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Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jobsbridge

Junior Linux Engineer

San Diego, CA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Information Systems or related field Recent grad ... Qualifications Linux, web, Bash, Shell, Perl, Python, Scripting, MySQL, PostgreSQL, NoSQL ...

Insilico

Linux Automotive Engineer

San Diego, CA

Linux Automotive Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6+ Months You will be joining Automotive Applications Engineering team, working on triaging, debugging, reproducing software failures on ...

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How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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 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.

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 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 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.

Is it hard to get a Linux engineer job?

Securing a Linux engineer position typically requires strong knowledge of Linux systems, scripting, and networking, along with relevant certifications like RHCE or CompTIA Linux+. Competition can vary based on location and experience, but building practical skills and experience through projects or internships can improve job prospects.

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.
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Linux Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,620 per year, or $59 per hour.

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Neros Technologies
See more jobs at Neros Technologiesexternal

$165K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Own the embedded Linux distribution, kernel, bootloader, and SDK used across Neros products.

  • Bring up new compute platforms from initial power-on to a production-ready OS image.

  • Design, maintain, and set best practices for the Linux platform, including device drivers, secure boot, and recovery paths.

Job description

Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
What you will be doing
Neros builds first-person-view drones for the modern battlefield. As Senior Embedded Linux Engineer, you will own the embedded Linux platform underneath Neros products - the distribution, kernel, bootloader, and SDK that our flight, ground-station, and autonomy software teams build on. This is a platform-ownership role: your customers are other engineering teams, and your work is the foundation the whole product line stands on.
Responsibilities
  • Own our embedded Linux distribution and board support packages (Yocto/Buildroot) - from board bring-up on new compute platforms to safe, reliable field updates
  • Own kernel configuration, device drivers, and the bootloader, including secure boot and update/recovery paths
  • Design and maintain the common runtime and libraries other teams consume - logging, telemetry, IPC, configuration - and the cross-compile toolchain and SDK
  • Bring up new compute platforms: from first power-on to a production-ready OS image
  • Set Linux platform best practices and mentor engineers across teams that build on the platform

You should have the following
  • Deep embedded Linux experience - you have built and shipped products on custom Linux images (Yocto or Buildroot), owning the image rather than just using it
  • Kernel-level competence: device drivers, device tree, and debugging kernel or boot failures on real hardware
  • Bootloader experience (U-Boot or similar), including secure boot concepts and safe update/recovery design
  • Strong C, comfortable on both sides of the kernel/user space boundary; scripting (Python/shell) for platform tooling
  • Board bring-up experience - taking a new SoC/SoM from schematic review to a booting, stable OS
  • Platform-as-product mindset: you have designed libraries, SDKs, or interfaces consumed by other teams - and kept them stable while the platform evolved underneath

Nice to have
  • Radio/comms integration on embedded Linux
  • Real-time tuning - PREEMPT_RT, latency analysis
  • OTA/update systems - Mender, RAUC, SWUpdate, OSTree, or homegrown equivalents
  • Upstream contributions - kernel, Yocto/OpenEmbedded, U-Boot
  • Rust for systems work
  • You fly - FPV, RC, or drones generally

US Salary Range
$165,000 - $231,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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