Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Pennsylvania
Senior Systems Administrator jobs in Pennsylvania are in steady demand, concentrated in enterprise IT, healthcare, financial services, and higher education, with openings at every level from junior administrators through senior infrastructure leads. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg anchor the hiring market, where organizations like University of Pennsylvania Health System, PNC Financial Services, and Lockheed Martin consistently staff senior systems roles. Windows Server administration, Active Directory management, and virtualization platforms like VMware are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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System Analyst
Working Title: System Administrator
Location: West Mifflin, PA (On-site)
Pay Rate: $60–$65/hr
Contract: 1-year contract with possible extension
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Clearance: DOE "Q" required
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Systems Analyst (working title: System Administrator) to support IT operations at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA. The role supports a local operational boundary consisting of both interconnected systems and standalone devices within the Component & Chemistry Technology – Chemistry Technology organization, which is responsible for the support and development of automated chemistry equipment at the laboratory and in the fleet.
This position focuses on system configuration, administration, compliance, maintenance, and technical documentation in a Windows-based environment. You will work with applications and tools such as Group Policy, HBSS/ESS, managed device security software, various engineering software, firewalls, system compliance utilities, and system hardware. The role requires strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to maintain stable, secure, and compliant systems that support critical operations.
- Administer, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Windows operating systems and associated infrastructure.
- Manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs), host-based firewalls, and endpoint compliance tools to ensure consistent system configuration.
- Perform system patching, updates, and vulnerability remediation to maintain system health and compliance.
- Support standalone and boundary-specific workstations and devices, ensuring proper configuration and operational readiness.
- Conduct hardware/software compliance checks, certification reviews, and baseline enforcement.
- Perform workflow analysis, document test results, and develop or update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Troubleshoot issues related to operating systems, applications, and system utilities, coordinating with engineering or development personnel as needed.
- Participate in projects to deploy, upgrade, or enhance infrastructure, applications, or system components, ensuring timely delivery of functional, technical, and security requirements.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, system configurations, and automation scripts or utilities as required.
- Provide subject matter expertise on system configuration and operational processes across the local boundary.
- Prioritize multiple tasks and projects, regularly adjust work planning, and integrate responsibilities within the organization and site.
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
- Administering, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows operating systems and associated infrastructure.
- Managing Group Policy Objects (GPOs), host-based firewalls, and endpoint compliance tools to ensure consistent system configuration.
- Knowledge or experience with HBSS/ESS or similar host-level security/compliance platforms.
- Experience performing system patching, updates, and vulnerability remediation activities.
- Understanding of system architectures.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects and adjust work planning within a dynamic environment.
Security Clearance
A DOE "Q" clearance is required for this position. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.
- Knowledge of Cisco network hardware.
- Experience with the installation, configuration, and management of VMware virtual systems.
- Vulnerability management experience.
- Experience creating and maintaining scripts (PowerShell).
- Basic proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language (LabVIEW preferred; for understanding, not necessarily heavy coding).
- Experience with system hardening and host-based firewalls.
- Familiarity with system compliance assessments, vulnerability management, and patch management workflows.
- Experience with standalone, isolated, or segmented network environments.
- Technical writing skills, including SOPs, system documentation, and test result summaries.
- Experience supporting hardware/software certification reviews or baseline compliance checks.
- Project management experience.
- Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
Contract Details
Duration: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and are executed at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Estimated Hours: Approximately 2,080 straight-time hours per year (full-time).
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site.
Anticipated Start: October 2026.
Why Work at COMPA Industries?
We strive to provide careers, not just jobs, for our employees. We invest in and serve the communities where we work and live. We provide best-in-class administrative, professional, and technical services to solve complex problems to meet customer mission-critical objectives.
For over 30 years, Compa has been a trusted partner in progress. We combine decades of technical expertise with a forward-thinking spirit, tackling intricate challenges in nuclear facilities alongside the brightest minds in science and engineering. Join us, and don't just build your career, build the future, with competitive compensation, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real difference for national security and beyond.
COMPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status.
Location: West Mifflin, PA (On-site, up to 10% telework)
Pay Rate: $60–$65/hr
Contract: 1-year contract with possible extension
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Clearance: DOE "L" required
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Mechanical Engineer to join a team of engineers at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA, supporting repair technology development efforts by leading test programs both within a laboratory setting and via commercial subcontracts. This challenging and rewarding position offers opportunities to continue expanding technical skills through assignments involving both established and novel repair technologies, including epoxy/composite technologies, mechanical/machining processes, and arc welding technologies.
The role involves regular interface with stakeholders and support groups across the laboratory, shipyards, and program headquarters. The successful candidate will plan, follow, and execute work efforts; conceive and produce technical designs, instructions, and procedures; and contribute to the development of novel repair techniques by drafting, placing, following, and reporting subcontracted repair method development and demonstration contracts.
