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Linux Government Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... government and DoD programs and serve as a technical authority for Linux infrastructure, container orchestration, automation, and secure system operations in classified and unclassified environments.

Linux System Adminstrator

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

As a Linux System Administrator , you will be responsible for ensuring secure configurations ... We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering ...

Linux System Adminstrator

Ridgecrest, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

As a Linux System Administrator , you will be responsible for ensuring secure configurations ... We partner with our government customers to deliver innovative solutions across engineering ...

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Linux Government information

See California salary details

$5

$47

How much do linux government jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux government in California is $46.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.01 and $46.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Linux Government position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Linux Government role, you need expertise in Linux system administration, cybersecurity, and network management, usually supported by a degree in information technology or related field and security clearance eligibility. Familiarity with tools like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SELinux, Ansible, and government compliance frameworks such as FISMA or DISA STIGs is highly valued, along with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and clear communication skills are essential for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and maintaining secure operations. These skills and credentials ensure mission-critical systems remain secure, reliable, and compliant within government environments.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect in a Linux Government role?

In a Linux Government position, you will typically be responsible for managing, configuring, and securing Linux-based servers and infrastructures that support sensitive or mission-critical government operations. Your daily tasks may include system monitoring, patch management, incident response, and ensuring compliance with strict federal security standards. Collaboration with IT security teams, application developers, and government stakeholders is common to ensure seamless integration and reliability of services. Depending on the agency, there may also be opportunities to participate in modernization projects, implement automation, or contribute to migration efforts from legacy systems. This role offers a dynamic environment where staying updated on security trends and best practices is crucial.

What is a Linux Government job?

A Linux Government job involves managing, securing, and maintaining Linux-based systems within government agencies or organizations. These roles typically require expertise in system administration, cybersecurity, and compliance with federal IT regulations. Professionals in this field ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of Linux environments while supporting critical government operations.

What are popular job titles related to Linux Government jobs in California? For Linux Government jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Government jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Government jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Linux Government job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,716 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview

Bowhead seeks a Linux SME to join our team on the Corona IT program. The Linux SME will provide senior-level administration, engineering, and operational support for Linux-based enterprise systems and container platforms supporting mission-critical government and DoD programs and serve as a technical authority for Linux infrastructure, container orchestration, automation, and secure system operations in classified and unclassified environments.

This position is 100% onsite.

Responsibilities

Install, configure, administer, and maintain Linux operating systems (RHEL, CentOS, Rocky, or equivalent) across physical, virtual, and containerized platforms. Deploy, configure, administer, and sustain Red Hat OpenShift clusters, including control plane and worker nodes, storage integration, networking, and platform upgrades. Support containerized workloads using Kubernetes and OpenShift, including image lifecycle management, registry integration, role-based access control (RBAC), and namespace management. Perform system hardening, patching, and vulnerability remediation in accordance with DoD STIGs, RMF, and cybersecurity requirements, including container security best practices. Support and maintain virtualized and hyper-converged infrastructure (VMware ESXi) hosting Linux and OpenShift environments. Develop and maintain automation and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using Ansible, Bash, Python, and CI/CD integrations to accelerate platform provisioning and consistency. Monitor system, cluster, and application performance; troubleshoot complex Linux, Kubernetes, and OpenShift-related issues across development, test, and production environments. Implement and maintain logging, monitoring, and alerting solutions for Linux systems and OpenShift clusters. Support backup, recovery, and disaster recovery solutions for Linux systems, container platforms, and persistent storage. Collaborate with cybersecurity, networking, DevSecOps, SOC/NOC, and application teams to ensure secure, resilient, and compliant operations. Develop and maintain technical documentation including build guides, SOPs, platform architecture diagrams, and configuration baselines. Participate in security assessments, audits, inspections, and Authority to Operate (ATO) activities. Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior Linux and container platform administrators. Provide technical briefings and system status updates to program leadership and government stakeholders as required. The Senior Linux & OpenShift Systems Administrator reports to the Program Manager or IT Lead. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field. Seven plus (7+) years of experience as a System Administrator with a strong focus on Linux systems. Senior-level administration of Linux enterprise environments Hands-on experience with Red Hat and Kubernetes Container platform security, RBAC, and compliance implementation Scripting and automation (Ansible, Bash, Python) Virtualization and enterprise infrastructure support Experience supporting mission-critical or classified systems Strong troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills Ability to work independently and lead technical efforts

Certifications: Comp TIA Sec+ and one of the following Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in DoD, classified, or SAP environments DevSecOps and CI/CD pipeline integration experience LPIC-2 & LPIC-3 (Linux Professional Institute) Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE) Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must currently hold a security clearance at the minimum Secret level.

Physical Demands:

Ability to work in data centers, secure facilities, and operational environments Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

#LI-DNI

MN1

Employment Type: FULL_TIME