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Linux Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Linux Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$82K - $110K/yr

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum 2 years' experience managing and maintaining Red Hat Linux and VMware environments * Experience with upgrading and patching using Red Hat Satellite is required.

As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications ... Implement and maintain standardized patching processes across Windows, Linux, and non-Windows ...

As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications ... Implement and maintain standardized patching processes across Windows, Linux, and non-Windows ...

Showing results 41-60

Linux Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.3K

$119.3K

$159.1K

How much do linux manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux manager in Chicago, IL is $119,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,483.00 and $144,725.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux manager?

Linux Managers are IT professionals responsible for overseeing and maintaining Linux-based systems and servers within an organization. They manage a team of system administrators, ensure system reliability and security, plan upgrades, and implement best practices for Linux environments. Their role often includes troubleshooting complex issues, managing user access, and developing strategies for backups and disaster recovery. Linux Managers also coordinate with other IT departments to support business needs and ensure compliance with company policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Manager, you need deep expertise in Linux system administration, network management, and scripting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with configuration management tools (like Ansible or Puppet), virtualization platforms, and certifications such as RHCE are highly valuable. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication are essential soft skills for managing teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of IT infrastructure while fostering effective collaboration within technical teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux managers when leading a team of system administrators?

Linux Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing daily operational tasks with long-term infrastructure improvements, ensuring consistent security updates across multiple servers, and managing team workloads efficiently. They must also facilitate clear communication between team members and other departments, especially when troubleshooting complex issues or implementing new technologies. Strong leadership, effective delegation, and staying current with evolving Linux distributions and best practices are key to overcoming these challenges and supporting both the team and organizational goals.

What is the difference between Linux Manager vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectLinux ManagerLinux System Administrator
CertificationsLinux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), CompTIA Linux+LPIC, CompTIA Linux+, Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages Linux infrastructure, strategic planningMaintains, configures, and troubleshoots Linux servers and systems
ResponsibilitiesTeam leadership, project management, system architectureSystem setup, maintenance, user support, security updates
Industry UsageIT companies, data centers, enterprise environmentsIT departments, hosting providers, enterprise networks

While both roles involve Linux systems, a Linux Manager typically oversees teams and strategic initiatives, whereas a Linux System Administrator focuses on day-to-day system maintenance and support. The certifications and work environments often overlap, but their responsibilities differ in scope and leadership level.

Is Linux still in demand?

Linux managers are in demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Skills in system administration, scripting, and certifications like RHCE or CompTIA Linux+ enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Linux jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Linux Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Linux Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Linux Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,348 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Linux Systems Administrator

USG Corporation

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


USG rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The person who fills this position will be responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining environments consisting of servers running Red Hat Enterprise Linux and VMware ESXi on HPE hardware and in Azure Cloud. These servers are used primarily to host Oracle applications, Oracle databases and various other 3rd party and supporting applications at our Data Centers, HQ, Corporate Innovation Center, and Manufacturing Plants.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Participate as a member of a small team that works cooperatively to ensure system infrastructure and operating systems are available to support applications.

· Analyze, evaluate, plan, implement, configure, patch, upgrade and tune software and hardware in virtualized, highly available, and stand-alone environments.

· Automate manual processes such as patching, updates, server builds, and monitoring.

· Document procedures and update standards for new or modified systems and environments.

· Ability to work in a datacenter environment to provide technical support and asset management.

· Follow Change Management policy and Incident resolution timelines. Open and respond to required Change Requests and Work Tickets.

· Respond to systems alerts and be part of a 24/7 rotation for on-call production support.

· Review HPE, Red Hat, and VMware security notifications and deploy updates as necessary.

· Gather, evaluate, and measure data on performance/capacity and report on key measurements.

· Proactively identify problems and provide solutions to management before implementing change.

· Prevent downtime, ensure system availability, monitor performance, manage disk capacity, and ensure system security.

· Design solutions to technical problems and implement new systems or infrastructure changes. Participate in roadmap discussions for future infrastructure improvements.

· Monitor critical systems and take corrective actions prior to failures.

· Prepare for disaster recovery and ensure that appropriate backups are completed and tested.

· Troubleshoot software and hardware failures and work with vendors for support and escalation.

· Establish and maintain security and integrity controls.

· Perform additional duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

· Minimum 2 years’ experience managing and maintaining Red Hat Linux and VMware environments

  • Experience with upgrading and patching using Red Hat Satellite is required.

  • Proficient in scripting to create, modify, and execute automated system functions. Experience with Ansible Automation Platform is a plus.

  • Experience with Backup, Recovery, and Data Protection – Avamar, Veeam, or similar backup utility.

  • Familiarity with HPE ProLiant and Synergy server infrastructure.

  • Experience with storage provisioning and managing SAN architecture. HPE Alletra Storage Array Administration is a plus.

  • Experience with Oracle database and application support is a plus.

  • Solid understanding of Linux OS protocols and services: NFS, TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP(s), etc.

  • Participation in 24/7 on-call rotation.

Education

· Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience/Requirements

· 2-5 years experience in hybrid enterprise infrastructure (On-Prem & Cloud)

· Proficiency in automation tools, CI/CD process, configuration, and scripting languages

· Familiarity with containerization technologies (Docker / Kubernetes)

· Strong collaboration, interpersonal, problem-solving skills

· Strong knowledge of IT security requirements

· Location of the position is Chicago HQ

Rate of pay may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

USG employees enjoy a number of benefit options for themselves and their families. These include two medical insurance options, as well as vision and dental coverage. The cost of these optional programs varies based on coverage level - employees generally pay 25% of the monthly premium cost, USG pays the rest. These coverage options are offered on the first day of employment with no waiting period.

Additionally, USG employees enjoy both a 401(k) Investment Plan with company match and a pension plan. Beyond these main features, employees may also choose from a number of additional programs like life insurance, accident insurance, legal insurance, even pet insurance, just to name a few. USG also offers Quarterly (hourly) / Annual (salary) bonus potential for all employees based on performance metrics tied to safety, quality, and productivity. USG also provides employees with paid time off and paid holidays.


Since 1902, Chicago-based USG has been a leader in producing innovative, award-winning products and systems to build everything from major commercial developments and residential housing to home improvements. USG's employees are committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and quality in everything we do. Our steadfast commitment to the company's core business values – innovation, quality, integrity, service, diversity, efficiency and safety – have helped us become the company we are today.

EOE including disability/veteran


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