Systems Administrator IV

Job Description

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an experienced Systems Administrator IV to provide senior technical leadership for the enterprise infrastructure that powers the university’s academic, research, and business operations. In this role, you’ll design and support complex on-premises and cloud environments, lead infrastructure projects, solve enterprise-level technical challenges, and help ensure critical systems remain secure, reliable, and scalable.

In this role, you’ll also guide and mentor other systems administrators while helping shape infrastructure solutions and improvements across SDSU.

Key Responsibilities:

• Enterprise Infrastructure & Architecture
  • Lead the design, implementation, configuration, and optimization of complex enterprise systems across on-premises and cloud environments.
  • Administer server platforms, directory services, virtualization, operating systems, and related infrastructure.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend scalable solutions that strengthen performance, security, and reliability.
  • Serve as a senior technical advisor on complex infrastructure requirements, architecture, and system integrations.
• Systems Administration & Automation
  • Maintain enterprise servers and infrastructure, including system configuration, patching, upgrades, monitoring, backup, and recovery.
  • Automate administrative processes, deployments, updates, and system management using PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
  • Perform advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex production and infrastructure issues.
  • Maintain configuration standards and technical documentation for enterprise systems.
• Security, Reliability & Disaster Recovery
  • Implement security controls, patches, access management, and monitoring to protect university systems and data.
  • Support backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity strategies for critical infrastructure.
  • Monitor system performance and capacity and proactively address availability, security, and reliability risks.
• Technical Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead complex infrastructure projects from technical design through implementation and validation.
  • Provide lead work direction, training, and mentorship to systems administration staff.
  • Collaborate with technical teams, campus stakeholders, and vendors on infrastructure initiatives and system enhancements.
  • Help establish and improve technical processes, standards, and practices across enterprise infrastructure operations.

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced systems professional who enjoys designing infrastructure, solving challenging technical problems, and helping other engineers grow.

Experience in the following areas is especially important:

• Enterprise server infrastructure and administration
• Enterprise directory services
• Cloud infrastructure and services
• Windows and/or Linux server environments
• Virtualization technologies
• PowerShell, Bash, or Python scripting
• Configuration management and systems automation
• Backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity
• Enterprise infrastructure security
• Technical project leadership and mentoring

Certifications from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, Linux Professional Institute, or similar organizations are a plus, but not required.

Why Join Us?

• Engineer infrastructure at scale - Support the enterprise systems behind teaching, research, and university operations across SDSU.
• Lead technically - Take ownership of complex projects and architecture decisions while remaining hands-on with the technology.
• Work across cloud and on-prem environments - Design and support a broad enterprise infrastructure ecosystem rather than a narrow technology stack.
• Grow the team - Share your expertise through technical leadership, mentorship, and the development of stronger infrastructure practices.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU .

Position Information

• Full-time, benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position.
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 3 days per week with on-site presence on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

IT Infrastructure Operations (ITIO) designs, implements, operates, and maintains enterprise systems infrastructure supporting the university’s academic, research, and business operations. This critical infrastructure includes data center and cloud environments, directory services, server platforms, virtualization, backup, and disaster recovery.

For more information regarding the Information Technology department, click here .

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and five 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.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience supporting enterprise IT infrastructure, including server infrastructure, directory services, and cloud environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of enterprise server administration, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience administering and supporting enterprise directory services.
• Demonstrated experience supporting cloud infrastructure and services in an enterprise environment.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using at least one of the following: PowerShell, Bash, or Python.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex infrastructure issues and support reliable, secure, and scalable enterprise systems.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Relevant certification(s) in systems administration, cloud infrastructure, or architecture from Microsoft, AWS, CompTIA, Red Hat, Linux Professional Institute, or a comparable provider.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• This position requires successful completion of a State of California Department of Justice background check due to responsibilities supporting police department servers and accessing sensitive law enforcement systems.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department’s budget and equity guidelines.

• Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $8,231-$11,990 per month (Step 1-Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview .

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

This position is open to SDSU employees only. Apply by September 10, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

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.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, 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 SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu .

Advertised: Aug 27 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: