ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Horizon Consulting Inc

Linux Engineer

California City, CA · On-site

... engineering • Experience with service processors or embedded firmware on Linux • Experience with ILOM or BMC management • Knowledge of languages relevant to the development process, including ...

OffWorld

Linux Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

www.offworld.ai Linux Engineer Based in Pasadena, CA OffWorld is a robotics startup working on developing amobilerobotic workforce for heavy industrial jobs on Earth, Moon, asteroids & Mars. OffWorld ...

Tech-Mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key opening for a Lead Linux Kernels Engineer. If this sounds like you, please apply for this amazing ...

Tech-mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key opening for a Lead Linux Kernels Engineer. If this sounds like you, please apply for this amazing ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate has brought up ARM Cortex-A based boards, knowledge of cameras, a deep understanding and passion ...

Rivian

Staff Linux Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$135K - $169K/yr

Role Summary Our Linux Engineer will be responsible for owning and maturing Rivian's Linux platform across the enterprise and Joint Venture. This role requires not only strong technical execution but ...

Rivian

Staff Linux Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$135K - $169K/yr

Role Summary Our Linux Engineer will be responsible for owning and maturing Rivian's Linux platform across the enterprise and Joint Venture. This role requires not only strong technical execution but ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate has brought up ARM Cortex-A based boards, knowledge of cameras, a deep understanding and passion ...

Info-Ways

R&D Linux Engineer

San Diego, CA

Company Description IT Role: R&D Linux Engineer Location: San Diego, CA or San Jose, CA Duration: 6+ Months BGV will be done for the selected candidates. Responsibilities Install and configure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Engineer JobsLinux Engineer Jobs in California

Linux Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$58

$90

How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux engineer in California is $58.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $66.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Linux Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectLinux EngineerSystem Administrator
CredentialsLinux certifications (e.g., RHCE, CompTIA Linux+)IT certifications, often including Linux certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on Linux systems, scripting, and automationManage overall IT infrastructure, including networks and servers
Employer & IndustryTech companies, data centers, cloud providersEnterprises, government agencies, organizations with IT infrastructure
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve working with Linux systems, a Linux Engineer specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux-based solutions, often with scripting and automation skills. A System Administrator manages a broader range of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and user support. The roles overlap in Linux knowledge but differ in scope and focus.

What is the average salary for a Linux engineer?

The average salary for a Linux engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as RHCE or CompTIA Linux+. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud platforms and automation may earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions generally start around $60,000 per year.

What are Linux Engineers?

Linux Engineers are IT professionals who specialize in designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems and servers. They work with open-source software and are responsible for system security, performance tuning, automation, and support. Linux Engineers often manage enterprise environments, help configure networks, and write scripts to automate repetitive tasks. Their expertise ensures the reliability and efficiency of systems that rely on the Linux operating system.

How does a Linux Engineer typically collaborate with development and IT teams on projects?

Linux Engineers work closely with both development and IT teams to ensure that server environments are robust, secure, and optimized for application deployment. Collaboration often involves participating in planning meetings, automating server provisioning, troubleshooting issues that span hardware and software, and implementing security best practices. Regular communication is essential, as Linux Engineers often bridge the gap between developers’ requirements and IT operational constraints. This teamwork helps streamline deployments, minimize downtime, and support continuous integration and delivery pipelines.

What Is a Linux Engineer?

A Linux engineer works to manage software, hardware, or a system on a Linux server. Network monitoring and server maintenance are basic job duties, but they also participate in programming, scripting, and process automation. Qualifications include programming experience, and a deep understanding of Linux as well as DNS, LDAP, and Java. A Linux engineer acquires qualifications or skills during formal education and internships.

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

To thrive as a Linux Engineer, you need a deep understanding of Linux operating systems, scripting languages like Bash or Python, and experience with system administration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications such as Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE). Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet), virtualization platforms, and monitoring systems is also crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication set exceptional Linux Engineers apart. These skills are vital to ensure stable, secure, and efficient IT environments that meet organizational needs.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior Linux engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in high-demand areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, or large-scale systems can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or executive roles. These positions often require leadership skills, specialized knowledge of tools like Kubernetes or AWS, and a track record of managing complex infrastructure.

How much do Linux engineers make?

Linux engineers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in scripting, networking, or cloud platforms can command higher salaries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Linux engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cloud computing, security, and automation, and relevant certifications such as RHCE or AWS certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. These roles often involve managing large-scale systems, high-level troubleshooting, and strategic planning in enterprise environments.
More about Linux Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Linux Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Engineer jobs in California? For Linux Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Linux Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Linux Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Engineer jobs in CA? For Linux Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,620 per year, or $59 per hour.

Linux Engineer

Horizon Consulting Inc

California City, CA • On-site

Contractor

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description


Job Description

Job Description:

Looking for a candidate with experience of Linux internals, device drivers with Linux, and system management at a server level

Understanding of well-established code development standards and styling is a must


Qualifications

Bachelor

Additional Information

Preferred Skills:

Bachelor's degree Computer Science or Electrical Engineering and 5-10 years of related software development engineering

Experience with service processors or embedded firmware on Linux

Experience with ILOM or BMC management

Knowledge of languages relevant to the development process, including Perl and/or Python, C/C++, Unix scripting.

I2C/SPI/Ethernet/PCIE protocol understanding

Experience working with lower level software for hardware. (Firmware /Embedded)

Very strong C development / Linux Environment  

Experience with Subversion, Git, and other software versioning tools


Apply