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 4 of 76+ Senior Systems Administrator jobs
L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Sr. Associate Systems Administrator
Job Code: 44350
Job Location: Carlsbad, CA
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off
Job Description:
We are seeking a dedicated System/Network desktop support administrator to join our IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting classified Windows desktop systems and essential applications. This role combines system administration, network management, project coordination, and desktop/software support to ensure reliable and secure day-to-day operations.
Essential Functions:
- Provide end-user desktop support for systems and applications both locally and across the classified WAN.
- Perform routine system updates, patching, and hardening to reduce vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with applicable standards.
- Partner with program engineering teams to understand requirements and deliver IT solutions aligned with program needs and schedules.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations effectively to management and non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
- Working knowledge of Windows and/or Linux operating systems, networking protocols, PowerShell, and security best practices.
- Current active TS/SCI clearance with a full-scope polygraph.
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Hands-on experience supporting Linux systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8/9, CentOS, and Ubuntu.
- Experience administering VMware or comparable virtualization platforms.
- Experience working with Commvault or similar backup and recovery solutions.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC areas is [$83,000 MIN - $118,000 MAX].This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.
L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.
Job Title: Sr. Associate Systems Administrator
Job Code: 44350
Job Location: Carlsbad, CA
Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off
Job Description:
We are seeking a dedicated System/Network desktop support administrator to join our IT team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting classified Windows desktop systems and essential applications. This role combines system administration, network management, project coordination, and desktop/software support to ensure reliable and secure day-to-day operations.
Essential Functions:
- Provide end-user desktop support for systems and applications both locally and across the classified WAN.
- Perform routine system updates, patching, and hardening to reduce vulnerabilities and maintain compliance with applicable standards.
- Partner with program engineering teams to understand requirements and deliver IT solutions aligned with program needs and schedules.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and recommendations effectively to management and non-technical stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 6 years of prior related experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications.
- Working knowledge of Windows and/or Linux operating systems, networking protocols, PowerShell, and security best practices.
- Current active TS/SCI clearance with a full-scope polygraph.
Preferred Additional Skills:
- Hands-on experience supporting Linux systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8/9, CentOS, and Ubuntu.
- Experience administering VMware or comparable virtualization platforms.
- Experience working with Commvault or similar backup and recovery solutions.
In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC areas is [$83,000 MIN - $118,000 MAX].This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.
See All 76 Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California
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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
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Science & Research
- Retail
- Education
- Food & Beverage
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 Saalex, Northrop Grumman, and CRUSOE, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, San Diego, and Ridgecrest 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 23% of senior systems administrator openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 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 76 Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in California
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