ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Linux Engineer Jobs in Illinois (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 ...

IMC B.V.

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $225/hr

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 ...

Commitent

Junior Red Hat Linux Engineer

Virginia, IL · On-site

$110 - $120/hr

Overview CommIT Enterprises, Inc. is seeking an Junior Red Hat Linux Engineer tojoin the team in Quantico, VA . The successful candidate will use their Red Hat Linux experience to support the ...

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 ...

Alphanexusgroup

Lead Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $185/hr

Manage the server (Linux) and user (Windows) computer environment * Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and user software issues * Provision, install, and setup new computer infrastructure as required

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

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Engineer JobsLinux Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Linux Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$57

$88

How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux engineer in Illinois is $57.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.59 and $65.00 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.
More about Linux Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Linux Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Linux Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Linux Engineer jobs in IL?

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

Linux Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,398 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Linux Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 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

Apply