Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California
Senior Systems Administrator jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in enterprise technology, defense contracting, cloud infrastructure, and higher education. The largest hiring centers are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Kaiser Permanente, and the University of California system maintain large IT operations. The most in-demand specialties are cloud platform administration, identity and access management, and enterprise network systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 197+ Senior Systems Administrator jobs
INTRODUCTION
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Function of Position
The Senior System Administrator is responsible for the administration, optimization, and strategic evolution of the organization's Content Management System (CMS), Translation Management System (TMS), and related technologies. This role leads the implementation, maintenance, integration, and continuous improvement of systems, workflows, and processes that support global content development and localization operations.
Working closely with business stakeholders, IT, and external partners, the Senior Systems Administrator gathers and translates business requirements into scalable technology solutions, develops and executes system roadmaps, and drives process automation and operational efficiencies. The role also provides technical leadership in system governance, vendor management, platform integrations, and technology modernization initiatives while ensuring compliance with corporate policies, standards, and business objectives.
Essential Job Duties
- Lead the selection, implementation, and maintenance of TMS and CMS-related tools
- Identify and work on continuous improvement of the systems or applications through installations, upgrades, configuration changes, and error management
- Serve as a champion for CMS and TMS technologies across the organization by promoting best practices, identifying new business use cases, and driving enterprise-wide adoption. Partner with business stakeholders to increase platform utilization, expand content and localization capabilities, and maximize the value and return on investment of content and translation technology solutions. Maintain content and translation development workflows as requirements change based on the organizational roadmap and the technology architecture
- Support team members by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues identified in TMS and CMS
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, IT, and vendors to implement policies and procedures to optimize the content and translation development workflows
- Develop, conduct, and maintain training for TMS and CMS users in the utilization of the CMS and TMS workflows
- Manage the translation workflows and the associated tasks, such as creating and managing the translation glossaries and memories
- Maintain vendor relationships and escalate issues to vendors when necessary
- Follow technology trends and evaluate tooling needs, and recommend potential solutions
- Manage user and group access, adding, removing, and activating users for test and production document bases
- Solicit feedback from users regularly on problems, design, and workflow for continuous improvement and communicate process or tool changes
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Training
Bachelor’s degree and 5-8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 3-5 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted instead of a degree.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years working with localization and content management software required
- Solid understanding of Translation Management System technology
- Familiarity with DITA and XML markup language
- Strong experience in implementing software automation solutions for technical content and translation
- Strong experience in industry standards for translation memories and workflow tools
- Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments concurrently while maintaining high levels of quality and effectiveness
- Experience communicating technical information cross-functionally, including tool training, mentoring, and best practices
- Demonstrated experience in writing scripts
- Excellent collaborative problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills across global and culturally diverse teams required
- Ability to work well independently and with the team required
- Highly organized, goal-oriented who can work on complex projects and create deliverables with minimal guidance and supervision required
- Experience with medical devices and FDA-regulated environment preferred
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $157,600 USD - $226,800 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $134,000 USD - $192,800 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Not Remote
Information Technology & Systems
JOB215982
INTRODUCTION
It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.
We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.
The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.
If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Function of Position
The Senior System Administrator is responsible for the administration, optimization, and strategic evolution of the organization's Content Management System (CMS), Translation Management System (TMS), and related technologies. This role leads the implementation, maintenance, integration, and continuous improvement of systems, workflows, and processes that support global content development and localization operations.
Working closely with business stakeholders, IT, and external partners, the Senior Systems Administrator gathers and translates business requirements into scalable technology solutions, develops and executes system roadmaps, and drives process automation and operational efficiencies. The role also provides technical leadership in system governance, vendor management, platform integrations, and technology modernization initiatives while ensuring compliance with corporate policies, standards, and business objectives.
