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Linux Platform Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role As Systems Engineer, Linux Platform, you will support the design, administration, automation, and lifecycle management of Williams-Sonoma's Linux environments. You will help maintain ...

Maintain custom RT Linux Distribution for internally developed computers * Maintain and customize ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, math, or a ...

Platform Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$125K - $181K/yr

About the team : We're a small Platform Engineering team responsible for the core foundation that ... Cloud fundamentals (GCP/AWS/Azure); strong foundation in Linux, containers, and basic knowledge of ...

OS Platform Engineer Los Angeles, CA K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever ... Maintain custom RT Linux Distribution for internally developed computers * Maintain and customize ...

Platform Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

NPI Server Platform Engineer Responsibilities: * This person will execute NPI builds and day to day ... Linux-based distributions is a bonus. * Comfortable in a fast moving, small team environment.

OS Platform Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Maintain custom RT Linux Distribution for internally developed computers * Maintain and customize ...

OS Platform Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and ... Maintain custom RT Linux Distribution for internally developed computers * Maintain and customize ...

Staff Linux Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$135K - $169K/yr

Role Summary Our Linux Engineer will be responsible for owning and maturing Rivian's Linux platform across the enterprise and Joint Venture. This role requires not only strong technical execution but ...

... years in platform, systems, or networking engineering. * Minimum 5-10+ years of experience in ... Familiarity with Linux environments (RedHat, SUSE, Debian) and scripting or automation tools ...

Strong understanding of Linux networking fundamentals: iptables/nftables, routing, DNS, TCP/IP ... Go programming experience for operator maintenance and platform tooling development * CKA ...

... years in platform, systems, or networking engineering. * Minimum 5-10+ years of experience in ... Familiarity with Linux environments (RedHat, SUSE, Debian) and scripting or automation tools ...

Platform Engineer IV TrueNAS is redefining enterprise storage by delivering proven data resilience ... With typically 5-7+ years of hands-on experience in storage systems (including Linux / ZFS-based ...

Linux Platform BSP Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$205K - $251K/yr

In this role, you will be a part of the team that develops Linux and Bare Metal distributions for SiFive Platforms. Working with the internal team and external partners, you will be responsible for ...

Linux Platform BSP Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$205K - $251K/yr

In this role, you will be a part of the team that develops Linux and Bare Metal distributions for SiFive Platforms. Working with the internal team and external partners, you will be responsible for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Linux Platform Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$58

$90

How much do linux platform engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux platform engineer in California is $58.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $66.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Linux Platform Engineer vs Linux Systems Administrator?

AspectLinux Platform EngineerLinux Systems Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, building, and maintaining Linux infrastructure and platformsManaging and maintaining existing Linux systems and servers
Skills & CertificationsLinux certifications (e.g., RHCE, LPIC), scripting, automation, cloud knowledgeLinux certifications, system monitoring, troubleshooting, user management
Work EnvironmentDevOps teams, infrastructure projects, cloud environmentsData centers, enterprise IT, server management
Common TasksAutomating deployment, optimizing performance, infrastructure designSystem updates, backups, user support, issue resolution

The main difference is that a Linux Platform Engineer focuses on building and optimizing Linux infrastructure, while a Linux Systems Administrator manages and maintains existing Linux systems. Both roles require Linux certifications and share overlapping skills, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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

To thrive as a Linux Platform Engineer, you need deep expertise in Linux system administration, scripting languages (such as Bash or Python), and a strong understanding of networking and security principles, usually backed by a relevant degree or certifications like RHCE. Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet), virtualization platforms, and monitoring systems is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you excel when collaborating with teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills ensure that critical infrastructure is secure, reliable, and efficiently maintained to support business operations.

How does a Linux Platform Engineer typically collaborate with development and operations teams?

Linux Platform Engineers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They often work closely with developers to ensure applications are optimized for Linux environments, assist with troubleshooting system-level issues, and help automate deployment processes. Additionally, they collaborate with operations teams to maintain system reliability, implement security best practices, and monitor infrastructure performance. This cross-functional collaboration is key to maintaining a stable, scalable, and secure platform.

What are Linux Platform Engineers?

Linux Platform Engineers are IT professionals who design, build, and maintain the infrastructure and systems that run on Linux-based operating systems. They are responsible for ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of Linux platforms within an organization. Their work often includes automation, scripting, system optimization, troubleshooting, and collaborating with development and operations teams to support applications. Linux Platform Engineers play a crucial role in supporting cloud environments, DevOps pipelines, and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) processes.
What are popular job titles related to Linux Platform Engineer jobs in California? For Linux Platform Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Platform Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Platform Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Linux Platform Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,620 per year, or $59 per hour.
Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer), Staff

Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer), Staff

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 191 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
This position offers hands-on system embedded Linux software design and development to bring the next generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon products in Automotive ADAS and Infotainment working with multiple technology teams, Tier1s, OEMs and industry partners. The engineer will be involved in the next generation of embedded automotive software for Linux-based automotive solutions. In this role, there will be opportunities across the software stack including application boot loaders, kernel, user spaces such as Android and realtime Linux enabling full capabilities of Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware.
The job will involve optimizing and improving the performance of linux systems, understanding the core of linux design principles and design to be adaptible to the Linux open source community standards, while also designing with safety and security to meet Automotive requirements. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams across multiple locations to define and implement complete solutions. Work assignments involve theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of C/C++ programming and real-time operating systems, along with power and performance expertise on embedded systems.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with software development in Linux Kernel and/or userspace such as Yocto/Android/Ubuntu.
  • Experience in Kernel drivers, Memory management, Hypervisor, Virtualization, OS and Hardware platform knowledge
  • ARM processors and/or embedded software development on mobile devices or Automotive platforms
  • Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer) 5+ Years professional work experience in embedded/automotive software and/or driver development on ARM SoCs on Linux/Android etc.
  • 5+ years experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Rust, Python, etc.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
  • Independent and motivated problem solver

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Leverages advanced Software knowledge and experience to design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs.
• Analyzes user needs, software requirements, and time and cost constraints to design and customize software for optimal operational efficiency.
• Designs and implements software modules for large-scale products and systems.
• Participates in and leads design, coding, unit testing, debugging, and integration efforts to ensure projects are completed to specifications and schedules.
• Performs complex code reviews and regression tests as well as triages and fixes issues to ensure the quality of code.
• Collaborates with individuals outside the software function (e.g., Hardware, Systems, and Test engineers) to ensure solutions work with other components of a specific project.
• Writes detailed technical documentation for complex Software projects.
Level of Responsibility:
• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Provides supervision/guidance to other team members.
• Decision-making is significant in nature and affects work beyond immediate work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey information. May require basic negotiation, influence, tact, etc.
• Has a moderate amount of influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., is consulted by senior leadership to make key decisions).
• Tasks often require multiple steps which can be performed in various orders; extensive planning, problem-solving, and prioritization must occur to complete the tasks effectively.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985