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Linux Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

HawkEye 360

Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal Embedded Linux Engineer to advance our next-generation spacecraft payload platforms. The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux ...

The One 23 Group

Red Hat Linux Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

The Position The Red Hat Linux Senior Engineer provides senior-level engineering and administration support for Red Hat/Linux-based systems. The position supports monitoring, management, and ...

Govcio LLC

Senior Systems Engineer (Linux)

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Responsibilities The Senior Systems / Linux Engineer will serve as the core technical authority for enterprise Linux infrastructure and operating system security. Core responsibilities include:

MetroStar

Sr. Linux Engineer I (6394)

Reston, VA

$180K - $200K/yr

Linux Engineer , you'll play a critical role in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure and efficient software development and deployment pipelines. You will collaborate with cross-functional ...

MAXISIQ, Inc.

Linux Admin/Test Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

Are you a battle-hardened Linux engineer looking for your next challenge? Ready to continue defending our nation's digital frontlines in the civilian sector? We're seeking a seasoned Linux Admin/Test ...

MAXISIQ, Inc.

Linux Admin/Test Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

Are you a battle-hardened Linux engineer looking for your next challenge? Ready to continue defending our nation's digital frontlines in the civilian sector? We're seeking a seasoned Linux Admin/Test ...

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Springfield, VA

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

Yes LINUX OS ENGINEER YOUR IMPACT Own your opportunity to support national defense. Your work will help keep critical operations secure and connected across the global enterprise directly ...

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

Yes LINUX OS ENGINEER YOUR IMPACT Own your opportunity to support national defense. Your work will help keep critical operations secure and connected across the global enterprise directly ...

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Washington, DC

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

Yes LINUX OS ENGINEER YOUR IMPACT Own your opportunity to support national defense. Your work will help keep critical operations secure and connected across the global enterprise directly ...

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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 Washington, DC is $67.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.23 and $75.62 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Linux Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Linux Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Linux Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,144 per year, or $67.4 per hour.
Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

HawkEye 360

Herndon, VA • On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal Embedded Linux Engineer to advance our next-generation spacecraft payload platforms. The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux systems for small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.
You will focus on the design, development, and optimization of Linux-based platforms for mission-critical embedded systems, supporting robust data collection and processing in orbit. As a deeply technical principal engineer, you'll define embedded system architectures, establish development and testing best practices, and guide complex FPGA-SoC integration challenges. You will ensure seamless integration across FPGA, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
We're looking for a deeply technical, solutions-oriented engineer with extensive hands-on embedded Linux experience and a passion for advancing space-based embedded systems technology.
As the Principal Embedded Linux Engineer, your main responsibilities will be:
  • Develop, configure, and maintain Yocto-based Linux images for embedded ARM platforms
  • Lead board bring-up efforts, kernel customization, device driver development, and device tree configuration
  • Define and implement hardware-software interfaces for FPGA-enabled SoCs with Linux-based application layers
  • Optimize system performance and resource utilization for Low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms
  • Architect and maintain build systems, including custom Yocto layers, recipes, and BSP configurations
  • Troubleshoot complex embedded Linux problems on orbit or in a flatsat environment including boot failures, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks
  • Collaborate with FPGA, software, electrical, AI&T, and systems engineering teams to develop and support reliable, high-performance payload capabilities
  • Mentor embedded software engineers on Linux internals, driver development, and debugging techniques
Your skills and qualifications:
Essential education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with deep expertise in Yocto, kernel customization, device driver development, and ARM-based SoCs
  • Proven ability to define and execute board bring-up programs using tools such as JTAG debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and serial consoles
  • Strong technical depth in Linux kernel internals (device tree, driver model, memory management, scheduling, power management)
  • Expertise in C/C++ for kernel and driver development, with proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation
  • Deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, DMA, interrupts, and memory-mapped I/O
  • Experience with FPGA integration workflows (Xilinx Zynq, Intel SoC FPGAs) and hardware-software co-design
  • Strong troubleshooting and system-level integration skills across hardware, FPGA, and software domains
  • Experience with version control (git), code review workflows, and modern CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems

Desirable:
  • Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Hands-on space flight hardware experience (board bring-up, satellite integration, hardware debugging, prototyping)
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills-able to translate complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders
  • Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
  • Experience with space-grade or high-reliability embedded systems (radiation-tolerant designs, fault tolerance, watchdog systems)
  • Experience with project management tools such as JIRA or Confluence
Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 annually
HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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