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Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Info-Ways

R&D Linux Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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 ...

Anduril Industries

Embedded Linux Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Experience developing embedded Linux systems using Yocto, buildroot, or similar systems * Familiarity with packaging CUDA libraries and applications * Familiarity with functional programming ...

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 ...

Insilico

Linux Automotive Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

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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Linux Engineer information

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How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,620 per year, or $59 per hour.
Staff Embedded Linux Engineer

Staff Embedded Linux Engineer

Aurora Innovation

Mountain View, CA

$189K - $303K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We are seeking a seasoned Staff Embedded Linux Developer to architect, design, and implement system-level software for our next-generation embedded platforms. This high-impact role requires deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, BSP customization with the Yocto Project, and hands-on experience with hardware interfaces like PCIe, BIOS, and DDR RAM. The ideal candidate will lead complex debugging efforts, collaborate closely with hardware teams during board bring-up, and drive performance optimization across all system components.

In this role, you will

  •  Lead the design, development, customization, and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) for various hardware platforms using the Yocto Project build system.
  • Configure, build, and optimize the Linux kernel, bootloaders (U-Boot), and root file systems for custom hardware, ensuring system stability and performance.
  • Develop, port, and debug Linux device drivers for a wide range of hardware interfaces, including PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers during initial board bring-up, debugging issues at the register and schematic levels using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Implement and enhance functionalities related to the PCIe subsystem, including DMA, memory management, and interrupt handling.
  • Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations and integrate them with the embedded Linux environment as required for specific platforms (e.g., x86 architectures).
  • Optimize system performance, boot time, memory footprint, and power consumption for embedded devices.
  • Develop and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows for the embedded software stack.
  • Create Requirements and Design, conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and develop unit test plans.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with a strong background in system-level programming and board bring-up.
  • Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development, recipes (BitBake), and image generation.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel-level development.
  • In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel internals, memory management, scheduling, and device driver architecture.
  • Hands-on experience with debugging tools like GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, and oscilloscopes.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

 Desirable Qualifications 

  • Familiarity with secure boot, OTA updates, and system security hardening.
  • Exposure to open-source contributions and community collaboration practices.
  • Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts.
  • Knowledge of Telecommunication and/or GNSS domain

The base salary range for this position is $189,000-$303,000 per year. Aurora's pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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