Systems Administrator, Aviation Security

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary for the Systems Administrator is starting at $88,830 to $102,155. The full pay range for the Systems Administrator is $68,331 to $109,329.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: June 11, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Aviation Security & Public Safety Department is seeking a motivated and technology focused Systems Administrator to help support the network and technology systems that play an important role in airport operations and public safety. The selected candidate will assist with maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving systems that help keep airport operations running safely and efficiently.

The Systems Administrator will collaborate with team members, vendors, and stakeholders to support system performance, resolve technical issues, and contribute to technology projects that enhance the safety and experience of the SAN traveler while supporting mission-critical systems and contributing to the Aviation Security & Public Safety Department's commitment to operational excellence and public safety. 

What You’ll Do:

• Enterprise Systems and Applications: Assist with the maintenance and support of Hirsch Velocity, Velocity Vision, Milestone, Microsoft, Scale Computing, and vendor-provided solutions, including access control, video management, and identity management platforms. Help identify opportunities to improve system performance, apply software updates, and support security and access control best practices.
• Technology Administration: Support the operation and maintenance of Microsoft Windows Server, SQL, Linux, Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS, WSUS, virtual environments, and security-related software applications to help ensure reliable and secure system performance.
• Support & Troubleshoot Technical: Diagnose and resolve hardware, software, and connectivity issues. Assist with system monitoring, routine maintenance activities, backups, and disaster recovery processes to support business continuity.
• Compliance Efforts: Help maintain security tools and technologies, including antivirus, multifactor authentication. Participate in vulnerability remediation efforts and support security assessments and audits.
• System Performance: Review system alerts, monitor resource utilization, and assist with identifying performance issues and recommending improvements to maintain system reliability.
• System Documentation & Access: Assist with maintaining system documentation, user accounts, permissions, certificates, and other administrative functions. Participate in after-hours support as needed for critical systems and operational needs.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, vendors, and airport stakeholders to support technology initiatives, resolve issues, and provide excellent customer service. Share knowledge and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Work-Related Driving*: Operate and drive Authority vehicles to provide operational service throughout the SAN campus. Transport equipment to work sites.

The Skills You Need:

1. Project Coordination: Ability to determine appropriate measures to achieve project goals and prioritize the measures; able to fully engage project participants to deliver an acceptable result in the time allocated.
2. Judgement & Decision Making: Ability to use appropriate judgment and confidentiality in selecting procedures, conducting transactions with other departments, vendors, and the public, and solving non-routine problems based on experience-based knowledge.
3. Communication: Effectively exchange information with stakeholders through various avenues, including but not limited to verbal, written, facilitation, and persuasion.
4. Relationship & Interpersonal Skills: Cultivates interpersonal rapport and trust, both up and down, by exhibiting consistency and reliability; demonstrates awareness of others’ needs and listens for issues and helps find meaningful solutions.
5. Customer & Personal Service: Aids and supports internal and external stakeholders on a diverse and specialized range of IT-related functions with a timely, friendly, and welcoming demeanor.
6. Leveraging Technology: Effectively uses and generates information electronically, integrates technology solutions and systems.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Associate degree in computer science, management information systems or a closely related field. 

• One year of progressively responsible experience in Information Technology and associated systems, networking, or security systems.

• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: 

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy. 

• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Education, Certification, and Licenses: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, or a closely related field.

• Hirsch Velocity Certification, Milestone Certification, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cyber Security (CySA+), Axis Camera Certification, Windows Server Administrator Certificate 

*Driving is an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. 

**Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.