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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs in Washington

Nightwing

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Wireshark * iproute2 * nftables * iptables Linux Kernel Tuning & Performance Optimization Tune ... Ubuntu Linux Networking Expertise Demonstrated expertise with: * Policy-Based Routing (PBR ...

Nwis

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Wireshark * iproute2 * nftables * iptables Linux Kernel Tuning & Performance OptimizationTune Linux ... Ubuntu Linux Networking ExpertiseDemonstrated expertise with: * Policy-Based Routing (PBR ...

Nightwing Group

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... kernel performance tuning, infrastructure automation, and modern VPN technologies including ... Ubuntu Linux# Networking Expertise# Demonstrated expertise with:* # Policy-Based Routing (PBR ...

Nightwing

Linux Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

They are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to design, develop, test, and debug high ... with Linux kernel development • Familiarity with embedded systems or performance-critical ...

TekSynap

Linux OS Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

Responsibilities : • Engineer, deploy, and administer RHEL/CentOS/Rocky and Ubuntu servers ... patching and kernel updates with maintenance windows and rollback plans; validate health post ...

Nwis

Linux Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate ... Experience with Linux kernel development * Familiarity with embedded systems or performance ...

Actalent

Embedded Software Engineer

Manassas, VA

$55 - $75/hr

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer This role focuses on developing next-generation embedded ... Lead or contribute to the design and development of Linux kernel components and device drivers for ...

Nightwing

Linux Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate ... Experience with Linux kernel development * Familiarity with embedded systems or performance ...

AST SpaceMobile

Principal FSW Engineer

Lanham, MD

Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; conduct code reviews and contribute to engineering best ... Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals: network and platform driver development, device tree ...

AST SpaceMobile

Principal FSW Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; conduct code reviews and contribute to engineering best ... Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals: network and platform driver development, device tree ...

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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

What is a junior Linux kernel engineer Ubuntu?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job involves working on the Linux kernel, specifically for Ubuntu and related Canonical projects. Responsibilities typically include debugging kernel issues, maintaining patches, optimizing performance, and contributing to upstream kernel development. Junior engineers collaborate with senior developers, test new kernel features, and ensure hardware compatibility. Strong knowledge of C programming, kernel internals, and debugging tools like GDB and perf is essential. This role provides a foundation for growth in open-source development and low-level system engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the junior Linux kernel engineer Ubuntu position?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu should possess a solid understanding of C programming, Linux operating systems, and basic kernel architecture, often backed by a relevant computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, building and debugging tools, and certifications such as LFCS or CompTIA Linux+ are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication skills help junior engineers excel in collaborative environments. These capabilities are essential for contributing safely and efficiently to kernel development and troubleshooting in a fast-evolving ecosystem like Ubuntu.

What are some common challenges faced by junior Linux kernel engineers working with Ubuntu?

One common challenge for Junior Linux Kernel Engineers on Ubuntu is quickly understanding the complex and evolving codebase while adhering to Ubuntu's specific kernel customization and integration practices. New engineers often spend significant time learning to troubleshoot bugs, navigate documentation, and contribute effectively within established development workflows. Collaboration with senior engineers, participation in code reviews, and clear communication are integral to overcoming these hurdles and growing technically. Over time, junior engineers build deeper expertise and can take on larger projects and increased responsibilities.

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The top searched job categories for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in Washington are:

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Cities in Washington with the most Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings:

