on-investment rather than a charitable risk.
Focus applications on mid-size technology companies
Mid-size tech firms with 200 to 2,000 employees often have mature Linux infrastructure but lean IT teams, creating genuine need for skilled sysadmins. They also have more flexibility than large enterprises and more resources than startups when it comes to sponsoring work authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to filter sponsorship-willing employers
Generic job boards mix OPT-friendly and OPT-unfriendly postings without distinction. Migrate Mate surfaces Linux System Administrator roles from employers who have demonstrated a willingness to sponsor, saving you from applying to positions that will reject you at the authorization stage.
Linux System Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Linux System Administrator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your degree is in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or a closely related STEM field, Linux System Administrator roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you up to three years of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the degree field determines eligibility, not the job title itself.
How do I find Linux System Administrator employers who sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find Linux System Administrator roles from employers open to OPT candidates. Beyond that, look at companies with large on-premises or hybrid Linux environments, such as financial institutions, healthcare networks, and managed service providers. These organizations maintain complex infrastructure that requires dedicated sysadmins, which justifies sponsoring candidates rather than leaving positions unfilled.
Can I work as a Linux System Administrator on OPT without an employer sponsoring my visa immediately?
Yes. During your OPT period, you're authorized to work without any separate visa sponsorship from your employer. Your F-1 OPT status itself is your work authorization. Sponsorship only becomes necessary when your OPT period ends and your employer needs to transition you to an H-1B or another long-term visa. That process typically begins 12 to 18 months before your OPT expires.
What happens if my Linux System Administrator job ends during OPT?
F-1 OPT students have a cumulative unemployment limit of 90 days, or 150 days if you're on the STEM extension. If your Linux System Administrator role ends, the clock starts immediately. You'll need to report the job change to your DSO and find new employment within that window. Remote or contract Linux sysadmin work can count toward your OPT as long as it's directly related to your degree field.
Is Linux System Administrator experience useful for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Yes, and it's one of the more H-1B-friendly technical roles. Linux System Administrator positions generally meet the specialty occupation standard because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field. Employers who rely on Linux infrastructure have strong business justification for sponsoring H-1B petitions, particularly when the role involves cloud platforms, security hardening, or large-scale automation work.