Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Illinois
Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with the state's market driven by its deep concentration of financial services, healthcare networks, manufacturing, and enterprise technology firms that depend on complex infrastructure. Chicago anchors most of the hiring alongside suburban hubs like Schaumburg and Naperville, where companies such as Allstate, United Airlines, and Baxter International maintain large IT operations requiring experienced systems staff. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois listings are Windows Server and Active Directory administration, virtualization platforms like VMware, and hybrid cloud environments built on Azure or AWS. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 18+ Senior Systems Administrator jobs
Job Description:
We are hiring an IT Systems Administrator (Tier 2) to deliver high-quality technical support for internal users and managed services clients. You will handle escalations from Tier 1, own tickets through resolution, and collaborate with Tier 3, Centralized Services, and Monitoring teams.
Perks & Benefits:
Competitive pay
Health Saving Account, Flexible Saving Account, Employee Assistance Program
Annual Education Allowance
Generous Referral Program
Fun and collaborative company culture with lots of team-building events
Discounted hotel stays in multiple locations through our Hospitality brand.
What You Will Do:
- Resolve Tier 1&2 incidents and requests end-to-end (ownership, communication, documentation).
- Troubleshoot Windows 10/11 and macOS endpoints, laptops, peripherals, printers, common business applications, and remote access tools.
- Microsoft 365 support: Exchange Online basics (mail flow checks, shared mailboxes, permissions), Teams troubleshooting, SharePoint/OneDrive sync and access issues, licensing/user administration.
- Identity support: Active Directory and Entra ID fundamentals (account lockouts, group membership, access issues, MFA resets, sign-in troubleshooting; conditional access awareness); user account creation, updates, onboarding/offboarding, and decommissioning.
- Network troubleshooting: DNS/DHCP, VPN, firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi connectivity, VoIP phone systems, basic routing/switching concepts; escalate complex network issues appropriately.
- Server troubleshooting (basic–intermediate): Windows Server services and event logs, file/print access, patching impacts; basic virtualization awareness and escalation readiness.
- Support mobile devices (phones and tablets): setup, provisioning, configuration, data transfers, and decommissioning.
- Support boardroom and meeting room equipment: video conferencing hardware/software, TVs, projectors, and audio systems.
- Support/troubleshoot IP-based and non-traditional IT systems (e.g., IP cameras/CCTV/NVR access and connectivity, building access control systems/cards/fobs, building automation and audio systems, timecard systems, EV systems, digital signage, PoE basics) and coordinate vendor/Tier 3 escalations when needed.
- Monitor and manage system alerts, including outage/offline events across servers, network, software, hardware, and cybersecurity.
- Act as vendor coordination and liaison point for vendor-specific issues or requests.
- Maintain strong ticket hygiene in the PSA: accurate notes, time entries, troubleshooting steps, and closure summaries.
- Contribute to KB/SOP documentation and help reduce repeat issues.
- Provide friendly, clear, concise, and professional customer service via phone, email, chat, or video call, and follow up to ensure incidents and requests are fully resolved.
- Participate in after-hours or on-call support rotations as assigned, in accordance with company policies and applicable employment standards.
What You Will Bring:
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (e.g., Systems Administration, Networking) from an accredited institution.
- 4–7 years in IT support (MSP experience preferred) with proven Tier 2 troubleshooting capability.
- Strong knowledge of Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, AD/Entra ID identity concepts, and network fundamentals (DNS/DHCP/VPN/Wi-Fi).
- Strong problem-solving skills with an analytical and detail-oriented mindset.
- Strong communication and customer service skills; able to set expectations and follow through.
- Strong task, time-management, and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable working with diverse clients, users, and handling challenging situations professionally.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tickets in an SLA-driven environment.
- A self-starter able to work well with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Halo PSA (or similar PSA/RMM tools), endpoint security/EDR, and backup platforms.
- Certifications (optional): CompTIA A+/Network+, Microsoft, or relevant vendor certifications.
Salary Range:
85k - 100k
About The Company:
Onni
For over half a century, Onni has been building communities for people to live, work, and play. Our success reflects our commitment to our employees and partners, and our dedication to quality construction, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise expands across North America, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Chicago.
AI Use:
This role may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research, analysis, content development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI responsibly and in compliance with company policies, data privacy requirements, confidentiality obligations, and applicable laws.
All AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, quality, and appropriateness before use. Employees are also expected to disclose when AI tools have been used in the creation of work and must not present AI-generated content as solely their own original work.
How To Apply:
Please apply through the link on the job posting and attach your resume and any other required documents.
We thank all applicants for your interest in the Onni Group. Note that only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.
Job Description:
We are hiring an IT Systems Administrator (Tier 2) to deliver high-quality technical support for internal users and managed services clients. You will handle escalations from Tier 1, own tickets through resolution, and collaborate with Tier 3, Centralized Services, and Monitoring teams.
Perks & Benefits:
Competitive pay
Health Saving Account, Flexible Saving Account, Employee Assistance Program
Annual Education Allowance
Generous Referral Program
Fun and collaborative company culture with lots of team-building events
Discounted hotel stays in multiple locations through our Hospitality brand.
What You Will Do:
- Resolve Tier 1&2 incidents and requests end-to-end (ownership, communication, documentation).
- Troubleshoot Windows 10/11 and macOS endpoints, laptops, peripherals, printers, common business applications, and remote access tools.
- Microsoft 365 support: Exchange Online basics (mail flow checks, shared mailboxes, permissions), Teams troubleshooting, SharePoint/OneDrive sync and access issues, licensing/user administration.