Essential Job Duties
- Lead the selection, implementation, and maintenance of TMS and CMS-related tools
- Identify and work on continuous improvement of the systems or applications through installations, upgrades, configuration changes, and error management
- Serve as a champion for CMS and TMS technologies across the organization by promoting best practices, identifying new business use cases, and driving enterprise-wide adoption. Partner with business stakeholders to increase platform utilization, expand content and localization capabilities, and maximize the value and return on investment of content and translation technology solutions. Maintain content and translation development workflows as requirements change based on the organizational roadmap and the technology architecture
- Support team members by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues identified in TMS and CMS
- Work closely with internal stakeholders, IT, and vendors to implement policies and procedures to optimize the content and translation development workflows
- Develop, conduct, and maintain training for TMS and CMS users in the utilization of the CMS and TMS workflows
- Manage the translation workflows and the associated tasks, such as creating and managing the translation glossaries and memories
- Maintain vendor relationships and escalate issues to vendors when necessary
- Follow technology trends and evaluate tooling needs, and recommend potential solutions
- Manage user and group access, adding, removing, and activating users for test and production document bases
- Solicit feedback from users regularly on problems, design, and workflow for continuous improvement and communicate process or tool changes
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Training
Bachelor’s degree and 5-8 years of prior relevant experience or Master’s with 3-5 years of prior relevant experience. Additional years of experience may be substituted instead of a degree.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years working with localization and content management software required
- Solid understanding of Translation Management System technology
- Familiarity with DITA and XML markup language
- Strong experience in implementing software automation solutions for technical content and translation
- Strong experience in industry standards for translation memories and workflow tools
- Ability to handle multiple projects and assignments concurrently while maintaining high levels of quality and effectiveness
- Experience communicating technical information cross-functionally, including tool training, mentoring, and best practices
- Demonstrated experience in writing scripts
- Excellent collaborative problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills across global and culturally diverse teams required
- Ability to work well independently and with the team required
- Highly organized, goal-oriented who can work on complex projects and create deliverables with minimal guidance and supervision required
- Experience with medical devices and FDA-regulated environment preferred
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.
Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.
Mandatory Notices
U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer: In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.
Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).
For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.
Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.
This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.
We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.
Base Compensation Range Region 1: $157,600 USD - $226,800 USD
Base Compensation Range Region 2: $134,000 USD - $192,800 USD
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.
LOCATION
Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Not Remote
Information Technology & Systems
JOB215982
See All 197+ Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Systems Administrator Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Systems Administrator Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- NVIDIA12
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE4
- Zoox4
- Alameda Health System3
- CRUSOE3
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software64
- Electronics & Hardware20
- Healthcare & Medical Services14
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals13
- Consulting & Professional Services9
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior systems administrator jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of hands-on systems administration experience in enterprise environments
- Active certifications such as RHCSA, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or CompTIA Linux+
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms including VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V
- Experience managing Active Directory, group policy, and identity and access management systems
- Familiarity with cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform
Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior systems administrator in California?
Most senior systems administrators in California reach the role through a combination of a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology and several years of progressively responsible IT experience. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers consistently expect vendor-backed credentials such as RHCSA, CompTIA Linux+, or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator. Large California employers in defense, healthcare, and higher education also look for experience with security frameworks and enterprise infrastructure at scale.
How much do senior systems administrators make in California?
Senior systems 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 senior systems administrators in California?
Employers hiring senior systems administrators in California right now include NVIDIA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE, and Zoox, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, major health systems, and large public universities means demand is consistent across both the private and public sectors.
Which California cities have the most senior systems administrator jobs?
San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Jose have the most senior systems administrator openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense concentration of enterprise technology companies and cloud infrastructure operations, while Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment, aerospace, and healthcare employers, and San Diego's openings are heavily shaped by defense contractors and biotech firms that maintain large on-premises and hybrid IT environments.
Are there remote senior systems administrator jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based roles because senior systems administrators are often needed on-site to manage physical hardware, data centers, and network infrastructure. About 24% of senior systems administrator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to focus on cloud platform management, monitoring, and configuration work that does not require physical access.
How can I get hired as a senior systems administrator in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a systems administrator I or IT support specialist and building toward the senior level over time. California's large public university system, county government IT departments, and health systems like Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente regularly hire entry-level administrators and offer internal advancement paths. Earning a foundational credential such as CompTIA A+ or Google IT Support Certificate, then progressing to a Linux or cloud certification, signals readiness to California hiring managers even without years of enterprise experience.
Where can I find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in California?
You can find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Search for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 197+ Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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