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Linux Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

IT/OT System Administrator - Linux Key Responsibilities: * Install, configure, and maintain Linux and Windows servers and systems across IT and OT networks. * Perform system upgrades, apply security ...

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for a HPC Linux System Administrator to join the team ...

Qualifications * 7+ years of senior, hands-on production RHEL/Linux engineering. * Container-native delivery: Podman, quadlets/systemd, building and owning container images (including packaging a JVM ...

As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working together with NASA at centers across the United States. We have an exciting opportunity for a HPC Linux System Administrator to join the team ...

Qualifications * 7+ years of senior, hands-on production RHEL/Linux engineering. * Container-native delivery: Podman, quadlets/systemd, building and owning container images (including packaging a JVM ...

Showing results 21-40

Linux Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$10

$57

$87

How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux engineer in Houston, TX is $57.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.91 and $64.04 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Linux Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What job categories do people searching Linux Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Linux Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Linux Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Linux Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,652 per year, or $57 per hour.

Linux & Proxmox Systems Administrator

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About AOI
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical and HFC networking products � the building blocks that power AI datacenters, CATV broadband, telecom, and fiber access networks around the world. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, AOI is a vertically integrated company that designs and manufactures everything from semiconductor laser chips to finished optical transceivers, serving tier-one customers across cloud computing, broadband, and telecom. With R&D operations in Atlanta, GA and global manufacturing presence in Taiwan and China, AOI is publicly traded on the Nasdaq (AAOI) and is actively expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing operations in Sugar Land to meet accelerating demand in the AI datacenter market.
Summary
AOI is seeking a hands-on Linux & Proxmox Systems Administrator to manage, maintain, secure, and improve our Linux server and virtualized infrastructure supporting our growing IT operations. This role will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of Proxmox VE environments, Linux systems, virtual machines and containers, storage, backups, monitoring, automation, and related infrastructure while helping ensure availability, performance, and security.
The ideal candidate combines strong Linux systems administration fundamentals with practical Proxmox experience and the ability to troubleshoot across virtualization, storage, networking, and operating system layers. This person should be comfortable working independently, improving existing environments, automating repetitive work, and partnering across IT teams to maintain reliable infrastructure in a fast-paced, on-site manufacturing environment.
Job Responsibilities
Linux & Proxmox Infrastructure
  • Install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux servers across production and development environments.
  • Deploy, configure, and manage Proxmox VE clusters, including cluster nodes, quorum, high availability (HA), QEMU/KVM virtual machines, and LXC containers.
  • Create, migrate, snapshot, back up, and restore virtual machines and containers while monitoring resource utilization and optimizing performance.
  • Manage storage technologies integrated with Proxmox VE, including Ceph, ZFS, NFS, iSCSI, and SAN/NAS storage.
  • Maintain and upgrade Proxmox VE clusters and supporting infrastructure as needed.

Operations, Security & Automation
  • Proactively monitor system health, performance, availability, and security; diagnose and resolve hardware, software, virtualization, storage, and network issues.
  • Implement and maintain security best practices, including system hardening, firewall configuration, security updates, and regular patch management.
  • Develop and maintain automation using Bash, Python, Ansible, or similar tools to streamline repetitive administration, configuration, and deployment tasks.
  • Plan, implement, and regularly test backup and disaster recovery processes to support data integrity and business continuity.

Documentation & Collaboration
  • Create and maintain documentation covering system configurations, architecture, operating procedures, and troubleshooting processes.
  • Collaborate with development, network, security, and other IT teams to support infrastructure requirements, projects, and new systems and services.
  • Provide advanced technical support for Linux systems and virtualized infrastructure, including system onboarding and critical incident response.
Qualifications
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of professional Linux systems administration experience, including proven hands-on experience with Proxmox VE.
  • Experience administering Proxmox VE clusters, including high availability (HA), backup and restore, and storage integration (Ceph, ZFS, NFS, or iSCSI).
  • Experience managing virtual machines and LXC containers, including migration, snapshots, and performance tuning.
  • Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems, including kernel tuning, boot processes, and package management.
  • Proficiency in Bash shell scripting and at least one additional scripting language, such as Python, Perl, or Ruby.
  • Solid understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, firewalls, and load balancing.
  • Knowledge of system security best practices, including SELinux, AppArmor, and iptables/firewalld.
  • Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools such as Zabbix, Nagios, Prometheus, or Grafana.
  • Experience with backup and recovery tools such as Veeam, Proxmox Backup Server, or rsync.
  • Strong systems thinking, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, with a detail-oriented and proactive approach to system maintenance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple time-sensitive priorities.
  • Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to critical incidents as needed.

Preferred
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
  • Knowledge of configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
  • Understanding of Infrastructure as Code (IaC), particularly Terraform.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and related tooling.
  • Relevant certifications such as LPIC, RHCSA, RHCE, or Proxmox certifications.
Location & Work Environment
This position is full-time onsite and based in Sugar Land, Texas. The role supports AOI's on-premises Linux server, virtualization, storage, and related IT infrastructure within an office and manufacturing environment.
Expected business hours are generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. � 6:00 p.m. CT, with flexibility required for planned maintenance, system upgrades, on-call coverage, and critical incidents.
Why AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:
  • Flexible and competitive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans designed to meet individual and family needs
  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
  • Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
  • Relocation packages available within the United States.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.
We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.