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What does a unix systems engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
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Unix systems engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real unix systems engineer resumes:

  • Manage execution of multiple data conversion projects including database hardware replacements, SAN solutions for temporary and permanent storage of data.
  • Develop system administration tools and applications in sh, Perl, PHP.
  • Tune Solaris and Linux operating systems for optimal application performance.
  • Used VMWARE in this project as a virtualization tool.
  • Full life cycle development of mobile Microsoft.NET / Java application.
  • Shell and Perl scripting for various system and web administration tasks.
  • Install and configure DNS, coordinate creation of domain with ISP.
  • Perform capacity planning of RHEL and AIX environments for optimal performance.
  • Create SQL script programs to assist in troubleshooting and resolving client issues.
  • Participate in the design, implementation, and organization of the DNS servers.
  • Initiate a disaster recovery program to include git source control and off premise backs.
  • Create new web server farm with secure LDAP authentication and publishing via WebDAV, scp.
  • Resolve countless problems of every severity and impact ranging from NIC failures to Java stack traces.
  • Design and develop solutions for infrastructure setup, configuration, automation and caching, on the cloud.
  • Install and maintain advanced disk arrays, patches, device drivers, micro code for disk arrays and adapters.

Unix systems engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 5% of Unix Systems Engineers are proficient in Python, Windows, and Solaris. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Unix Systems Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 5%

    Shell scripting languages used to support my role included KSH, Perl, Python, and PHP.

  • Windows, 5%

    Converted SAMBA configuration to centralized servers using Windows Active Directory for authentication.

  • Solaris, 5%

    Create specification and implementation of Sun Solaris 2.6 hosts in international locations to an international customer.

  • Unix Systems, 5%

    Executed engineering projects and implemented general day-to-day UNIX administration for their 5,000+ UNIX systems users nationwide.

  • Application Server, 4%

    Installed Microsoft Office application servers.

  • Bash, 3%

    Created BASH scripts to monitor and restart services.

"python," "windows," and "solaris" are among the most common skills that unix systems engineers use at work. You can find even more unix systems engineer responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a unix systems engineer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Unix systems engineers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "administered apache web servers, mysql databases, mail, dns, profited, and cvs. "

Communication skills. Many unix systems engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a unix systems engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways unix systems engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "configured ssh keys for secured passwordless ssh communication between servers configured and supported apache web servers. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for unix systems engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how unix systems engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a unix systems engineer: "resolved countless problems of every severity and impact ranging from nic failures to java stack traces. ".

Most common unix systems engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most unix systems engineers are:

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Compare different unix systems engineers

Unix systems engineer vs. Linux administrator

A Linux administrator is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of Linux operating systems to support business operations and high-quality deliverables. Linux administrators handle the resolution of Linux network issues, maintaining its stability and ensuring its safety and security from unauthorized access and malware threats. They also conduct regular maintenance to configure the system navigation and infrastructure, running multiple diagnostic tests to identify defects, and recommending strategic procedures for system enhancement. A Linux administrator must have excellent communication and technical skills, especially in providing technical support on faulty servers.

The annual salary of linux administrators is $32,089 lower than the average salary of unix systems engineers.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both unix systems engineer and linux administrator positions are skilled in python, windows, and solaris.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a unix systems engineer are more likely to require skills like "unix systems," "system administration," "linux," and "sql." On the other hand, a job as a linux administrator requires skills like "linux servers," "os," "centos," and "troubleshoot." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Linux administrators earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $82,498. On the other hand, unix systems engineers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $140,577.The education levels that linux administrators earn slightly differ from unix systems engineers. In particular, linux administrators are 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a unix systems engineer. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Unix systems engineer vs. Unix administrator

A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems. In addition, you are expected to ensure the security of computer systems by preventing unauthorized use, user abuse, and acts of nature.

A career as a unix administrator brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a unix systems engineer. In fact, unix administrators salary is $28,877 lower than the salary of unix systems engineers per year.A few skills overlap for unix systems engineers and unix administrators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "solaris," "application server," and "bash. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, unix systems engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "python," "windows," "unix systems," and "ruby." Meanwhile, a unix administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "linux servers," "san," "os," and "database." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Unix administrators earn a lower average salary than unix systems engineers. But unix administrators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $93,829. Additionally, unix systems engineers earn the highest salaries in the telecommunication with average pay of $140,577 annually.In general, unix administrators achieve lower levels of education than unix systems engineers. They're 6.2% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Unix systems engineer vs. Systems administrator lead

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

An average systems administrator lead eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of unix systems engineers. The difference in salaries amounts to systems administrator leads earning a $12,129 lower average salary than unix systems engineers.Using the responsibilities included on unix systems engineers and systems administrator leads resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "solaris," "perl," and "unix.rdquo;

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from unix systems engineer resumes include skills like "python," "windows," "unix systems," and "application server," whereas a systems administrator lead is more likely to list skills in "project management," "windows server," "database," and "pc. "

Systems administrator leads make a very good living in the telecommunication industry with an average annual salary of $103,205. On the other hand, unix systems engineers are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $140,577.systems administrator leads typically earn lower educational levels compared to unix systems engineers. Specifically, they're 6.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Unix systems engineer vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators typically earn lower pay than unix systems engineers. On average, systems administrators earn a $34,929 lower salary per year.According to resumes from unix systems engineers and systems administrators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "solaris," "perl," and "unix. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "python," "windows," "unix systems," and "application server" are skills that commonly show up on unix systems engineer resumes. On the other hand, systems administrators use skills like troubleshoot, windows server, database, and powershell on their resumes.The technology industry tends to pay the highest salaries for systems administrators, with average annual pay of $86,962. Comparatively, the highest unix systems engineer annual salary comes from the telecommunication industry.The average resume of systems administrators showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to unix systems engineers. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 8.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.4%.

Types of unix systems engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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