Systems Administrator

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

San José State University is seeking a System Administrator to design, deploy, and maintain complex Linux server environments and related infrastructure for the College of Science. You will ensure availability, performance, security, and reliability while collaborating with faculty, researchers, and campus IT partners.

The role involves planning upgrades, deploying scientific software, containers, and Conda environments, plus advanced automation and documentation of system architecture.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Four (4) years of relevant experience; advanced degree may substitute experience.
• Master's degree preferred for related field.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, administer, and optimize Linux systems and related infrastructure.
• Plan and deploy system upgrades, scientific software, containers, and Conda environments.
• Perform performance analysis, capacity planning, and systems integration; automate tasks.
• Implement security controls, patches, backups, and disaster recovery per standards.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and IT partners; document architecture and recommendations.

Skills

Linux system administration

Server architecture

Automation

Scripting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MPI

Apptainer/Singularity

Conda environments

Job description

Job Summary

The College of Science is seeking a System Administrator to provide advanced design, implementation, administration, and support for complex Linux systems and related infrastructure supporting the College’s research, instructional, and administrative activities. The incumbent independently plans, designs, deploys, integrates, and maintains Linux server environments, storage systems, virtualization platforms, scientific software, and related services. This position ensures system availability, performance, security, and reliability while collaborating with faculty, staff, researchers, and campus IT partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, administer, and optimize complex Linux systems, storage environments, virtualization platforms, and related infrastructure
• Plan and deploy system upgrades, enhancements, scientific software, open-source research tools, containers, and Conda-based environments
• Perform advanced performance analysis, capacity planning, system tuning, automation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and systems integration
• Implement security controls, system patches, backup procedures, and disaster recovery plans in accordance with CSU and campus IT standards
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, technical staff, and IT partners while developing technical documentation, system architecture diagrams, and recommendations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• General awareness of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and a willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment, consistent with institutional policies and practices.
• Thorough and advanced knowledge of Linux OS internals, server architecture, virtualization, scripting, and cloud-adjacent technologies
• In-depth skill in automating configuration, monitoring, and deployment tasks to enhance system reliability and efficiency
• Advanced analytical skills to conceptualize, design, and implement systems solutions for complex technical issues
• Ability to architect complex systems and lead systems planning and deployment activities
• In-depth skill in automating configuration, monitoring, and deployment tasks to enhance system reliability and efficiency
• Advanced administration of Linux operating systems
• Knowledge of scientific software deployment, including MPI, GPU/accelerator technologies, Apptainer/Singularity containers, Conda environments, and research-oriented code libraries
• Advanced analytical skills to diagnose Linux system issues, evaluate cluster performance bottlenecks, and design appropriate solutions
• Ability to architect complex Linux systems and lead planning, testing, and deployment activities
• Ability to automate Linux environment setup, software installation, user environment management, and preventative/remedial maintenance using scripting and configuration management tools
• Ability to identify emerging technology issues and relate them to the needs of the College
• Advanced ability to evaluate new tools, technologies, and procedures and recommend improvements to system administration processes
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale technical projects independently and balance competing priorities
• Skill in clearly articulating technical recommendations, and performance considerations to diverse stakeholders
• Ability to independently manage multiple large-scale Linux system projects and balance competing priorities
• Excellent communication skills to clearly articulate technical recommendations, system design options, and operational impacts to diverse stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Four (4) years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Master in Science

Compensation

Classification: System Administrator III

Anticipated Hiring Range: $8,879/month - $9,237/month (Step 11 – Step 13)

CSU Salary Range: $7,284/month - $10,611/month (Step 1 – Step 20)

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: October 5, 2026 through October 19, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture

[e-mail]

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus.

The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [e-mail].

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.