System Administrator Jobs in Illinois
System Administrator jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with openings concentrated in enterprise IT, healthcare networks, financial services, and higher education, and opportunities at every level from helpdesk-adjacent junior roles through senior infrastructure leads. Chicago is the dominant market by volume, but Naperville, Schaumburg, and the broader Chicagoland corridor also host significant hiring activity from anchor employers such as Advocate Health Care, Northern Trust, and United Airlines. The specialties drawing the most consistent attention from Illinois employers include Active Directory and identity management, virtualization with VMware or Hyper-V, and cloud-integrated on-premises infrastructure. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The APS Engineering Support Division (AES) provides reliable operations and technical support to the Advanced Photon Source user community. AES works to ensure that the Advanced Photon Source maintains its status as a preeminent scientific user facility.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Linux/HPC System Administrator to manage and support the onsite HPC resources, beamline systems, and beamline services. Our administrators design, install, implement, and manage services running on Linux systems within our dynamic environment. The role involves maintaining and optimizing four unique HPC clusters, Globus data transfer nodes, GPU nodes, monitoring systems, IBM Storage Scale appliances, PBS Pro scheduler, and the support of data control and acquisition systems operating beamline experiments. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, performance, and scalability of our HPC and beamline infrastructure to support advanced computational workloads.
Key Responsibilities
GPU Nodes Administration:
- Configure and maintain GPU nodes for computational workloads.
- Optimize GPU utilization for machine learning, AI, and other GPU-intensive applications.
Storage Management:
- Administer IBM Storage Scale 6K appliances and Spectrum Scale to ensure high availability and performance.
- Administer Nvidia InfiniBand switches and IB network to ensure high availability.
- Monitor storage usage and plan for capacity upgrades as needed.
Beamline Support:
- Provide advanced level support to Advanced Photon Source Xray Science Division beamline computers, storage, and their associated networking on Linux.
- Provide second level technical assistance for beamline user support and problem resolution.
- Implement software and hardware installation and configuration for computers along with network troubleshooting.
Monitoring & Visualization:
- Maintain monitoring tools such as Grafana to track system health and performance.
Job Scheduling:
- Manage and optimize PBS Pro scheduler installations for efficient job queuing and resource allocation.
- Troubleshoot scheduling issues and implement policies to improve throughput.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.
- Generate regular reports on system performance, utilization, and incidents.
Collaboration & Support:
- Work closely with researchers, developers, and other stakeholders to understand their computational and experimental needs.
- Provide technical support and training to users of the HPC systems.
Security & Compliance:
- Implement security best practices to protect sensitive data and computational resources.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and government regulations.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
- To perform the essential functions of this position, successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
- Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelors and 4+ years’ experience, Masters and 2+ years’ experience, or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience in HPC systems administration or a similar role.
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix system administration.
- Experience with Globus, GPU nodes, and HPC cluster management.
- Experience with IBM Storage Scale or GPFS.
- Familiarity with PBS Pro scheduler and job queuing systems.
- Hands-on experience with monitoring tools like Grafana.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
- Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Certifications in HPC, Linux, or storage technologies.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation.
- Knowledge of networking protocols and security practices.
Work Environment
- Office-based with on-site work at HPC facilities.
- May require after-hours support for critical issues.
Job Family
Professional Technical (PT)Job Profile
Systems Integration Admin/Support 3Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299.00 - $134,626.05.Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
The APS Engineering Support Division (AES) provides reliable operations and technical support to the Advanced Photon Source user community. AES works to ensure that the Advanced Photon Source maintains its status as a preeminent scientific user facility.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Linux/HPC System Administrator to manage and support the onsite HPC resources, beamline systems, and beamline services. Our administrators design, install, implement, and manage services running on Linux systems within our dynamic environment. The role involves maintaining and optimizing four unique HPC clusters, Globus data transfer nodes, GPU nodes, monitoring systems, IBM Storage Scale appliances, PBS Pro scheduler, and the support of data control and acquisition systems operating beamline experiments. The ideal candidate will ensure the reliability, performance, and scalability of our HPC and beamline infrastructure to support advanced computational workloads.
Key Responsibilities
GPU Nodes Administration:
- Configure and maintain GPU nodes for computational workloads.
- Optimize GPU utilization for machine learning, AI, and other GPU-intensive applications.
Storage Management:
- Administer IBM Storage Scale 6K appliances and Spectrum Scale to ensure high availability and performance.
