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Linux Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

IMC

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across ...

IMC

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across ...

IMC

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Sr. Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Senior Linux Engineer Location: Chicago, IL or Kennesaw, GA or Chandler, AZ (Hybrid role) Duration: 12 months * We are seeking to fill a senior level Linux Engineering position. * Candidate will have ...

Inuson International, Inc.

DevOps Engineer

Evanston, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $69.25/hr

OS - Windows, Linux DevOps Tools - TFS Release Management, Kubernetes, Docker, NGINX, Kong, Cassandra Source Control - TFS, Git Scripting - PowerShell, Bash Data - SQL, NoSQL Working knowledge of ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

Linux Systems Engineer ID: 1018 Location: Chicago, IL More about this job > Description SG is a boutique technology company founded in 2004. We use technology and big data to solve real world ...

Alpha Nexus Group

Lead Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

System Administration (primary function) Manage the server (Linux) and user (Windows) computer environment Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and user software issues Provision, install, and setup new ...

Kyndryl

Mainframe z/VM & Linux

Chicago, IL

The Role We are seeking an experienced Mainframe z/VM & Linux Engineer to support IBM Z virtualization environments and Linux on Z platforms. This role is responsible for provisioning, maintaining ...

SG Cap Trading, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

They are seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to join their infrastructure team, where the role involves developing automation scripts, building monitoring solutions, and implementing infrastructure-as ...

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All JobsLinux Developer JobsLinux Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Linux Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$37

$57

$73

How much do linux developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux developer in Chicago, IL is $57.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.78 and $61.20 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.
More about Linux Developer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Linux Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Linux Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Linux Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,624 per year, or $57 per hour.

Linux Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across our mission critical environment, while also improving automation and self-service tools that enhance our ability to manage IMC's servers.

The Linux Engineering team is responsible for the provisioning, configuration, performance, and reliability of a large-scale Linux infrastructure that supports a diverse set of workloads. These include ultra-low latency systems critical to high-frequency trading, as well as high-throughput environments that run research workflows and a wide variety of Kubernetes-based applications. This role requires strong Linux fundamentals applied at scale, with automation as a key enabler for consistency and efficiency across the fleet. Your initiative, collaborative attitude, problem-solving skills, and focus on continuous improvement will help ensure IMC stays competitive by bringing the latest technologies and practices into production.

Your Core Responsibilities: 

  • Apply deep Linux engineering expertise to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues on enterprise systems, ensuring stability and performance
  • Enhance configuration management code and processes that we use to manage over 10,000 bare-metal Linux systems globally
  • Develop and maintain Python/Bash tools to support large-scale Linux systems management
  • Improve provisioning workflows to seamlessly build bare servers into production-ready platforms
  • Extend Linux-focused metrics, logging, monitoring, and alerting integrations for full fleet visibility
  • Communicate updates and status clearly and frequently with peers and stakeholders through meetings, tracking tickets, code reviews, chats, and merge requests

Your Skills and Experience: 

  • Hands-on Linux systems engineering, administration, and provisioning expertise applied at scale, preferably on bare-metal systems
  • Configuration management at scale, preferably on bare-metal servers with Puppet and Hiera
  • Python development for automation, APIs, design, testing, and debugging
  • Ansible playbook authorship and complex task automation
  • RPM design, build, publishing, and in-house repository management
  • CI/CD pipelines, Git version control, branching and merging best practices
  • Strong system and network troubleshooting with tools such as EBPF, tcpdump, strace, systemd, ntp/ptp, lsof, and nc
  • Networking fundamentals: routing, DNS, TCP/UDP/multicast
  • Experience building and publishing Docker images
  • Working familiarity with Kubernetes
  • Exposure to monitoring stacks such as Prometheus, Grafana, and AlertManager, with a focus on Linux telemetry and exporter development
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

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