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Linux Systems Engineer

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
Nightwing is seeking a highly skilled Linux Systems Engineer to design, deploy, optimize, automate, and support large-scale Linux infrastructure supporting secure networking and remote-access services. This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in Linux networking, policy-based routing, kernel performance tuning, infrastructure automation, and modern VPN technologies including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec.
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with network engineering, systems administration, and platform engineering teams to deliver highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructure solutions in mission-critical environments.
Primary Responsibilities
Linux Infrastructure Engineering
  • Design, deploy, administer, and maintain enterprise Linux environments.
  • Develop standardized operating system configurations and hardened baseline builds.
  • Perform operating system upgrades, patch management, lifecycle maintenance, and performance optimization.
  • Troubleshoot complex operating system, networking, and application issues.
Advanced Network Engineering
Design and implement advanced routing architectures utilizing:
  • Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
  • Multiple routing tables
  • Route maps and traffic steering
  • Source-based and destination-based routing
  • Multi-homed network environments
Configure and troubleshoot:
  • OSPF and static routing
  • VLANs, LACP, and 802.1Q trunking
  • Network namespaces
  • VRFs
  • NAT and firewall policies
Analyze and troubleshoot network traffic using:
  • tcpdump
  • Wireshark
  • iproute2
  • nftables
  • iptables
Linux Kernel Tuning & Performance Optimization
Tune Linux kernel parameters for:
  • High-throughput networking
  • Low-latency applications
  • VPN gateway performance
  • Large-scale concurrent connections
Optimize:
  • TCP/IP stack performance
  • Network buffer sizing
  • IRQ balancing
  • CPU affinity
  • NUMA awareness
  • Memory management
Utilize performance analysis tools including:
  • perf
  • sar
  • vmstat
  • iostat
  • eBPF observability tools
  • systemd performance metrics
VPN Engineering
Design, deploy, and support secure VPN infrastructures using:
  • OpenVPN 2.6+
  • WireGuard
  • IPSec
Implement and support:
  • Site-to-site VPNs
  • Remote-access VPNs
  • Hub-and-spoke architectures
  • High-availability VPN clusters
  • Dynamic routing across VPN overlays
Responsibilities include:
  • Troubleshooting encryption, routing, MTU, and performance issues
  • Implementing modern cryptographic standards and VPN hardening best practices
Configuration Management & Automation
Develop and maintain Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using SaltStack.
Create and maintain:
  • Salt States
  • Pillars
  • Custom modules
  • Orchestration workflows
Automate:
  • System provisioning
  • Configuration deployment
  • Compliance enforcement
  • VPN deployments
  • Security baseline management
Integrate SaltStack with CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure monitoring platforms.
Required Qualifications:
Current Top-Secret Clearance with SCI Eligibility
Technical Experience
  • 5+ years of Linux Systems Engineering experience
  • 3+ years of advanced Linux networking experience
  • 3+ years of VPN engineering experience
  • 3+ years of SaltStack administration and automation experience
Operating Systems
Strong hands-on experience with:
  • Debian Linux
  • Ubuntu Linux
Networking Expertise
Demonstrated expertise with:
  • Policy-Based Routing (PBR)
  • iproute2
  • Routing tables and policy rules
  • Linux bridges
  • Bonding and teaming
  • VLANs
  • VRFs
  • Network namespaces
  • Dynamic routing protocols
  • High-availability networking architectures
VPN Expertise
Strong practical experience with:
  • WireGuard
  • OpenVPN 2.6+
  • IPSec
  • PKI and certificate management
  • TLS authentication
  • Multi-site VPN topologies
  • VPN performance tuning
Automation & Scripting
Experience with:
  • SaltStack
  • Python
  • Bash
  • Git
  • CI/CD workflows

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting cloud platforms including:
    • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
    • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
    • Microsoft Azure
  • Experience with container technologies:
    • Docker
    • Kubernetes
  • Experience supporting confidential computing environments
  • Knowledge of CNSA-compliant cryptographic implementations
  • Familiarity with eBPF-based observability and network diagnostics
  • Industry certifications such as:
    • RHCE
    • LFCE
    • CCNP
    • Equivalent advanced certifications

Desired Skills
  • Exceptional troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities
  • Strong documentation and technical writing skills
  • Ability to operate independently in mission-critical environments
  • Experience designing highly available and fault-tolerant systems
  • Security-first mindset with strong infrastructure design principles
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills

Salary & Benefits
The salary associated with this position ($99,000-$206,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.
Nightwing offers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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