Windows Server Administrators keep the systems behind modern organizations reliable, secure, and available. They install and configure Windows Server environments, manage user access and directory services, monitor performance, troubleshoot incidents, and support business-critical applications. On Ladders, explore vetted professional opportunities with salaries of $100,000 or more, including senior administrator and infrastructure leadership roles.
Responsibilities vary by organization, but often include managing Windows Server deployments, Active Directory and Group Policy, patching and upgrades, backup and recovery, virtualization, and system monitoring. Administrators may also coordinate migrations, document configurations, respond to security findings, and work with network, cloud, database, and service desk teams.
Employers commonly look for hands-on experience with Windows Server, PowerShell scripting, identity and access management, virtualization platforms, endpoint and server security, and backup tools. Familiarity with Microsoft Azure or hybrid cloud environments, automation, compliance requirements, and IT service management can also help candidates stand out. Requirements differ by role, so review each listing for its specific platform and experience expectations.
Windows Server Administrator experience can lead to senior systems administration, infrastructure engineering, cloud operations, systems architecture, or IT management. Higher-level roles may involve designing resilient environments, guiding migrations, setting operational standards, mentoring administrators, and partnering with business leaders on infrastructure strategy.
Browse Ladders for vetted professional jobs that pay $100,000 or more. Compare role requirements, technologies, responsibilities, and compensation details to identify opportunities that fit your experience and career goals. New listings and employer requirements vary, so check postings regularly and tailor your application to each position.
Project Manager IV - Infrastructure / Data Center & Edge Network Services
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Unlock potential by leading complex, cross-functional projects in a fast-paced infrastructure environment, driving execution among diverse technical and business teams, while adapting to evolving prio...
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Active Directory / Identity Engineer (Senior)
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Unlock your potential as a senior engineer managing Active Directory services, ensuring security, availability, and recovery. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support identity modernization...
Today
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Lead the evaluation and enhancement of cloud security measures, ensuring compliance with information assurance standards. Collaborate with teams to develop policies and procedures that secure critical...
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Develop and implement cloud security strategies, ensuring compliance with information assurance standards while collaborating with teams to enhance security protocols and risk management frameworks...
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Transform cloud architecture and enhance data operations by leading the design and development of cloud applications. Collaborate with teams to implement automation and optimize resources while ensuri...
Reposted yesterday
Senior Software Engineer, Performance Engineering
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Join a team that's driving innovation in performance engineering for high-scale data ingestion. You'll enhance throughput, scalability, and efficiency of multi-source pipelines, tackling complex chall...
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HPC - Software Integration Engineer - Linux, Ansible, Kubernetes
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Join a dynamic team to orchestrate secure software deployments across high-performance computing environments, ensuring compliance and performance while leading technical escalations and enhancing ope...
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Join a dynamic team to build and maintain data pipelines for cybersecurity, ensuring secure service availability. Leverage your expertise in Linux, Windows, and networking while collaborating closely...
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Lead the design and development of complex systems, translating customer needs into technical specifications. Collaborate with teams to enhance system performance and support national security mission...
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Transform complex software systems through innovative development and maintenance. Collaborate with teams to enhance analytics, algorithms, and real-time systems while ensuring adherence to design req...
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Security and Vulnerability Management Engineer
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Champion security excellence by conducting vulnerability assessments, optimizing remediation processes, and enhancing cybersecurity posture across diverse environments. Collaborate with teams to ensur...
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Join a team that's shaping the future of Cloud technology. As a Cloud Platform Engineer, you'll leverage your expertise in AWS, Go, and Linux to develop innovative software solutions and enhance exist...
3 weeks ago
Manager - Cloud Foundation Services
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Transform the delivery of VMware Cloud Foundation services by leading a dynamic team, ensuring high-quality outcomes, and driving strategic growth in enterprise cloud solutions. Collaborate with stake...
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Senior Cloud Security Architect
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Accelerate your career by designing secure cloud architectures that meet DoD compliance. Lead vulnerability assessments and enhance security policies while driving continuous improvements in a dynamic...
5 days ago
Senior Cloud Security Architect
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Drive cloud security excellence by architecting compliant systems, enhancing policies, and leading vulnerability assessments to protect critical IT infrastructure in alignment with DoD standards...
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Champion the design and optimization of secure cloud infrastructure, driving automation and technical excellence while mentoring a team of engineers to enhance operational efficiency and resilience in...
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Senior Cloud Resilience Architect
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Engage with partners and sales teams to drive complex cloud solutions, translating business needs into technical requirements. Build relationships with C-suite and technical stakeholders, ensuring suc...
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Drive the administration and security of Linux systems in a DoD environment, ensuring compliance and reliability. Manage daily operations, vulnerability remediation, and system patching while collabor...
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Elevate enterprise IT systems by managing, securing, and optimizing servers, networks, and applications. Collaborate with teams to implement upgrades and solutions, ensuring operational excellence acr...
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Software Developer, Expert/SME
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Contribute to innovative software development projects supporting national security, collaborating with engineers to create solutions that address emerging threats while mentoring junior developers an...
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Hardware Security Engineer CSDL Hybrid
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Unlock potential by joining a dynamic team that bridges hardware security and engineering. Collaborate with product teams to ensure compliance with global standards while enhancing hardware resilience...
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Software Escalation Engineer (Python)
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Senior Endpoint Management Engineer (KACE/BigFix/Application Packaging)
$110K - $140K *
Oversee the design, development, and deployment of software solutions while leading a team of developers. Ensure optimal performance of endpoint management tools and maintain compliance across applica...
1 week ago
Client Operations Support Engineer
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Join us to enhance endpoint management and security across diverse devices. Collaborate with teams to streamline device provisioning, automate processes, and ensure compliance, all while delivering ex...
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Pioneer innovative backend solutions by designing and operating REST APIs and services. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance product offerings while mentoring junior engineers and ensuri...
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What does a Windows Server Administrator do?
A Windows Server Administrator maintains and supports Windows-based server environments. Typical work includes configuration, patching, access management, monitoring, troubleshooting, backup and recovery, and collaborating with teams responsible for networks, security, and applications.
What skills are commonly required for Windows Server Administrator jobs?
Commonly requested skills include Windows Server administration, Active Directory and Group Policy, PowerShell, virtualization, server security, monitoring, and backup and recovery. Some roles also seek experience with Azure, hybrid infrastructure, automation, or compliance.
Do Windows Server Administrators need certifications?
Certification requirements vary by employer and role. Relevant Microsoft or cloud credentials may strengthen an application, but many employers also consider practical experience, technical skills, and the ability to manage production environments.
Can Windows Server Administrator jobs pay $100,000 or more?
Yes. Some senior, specialized, or high-responsibility roles meet or exceed $100,000, depending on factors such as location, experience, employer, and scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more; review each listing for compensation details.
What career paths can follow Windows Server Administrator work?
Experienced administrators may move into senior systems administration, infrastructure or cloud engineering, systems architecture, security operations, or IT management. The path depends on skills, interests, and the needs of the organization.