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Lead Linux System Administrator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Linux System Administrator- 3371464

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Computer Technologies Consultants (CTC) is seeking a Linux System Administrator to support the Intelligence Community in Laurel, MD. With offices in Washington DC and San Diego, CA, CTC is a leading ...

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Linux System Administrator

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$128K - $214K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Linux System Administrator to join our team in Laurel, MD. You will be part of a dedicated team delivering enterprise infrastructure ...

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Linux System Administrator information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$21

$53

$78

How much do lead linux system administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead linux system administrator in Silver Spring, MD is $53.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.50 and $64.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead Linux system administrator?

A Lead Linux System Administrator is an IT professional responsible for overseeing the installation, configuration, maintenance, and security of Linux-based servers and systems. They typically lead a team of system administrators, manage complex projects, and ensure the reliability and performance of the organization's IT infrastructure. Their duties also include troubleshooting issues, implementing system upgrades, and developing automation scripts to streamline operations. Additionally, they play a key role in establishing system policies, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with security standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead Linux system administrator?

To thrive as a Lead Linux System Administrator, you need deep expertise in Linux operating systems, scripting (such as Bash or Python), and a strong understanding of networking and security concepts, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like RHCE. Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet), virtualization platforms, and monitoring systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, leadership, and effective communication set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies enable the Lead Linux System Administrator to ensure system reliability, efficiently manage teams, and uphold security in complex IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a lead Linux system administrator, and how can they be addressed?

A Lead Linux System Administrator often encounters challenges such as managing large-scale server environments, ensuring uptime, and coordinating with multiple teams on deployments and security. Balancing day-to-day troubleshooting with long-term infrastructure planning can also be demanding. Effective communication, strong automation skills, and a proactive approach to monitoring and patch management can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with developers, network engineers, and security teams is essential for smooth operations and project success.

What is the difference between Lead Linux System Administrator vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectLead Linux System AdministratorLinux System Administrator
CertificationsLinux certifications (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+), leadership trainingLinux certifications (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+)
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project management, strategic planningSystem maintenance, troubleshooting, daily operations
ResponsibilitiesOverseeing teams, designing infrastructure, implementing policiesManaging Linux servers, installing updates, resolving issues

The Lead Linux System Administrator typically has additional leadership and strategic responsibilities, guiding teams and planning infrastructure, whereas the Linux System Administrator focuses on daily system management and technical tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the lead position emphasizes coordination and oversight.

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Lead Linux System Administrator jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Lead Linux System Administrator job openings:

Linux System Administrator

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

Altamira Technologies Corp.
Software Developmentย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Linux System Administrator
Altamira Technologies has a long and successful history providing innovative solutions throughout the U.S. National Security community.Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Altamira serves the defense, intelligence, and homeland security communities worldwide by focusing on creating innovative solutions leveraging common standards in architecture, data and security.Altamira believes that our people and the culture of our company differentiate us from other companies.
We focus on recruiting talented, self-motivated employees that strive to find a way to get things done.Join our team of experts as we engineer national security!
Description:Candidates will work in a Linux environment for a Cross Domain Solution (CDS), contributing to its sustainment and evolution. This position requires the application of expertise on multiple complex scripting, development, and work-around assignments that may be broad in nature and require originality and innovation in determining how to accomplish tasks. Qualified candidates will have appreciable latitude in developing methodology, presenting solutions to problems, and contributing to deliverables.
Location: Chantilly, VA
The Role: Altamira requires Linux system administration support for the development, testing, deployment, operation, and maintenance of various mission-critical applications and services. A primary focus of this position is to provide system administration, configuration, and support tools to maintain and monitor the health of a large data transfer and message processing infrastructure. While the software development team is responsible for the development and customization of the applications, our client requires administration and enhancement of a data metrics collection and dashboarding system to allow simplified operator supervision of the performance of the overall system. Additional tasks include assisting with SNMP monitoring and data metrics collection in a diverse architecture.

Skills: Linux system administration experience conducting system virtualization, user account management, application update repository maintenance, experience in the creation and management of Ansible playbooks for the automation of tasks, maintenance and usage of Git repositories, and version control. Eagerness to learn and contribute to the overall enhancement of the existing tasks for the maintenance of the system and support applications.

Top Skills:

  • Red Hat Linux 7/8/9
  • Ansible
  • Git version control
  • Docker
  • Python and Bash scripting
  • Experience with virtualization technologies such VMWare ESXi and ProxMox
Additional Skills and Qualifications: TS/SCI with CI Poly Needed!Active monitoring and sustaining the operations of geographically distributed Linux-based applications to meet service-level agreements. This is to include patching, troubleshooting, debugging, and the creation of workaround solutions. Incident response management for the CDS solutions. Interface with federal personnel to communicate SLA metrics and remediation of incidents. Scripting and possible software development to automate Operations and Maintenance. Potential development of sensors to accelerate the detection of failed systems. Development of documentation for operations, sustainment, and user guides.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, the scope of the position, relevant experience, education, certifications, internal equity, customer contractual requirements, security clearance requirements, and other legitimate business considerations.

Employment Type: Full Time