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Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Verkada

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Familiar with Linux servers, Linux device drivers, Linux kernel patches, secure operating systems and security focused programming. * Familiarity with RTOS, Secure Boot, Go, WebRTC * Experience ...

Intuitive

Senior Linux Platform Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Primary Function of Position The Senior Linux Platform Software Engineer will join the platform team for a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy navigation and biopsy planning software product, reporting to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

OLogic, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

As an Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you would get to work on software builds, device drivers, and low-level systems architecture using Yocto Linux, CMake, C, C++., and more. In addition, you will ...

Intuitive

Senior Linux Platform Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Primary Function of Position The Senior Linux Platform Software Engineer will join the platform team for a robotic-assisted bronchoscopy navigation and biopsy planning software product, reporting to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

Virgin Galactic

Sr. Systems Engineer, Linux

Tustin, CA · On-site

The Senior Linux Engineer will be responsible for the reliability, security, performance, and lifecycle management of Linux-based systems and supporting infrastructure. Responsibilities : • Install ...

LERETA, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Pomona, CA

LERETA is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to support and enhance our enterprise infrastructure environments. The role is responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing support of Linux ...

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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 21, 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.
Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Verkada

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
Verkada is transforming how organizations protect their people and places with an integrated, privacy-sensitive AI-powered platform that includes solutions for video security, access control, air quality sensors, alarms, intercoms, and visitor management.
We've got serious momentum in the market: more than 30,000 customers (including 100+ of the Fortune 500), a $5.8B valuation, more than $1 billion in annualized bookings, and backing from CapitalG, Sequoia Capital, General Catalyst, Felicis Ventures, Next47 and more. Physical AI is one of the most consequential technology shifts of our time, and Verkada is at the center of it.
You can look at all kinds of communities to see our platform's impact in the world. It's the retailer that uses our agentic AI to deter theft before it happens. The warehouse that uses AI-powered alerts to make sure its team is protected on the floor with proper PPE. The school that's alerted to a threat in real-time and triggers a lockdown in seconds, not minutes. We're rapidly scaling this impact: today, more than 2 million Verkada devices are deployed across 170+ countries.
About the Role
We are a small, dynamic team focused on building intelligent cloud-managed Intercom systems. Intercom is our second newest major product line and is off to the best start of any product in Verkada's history. Our Intercom allows customers to receive calls from anywhere - at their desk or on their phone - with rich video and 2-way audio. And we have a lot more to build.
We consider our team a startup within a startup, with a large amount of ownership and autonomy. You'll be working alongside a dynamic team of firmware, backend, and frontend engineers to develop this product line.
What You'll Do
  • Excited by new products, startups, and delivering real customer value
  • You think about delivering best-in-class products and experiences - not features
  • You can take a less-than-fully-fleshed-out product idea and drive it to completion
  • Self-motivated problem solver: At Verkada, you will tackle large, complex problems with no clear answers.
  • Teach and learn: You will learn new technologies while being entrusted with the technical ownership of major systems, and we hope to learn something from you in turn.
  • Growth mindset: As a fast-growing startup, every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and we want you to grow with us!
What You Bring
  • BS or a graduate degree in Computer Science, Math, Engineering, or science
  • 7+ years of experience working on Linux development as a Software Engineer.
  • Proficient in C/C++
  • Preferred experience working with embedded Linux, cameras, and audio systems
  • Expertise with Yocto, Bash
  • Familiar with Linux servers, Linux device drivers, Linux kernel patches, secure operating systems and security focused programming.
  • Familiarity with RTOS, Secure Boot, Go, WebRTC
  • Experience working with Distributed Systems
  • Understanding of HTTP and practical debugging techniques
  • Must be willing and able to work onsite five days per week
  • Must be willing to travel internationally 2x a year
US Employee Benefits
Verkada is committed to fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes the holistic health and wellbeing of our employees and their families by offering comprehensive wellness perks, benefits, and resources. Our benefits and perks programs include, but are not limited to:
  • Healthcare programs that can be tailored to meet the personal health and financial well-being needs - Premiums are 100% covered for the employee under at least one plan and 80% for family premiums under all plans
  • Nationwide medical, vision and dental coverage
  • Health Saving Account (HSA) with annual employer contributions and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with tax saving options
  • Expanded mental health support
  • Paid parental leave policy & fertility benefits
  • Time off to relax and recharge through our paid holidays, firmwide extended holidays, flexible PTO and personal sick time
  • Professional development stipend
  • Wellness/fitness benefits
  • Healthy lunches provided daily
  • Commuter benefits
Additional Information
  • We do sponsor and take over sponsorship of employment visas for this role. If we make you an offer, we will make every reasonable effort to get you a visa.

Annual Pay Range
At Verkada, we want to attract and retain the best employees, and compensate them in a way that appropriately and fairly values their individual contribution to the company. With that in mind, we carefully consider a number of factors to determine the appropriate starting pay for an employee, including their primary work location and an assessment of a candidate's skills and experience, as well as market demands and internal parity. A Verkada employee may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, depending on their role, including sales incentives, discretionary bonuses, and/or equity in the company in the form of restricted stock units (RSUs)
Below is the annual on-target earnings (OTE) range for full-time employees for this position, comprised of base compensation and commissions (if applicable).
Estimated Annual Pay Range
$200,000-$300,000 USD
Verkada Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As an equal opportunity employer, Verkada is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. All applicants for positions at Verkada will be treated without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
Your application will be handled in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Policy.

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