- Identity support: Active Directory and Entra ID fundamentals (account lockouts, group membership, access issues, MFA resets, sign-in troubleshooting; conditional access awareness); user account creation, updates, onboarding/offboarding, and decommissioning.
- Network troubleshooting: DNS/DHCP, VPN, firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi connectivity, VoIP phone systems, basic routing/switching concepts; escalate complex network issues appropriately.
- Server troubleshooting (basic–intermediate): Windows Server services and event logs, file/print access, patching impacts; basic virtualization awareness and escalation readiness.
- Support mobile devices (phones and tablets): setup, provisioning, configuration, data transfers, and decommissioning.
- Support boardroom and meeting room equipment: video conferencing hardware/software, TVs, projectors, and audio systems.
- Support/troubleshoot IP-based and non-traditional IT systems (e.g., IP cameras/CCTV/NVR access and connectivity, building access control systems/cards/fobs, building automation and audio systems, timecard systems, EV systems, digital signage, PoE basics) and coordinate vendor/Tier 3 escalations when needed.
- Monitor and manage system alerts, including outage/offline events across servers, network, software, hardware, and cybersecurity.
- Act as vendor coordination and liaison point for vendor-specific issues or requests.
- Maintain strong ticket hygiene in the PSA: accurate notes, time entries, troubleshooting steps, and closure summaries.
- Contribute to KB/SOP documentation and help reduce repeat issues.
- Provide friendly, clear, concise, and professional customer service via phone, email, chat, or video call, and follow up to ensure incidents and requests are fully resolved.
- Participate in after-hours or on-call support rotations as assigned, in accordance with company policies and applicable employment standards.
What You Will Bring:
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (e.g., Systems Administration, Networking) from an accredited institution.
- 4–7 years in IT support (MSP experience preferred) with proven Tier 2 troubleshooting capability.
- Strong knowledge of Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, AD/Entra ID identity concepts, and network fundamentals (DNS/DHCP/VPN/Wi-Fi).
- Strong problem-solving skills with an analytical and detail-oriented mindset.
- Strong communication and customer service skills; able to set expectations and follow through.
- Strong task, time-management, and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills; comfortable working with diverse clients, users, and handling challenging situations professionally.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tickets in an SLA-driven environment.
- A self-starter able to work well with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Halo PSA (or similar PSA/RMM tools), endpoint security/EDR, and backup platforms.
- Certifications (optional): CompTIA A+/Network+, Microsoft, or relevant vendor certifications.
Salary Range:
85k - 100k
About The Company:
Onni
For over half a century, Onni has been building communities for people to live, work, and play. Our success reflects our commitment to our employees and partners, and our dedication to quality construction, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our expertise expands across North America, with offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Chicago.
AI Use:
This role may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research, analysis, content development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI responsibly and in compliance with company policies, data privacy requirements, confidentiality obligations, and applicable laws.
All AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, quality, and appropriateness before use. Employees are also expected to disclose when AI tools have been used in the creation of work and must not present AI-generated content as solely their own original work.
How To Apply:
Please apply through the link on the job posting and attach your resume and any other required documents.
We thank all applicants for your interest in the Onni Group. Note that only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.
See All 18 Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsSenior Systems Administrator Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Systems Administrator Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Medical Devices
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior systems administrator jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field required
- Five or more years of systems administration experience managing enterprise infrastructure
- Demonstrated expertise with Windows Server, Active Directory, and Group Policy administration
- Hands-on experience with virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere or Hyper-V
- Proficiency configuring and managing hybrid cloud environments, particularly Microsoft Azure or AWS
- Relevant certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator or CompTIA Server+ preferred
Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior systems administrator in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license for systems administrators, so the path runs through education and experience. Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related discipline, followed by several years managing enterprise systems in progressively complex environments. Earning industry certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate or VMware Certified Professional strengthens candidacy and is frequently listed as a preference in Illinois job postings.
How much do senior systems administrators make in Illinois?
Senior systems administrators in Illinois earn a median of about $100,080 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,650 for the lowest 10% to over $157,800 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior systems administrators in Illinois?
Employers hiring senior systems administrators in Illinois right now include C3EL, ITW, and Cognizant, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of financial institutions, health systems, and large corporate headquarters in the Chicago metro generates consistent demand for experienced systems staff across a wide range of industries.
Which Illinois cities have the most senior systems administrator jobs?
Chicago, Scott AFB, and Des Plaines are the Illinois cities with the most senior systems administrator openings. Chicago dominates because of its headquarters density in finance, healthcare, and professional services, while Schaumburg and Naperville draw hiring from the large corporate campuses and regional offices concentrated along the Interstate 90 and Interstate 88 corridors in the northwest and west suburbs.
Are there remote senior systems administrator jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than many IT roles because much of the work involves managing systems through remote tools rather than hands-on hardware. About 100% of senior systems administrator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting strong employer adoption of remote infrastructure management. Tasks centered on cloud administration, monitoring, and policy configuration are the most commonly offered in fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a senior systems administrator in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a junior systems administrator or IT support role at a large Illinois employer, then building toward seniority over time. Institutions such as the University of Illinois system, Advocate Aurora Health, and major Chicago-area financial firms regularly hire for help desk, desktop support, and junior sysadmin positions that lead to infrastructure roles. Earning a Microsoft or CompTIA certification before applying gives candidates without a long work history a concrete signal of technical readiness that Illinois hiring managers recognize.
Where can I find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Illinois employers. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 18 Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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