- Administer Nvidia InfiniBand switches and IB network to ensure high availability.
- Monitor storage usage and plan for capacity upgrades as needed.
Beamline Support:
- Provide advanced level support to Advanced Photon Source Xray Science Division beamline computers, storage, and their associated networking on Linux.
- Provide second level technical assistance for beamline user support and problem resolution.
- Implement software and hardware installation and configuration for computers along with network troubleshooting.
Monitoring & Visualization:
- Maintain monitoring tools such as Grafana to track system health and performance.
Job Scheduling:
- Manage and optimize PBS Pro scheduler installations for efficient job queuing and resource allocation.
- Troubleshoot scheduling issues and implement policies to improve throughput.
Documentation & Reporting:
- Maintain detailed documentation of system configurations, processes, and procedures.
- Generate regular reports on system performance, utilization, and incidents.
Collaboration & Support:
- Work closely with researchers, developers, and other stakeholders to understand their computational and experimental needs.
- Provide technical support and training to users of the HPC systems.
Security & Compliance:
- Implement security best practices to protect sensitive data and computational resources.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and government regulations.
May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
- To perform the essential functions of this position, successful applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to comply with federal regulations and contract.
- Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelors and 4+ years’ experience, Masters and 2+ years’ experience, or equivalent
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 2+ years of experience in HPC systems administration or a similar role.
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix system administration.
- Experience with Globus, GPU nodes, and HPC cluster management.
- Experience with IBM Storage Scale or GPFS.
- Familiarity with PBS Pro scheduler and job queuing systems.
- Hands-on experience with monitoring tools like Grafana.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
- Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Master's degree in a relevant field.
- Certifications in HPC, Linux, or storage technologies.
- Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash) for automation.
- Knowledge of networking protocols and security practices.
Work Environment
- Office-based with on-site work at HPC facilities.
- May require after-hours support for critical issues.
Job Family
Professional Technical (PT)Job Profile
Systems Integration Admin/Support 3Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full time The expected hiring range for this position is $86,299.00 - $134,626.05.Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
See All 20 System Administrator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find System Administrator JobsSystem Administrator Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
System Administrator Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Chemicals & Materials
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in system administrator jobs across Illinois.
- CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft certifications recognized by Illinois employers
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience administering Windows Server and Active Directory environments
- Proficiency with virtualization platforms such as VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V
- Familiarity with network fundamentals including DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, and VPN configuration
- Experience supporting cloud-integrated environments using Microsoft Azure or AWS
System Administrator Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a system administrator in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license to work as a system administrator, so the path runs through education and vendor certifications. Most Illinois employers expect at minimum an associate or bachelor's degree in information technology or computer science, paired with certifications such as CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or VMware VCP. Candidates who build hands-on lab experience, contribute to open-source projects, or complete community college IT programs at institutions like Oakton or Moraine Valley Community College strengthen their applications considerably.
How much do system administrators make in Illinois?
System 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 system administrators in Illinois?
Employers hiring system administrators in Illinois right now include Empower AI, AGFA, and Atos, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of large hospital networks, financial institutions headquartered in Chicago, and manufacturing companies with regional IT hubs makes it one of the more consistent states for infrastructure and systems roles year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most system administrator jobs?
Chicago, Aurora, and Lemont lead for system administrator openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because it is home to the state's largest concentration of enterprise employers across finance, healthcare, and professional services, while suburban hubs like Naperville and Schaumburg attract IT hiring from major corporate campuses and regional headquarters that have relocated out of the urban core.
Are there remote system administrator jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, because system administrator work frequently requires physical access to servers, network hardware, and data center infrastructure. About 50% of system administrator openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those postings tend to favor candidates who can handle cloud administration, monitoring, and helpdesk escalation without needing to be on-site daily.
How can I get hired as a system administrator in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through an IT support or helpdesk role, which large Illinois employers such as Advocate Health Care, Rush University Medical Center, and major financial firms in Chicago regularly post as stepping stones into systems work. Earning a CompTIA A+ or Network+ certification before applying gives candidates a concrete edge. Community college IT programs at Oakton College or Harper College offer practical coursework that translates directly to junior administrator duties, and some Illinois managed-service providers run structured associate programs that include on-the-job mentorship.
Where can I find and apply to system administrator jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to system administrator jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across Chicagoland and the rest of the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 20 System Administrator Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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