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Linux Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Linux Engineer (Expert)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

Experience providing Linux Engineering and Infrastructure support * Experience with configuration management software (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, CloudFormation) Duties to Include but not ...

New

Linux Engineer (Expert)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

Experience providing Linux Engineering and Infrastructure support * Experience with configuration management software (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, CloudFormation) Duties to Include but not ...

New

Linux Engineer (Expert)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$149K - $254K/yr

Experience providing Linux Engineering and Infrastructure support * Experience with configuration management software (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Terraform, CloudFormation) Duties to Include but not ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Linux Developer information

See Washington salary details

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$62

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How much do linux developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux developer in Washington is $62.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.92 and $67.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux developer?

Linux Developers are software engineers who specialize in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications or systems that run on the Linux operating system. They often work with open-source tools, contribute to the Linux kernel or related projects, and write code in languages such as C, C++, Python, and Shell scripting. Linux Developers may also be responsible for system integration, performance optimization, and ensuring system security. Their expertise is crucial in industries such as technology infrastructure, embedded systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

What does a Linux developer do?

A Linux Developer is a computer programmer who specializes in the Linux operating system. Your main duties and responsibilities will involve using computer code to create open-source content for Linux. Your job will additionally include streamlining, documenting, and troubleshooting computer programs built upon this operating system. In this respect, you’ll likely work for a company in need of Linux software for their desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The more experience you have working in this environment, the better. The various certification programs for Linux Developers include CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA), and Oracle Certified Associate (OCA).

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Developer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages like C/C++, Python, and shell scripting, along with a solid understanding of Linux operating systems and kernel internals. Familiarity with tools such as Git, GCC, Make, and commonly used Linux distributions, as well as experience with open-source development and relevant certifications like LFCS or RHCE, is highly beneficial. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and troubleshoot complex system issues. These abilities are essential for building robust, efficient, and secure Linux-based software solutions in dynamic technical environments.

What are some typical challenges Linux developers face when working on open-source projects within a company setting?

Linux Developers often encounter challenges balancing company priorities with upstream open-source project guidelines. Navigating code contribution processes, ensuring compliance with open-source licenses, and collaborating with a distributed community can be demanding. Additionally, integrating company-specific features while maintaining compatibility with upstream versions requires careful planning and frequent communication with both internal teams and the broader open-source community.

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

AspectLinux DeveloperLinux System Administrator
Primary RoleDevelops and maintains Linux-based applications and softwareManages, configures, and maintains Linux systems and infrastructure
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, scripting, Linux development tools, certifications like Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE)System management, networking, security, certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or RHCE
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, software companies, tech startupsData centers, IT departments, enterprise environments
Common TasksWriting code, debugging, software optimizationSystem setup, user management, troubleshooting, security

While Linux Developers focus on creating and improving Linux-based applications, Linux System Administrators manage and maintain Linux systems to ensure smooth operation. Both roles require Linux knowledge but serve different functions within the tech ecosystem.

Are Linux developers in demand?

Linux developers are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems. Skills in scripting, system administration, and familiarity with tools like Bash, Python, and containerization increase employability in this field.

Is it hard to get a Linux Developer job?

Securing a Linux Developer position typically requires strong knowledge of Linux systems, programming skills in languages like C or Python, and experience with tools such as shell scripting and version control. While competition can be high, building a solid portfolio, obtaining relevant certifications, and gaining practical experience can improve job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Linux Developer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Developer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Linux Developer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Linux Developer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Linux Developer jobs in WA?

For Linux Developer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Linux Developer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,319 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Classified Linux Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. We are seeking a Linux system engineer with strong enterprise Linux expertise to support enterprise Linux systems in classified environments, focusing on system security hardening and management methods for classified networks and systems.
Responsibilities:
• Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux on physical systems, including implementing encryption-at-rest (LUKS)
• Provision Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux VMs
• Patch, reboot, and troubleshoot patching processes (e.g. GPU drivers & kernel modules) and patching infrastructure on large classified networks and in stand-alone (air-gapped) networks
• Maintain patching infrastructure (e.g. software repository mirrors) in large and stand-alone networks
• System and user data and configuration backup and restore
• Provide enterprise Linux troubleshooting, tier 2 and 3 Linux user support including software installation, configuration
• Support scientists and engineers running workloads and applications on Linux systems
• Security harden systems and remediate vulnerabilities
• Monitor availability, improve monitoring, and restore systems and services in a timely manner and improve prevention and reduce future outages
• Write or improve documentation for processes and procedures
Qualifications:
Required:
• CompTIA Security+ CE certification or equivalent that meets DoD 8570.01-m requirements for IAT Level II personnel
• 3 years of experience in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or its clones (CentOS, Oracle, Rocky, Alma) Linux systems administration, including provisioning, patching individual systems, troubleshooting, and implement security hardening for enterprise environments.
• Experience with hardware troubleshooting and configuration
• Willing to travel occasionally to alternate site (El Segundo or Colorado Springs) work location approximately 4% if required
• An active IC TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph
Preferred:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, STEM, or IT or equivalent experience
• Linux certification: RHCSA or preferred Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
• Experience maintaining patching infrastructure (e.g. software mirrors) including in standalone networks
• Experience with Kickstart or other automated Linux provisioning processes
• Experience automating security hardening to DISA STIGs.
• Experience and programming skill implementing infrastructure-as-code with tools like Puppet, Ansible, Bash, Terraform, Python
Company:
As the government’s preeminent space innovation partner, Aerospace brings technical expertise to advance the nation's missions in space. Founded in 1960, the company is headquartered in El Segundo, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.