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Linux Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

This role handles Linux engineering, including developing new solutions, automating controls, ensuring compliance, managing changes, and improving the platform's sustainability, efficiency, security ...

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

This role handles Linux engineering, including developing new solutions, automating controls, ensuring compliance, managing changes, and improving the platform's sustainability, efficiency, security ...

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA

This role handles Linux engineering, including developing new solutions, automating controls, ensuring compliance, managing changes, and improving the platform's sustainability, efficiency, security ...

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Herndon, VA

This role handles Linux engineering, including developing new solutions, automating controls, ensuring compliance, managing changes, and improving the platform's sustainability, efficiency, security ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Engineer JobsLinux Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Linux Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$12

$67

$103

How much do linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux engineer in Washington, DC is $67.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.23 and $75.67 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 $200,000 a year?

Senior Linux engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in areas like cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in large organizations, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior Linux engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cloud computing, security, or high-performance systems, and relevant certifications such as RHCE or CISSP can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives in large organizations or tech companies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Linux engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in areas like cloud computing, security, or automation, and relevant certifications such as RHCE or AWS certifications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve leadership responsibilities, complex system architecture, and working in large-scale or enterprise environments.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,193 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Linux Admin/Test Engineer with Security Clearance

MAXISIQ

Hanover, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Company Description
Since 2006, MAXISIQ has advanced the state of Cyber RDT&E by bringing together industry expertise in software, hardware, communications and security, and leveraging decades of operational experience to deliver exceptional value to communities and the critical missions they support. MAXISIQ where we innovate, develop smarter solutions, technologies, services, and actionable capabilities for our clients- right when they need it most. Job Description
Attention Cyber Warriors: Your Next Mission Awaits!
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 Engineer to join our elite team in Hanover, Maryland where your work will directly contribute to achieving critical national cyber mission objectives, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact unlike any other program in this field.
Mission Overview
As a Linux Admin/Test Engineer on our frontline operational team, you'll be instrumental in performing Tier II and III testing, troubleshooting, and analyzing critical DoD Cyber operational systems. This isn't just another job - it's a chance to make a real difference in testing, improving, and evolving a mission critical cyber operations platform.
Benefits of Joining Our Ranks * Competitive salary commensurate with your cyber warfare experience
* Employer-subsidized health insurance
* 401k match to secure your future
* Generous paid time off for R&R
* Time off for volunteering missions
* Health membership reimbursement to keep you in top form
* Support for professional development and advanced trainingDeployment Details * Full-time, onsite role in Hanover, Maryland
* 24/7/365 on-call support required (because cyber threats never sleep)
* Support bi-monthly after-hours Approved Service Interruptions (ASIs)Ready to continue serving your country and push the boundaries of cyber operations? Join our team and help shape the future of digital defense. Apply now and let's secure the nation's cyberspace together! Qualifications
Required Skillset * TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph (required)
* 8570 IAM II/IAT II (Security+ , etc.) Certification
* CompTIA Linux + Certification
* 3+ years of executing command line Linux operations
* 2+ years of experience with government contracts
* Network Cisco configuration experience
* Windows Active Directory
* VMWare experience
* Expertise integrating new and old technologies into existing network configurations and test beds
* Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience)
* Proactive - independently identifies and resolves issues
* Containers/Docker CLI
* Systems/Network troubleshooting
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. #CJ At MAXISIQ, inclusion drives innovation. We are committed to creating a diverse and equitable workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employmentincluding Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

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