- Lead test programs supporting repair technology development, both within the laboratory and via commercial subcontracts.
- Plan, follow, and execute work efforts, and conceive and produce technical designs, instructions, and procedures.
- Develop and interpret specifications, drawings, and engineering standards.
- Plan and execute test programs, design experiments, analyze experimental results, and assist with the preparation of technical reports.
- Contribute to the development of novel repair techniques by drafting, placing, following, and reporting subcontracted repair method development and demonstration contracts.
- Lead and execute laboratory operations in a productive, timely, and compliant manner.
- Support project planning, equipment testing, and repair deployment, including travel to vendors and shipyards as needed.
Required Education & Experience
BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; or an MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
- Ability to develop and interpret specifications, drawings, and engineering standards (or the ability to learn it).
- Ability to plan and execute test programs, design experiments, and analyze experimental results.
- Digital design / CAD skills.
- Experience assisting with the preparation of technical reports.
- Ability to lead and execute laboratory operations in a productive, timely, and compliant manner.
- Familiarity with digital data acquisition hardware and software (preferred).
Security Clearance
A DOE "L" clearance is required for this position. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "L" security clearance.
- Knowledge of materials engineering.
- Background in industrial operations.
- Ability to help develop, test, evaluate, and eventually qualify repair procedures in the laboratory or via vendors and shipyards.
- Excellent individual initiative and creativity.
Contract Details
Duration: 1-year contract with the possibility of extension. Extensions are not guaranteed and are executed at the discretion of the hiring manager.
Estimated Hours: Approximately 2,080 straight-time hours per year (full-time).
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week; up to approximately 10% telework.
Anticipated Start: September 2026.
Travel
Some travel to vendors and shipyards is required to support project planning, equipment testing, and repair deployment.
Why Work at COMPA Industries?
We strive to provide careers, not just jobs, for our employees. We invest in and serve the communities where we work and live. We provide best-in-class administrative, professional, and technical services to solve complex problems to meet customer mission-critical objectives.
For over 30 years, Compa has been a trusted partner in progress. We combine decades of technical expertise with a forward-thinking spirit, tackling intricate challenges in nuclear facilities alongside the brightest minds in science and engineering. Join us, and don't just build your career, build the future, with competitive compensation, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a real difference for national security and beyond.
COMPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status.
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Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Systems Administrator Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
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What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior systems administrator jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of hands-on experience administering enterprise Windows or Linux server environments
- Active Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator or equivalent industry certification
- Demonstrated experience with VMware vSphere, Active Directory, and enterprise backup solutions
- Experience managing network infrastructure including firewalls, VPNs, and enterprise switching
- Familiarity with ITIL frameworks and change management processes in regulated Pennsylvania industries
Senior Systems Administrator Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior systems administrator in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license for systems administrators, so the path runs through education and vendor certifications. Most employers expect a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology alongside certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, CompTIA Server+, or VMware VCP. Candidates typically build several years of experience in junior or mid-level administrator roles at Pennsylvania's healthcare systems, universities, or financial institutions before stepping into senior positions.
How much do senior systems administrators make in Pennsylvania?
Senior systems administrators in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $86,140 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,380 for the lowest 10% to over $130,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire senior systems administrators in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring senior systems administrators in Pennsylvania right now include STEP, The YGS, and JAM Industries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of large health systems, financial firms, and defense contractors means steady recurring demand for experienced infrastructure administrators across the state.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most senior systems administrator jobs?
Pittsburgh, West Mifflin, and York lead Pennsylvania for senior systems administrator openings. Philadelphia drives the largest share, anchored by its dense cluster of health systems, financial services firms, and corporate headquarters, while Pittsburgh's technology sector and Pittsburgh-area universities sustain strong demand, and Harrisburg's state government agencies and regional insurers account for consistent openings in the capital region.
Are there remote senior systems administrator jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, and more than many IT roles, since much server and cloud administration can be performed remotely. About 71% of senior systems administrator openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how widely distributed the role has become since enterprise cloud adoption accelerated. Cloud infrastructure, monitoring, and scripting responsibilities tend to be the most remote-friendly, while on-site data center hardware work still requires a physical presence.
How can I get hired as a senior systems administrator in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a help desk or desktop support role inside a large Pennsylvania employer, particularly the hospital networks or state agency IT departments that run structured internal advancement programs. Earning CompTIA A+ and then Network+ builds a credible foundation, and internal lateral moves into junior systems roles are common at organizations like Temple University or UPMC that hire at volume. A home lab demonstrating Active Directory and virtualization skills can substitute for commercial experience in early interviews.
Where can I find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to senior systems administrator jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
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