1

Linux Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acting as one of the firm's Linux experts, and teaching other engineers specialist skills like systems debugging * Automating our own work, because it makes us faster and more reliable (and we think ...

Acting as one of the firm's Linux experts, and teaching other engineers specialist skills like systems debugging * Automating our own work, because it makes us faster and more reliable (and we think ...

Linux Administrator (Suffolk)

Suffolk, VA · On-site

$37 - $41/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

RHCDS (Red Hat Certified Data Center Specialist) Preferred Skills * Experience supporting enterprise Linux environments. * Familiarity with DevSecOps and data center operations. * Knowledge of system ...

Linux Systems Administrator

Orlando, FL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you a Linux systems Administrator with a Secret clearance looking to work with a team of driven ... Possess expertise as a generalist or specialist. * Ability to determine technical objectives of ...

Showing results 21-40

Linux Specialist information

See salary details

$20.5K

$53.9K

$97K

How much do linux specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux specialist in the United States is $53,925.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux specialist?

Linux Specialists are IT professionals who have deep expertise in the Linux operating system. They are responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux-based servers and systems in organizations. These specialists ensure the stability, security, and performance of Linux environments, often working with system administrators, developers, and network engineers. Their role may also include scripting, automation, and providing technical support to users and teams reliant on Linux systems.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Linux specialist?

To thrive as a Linux Specialist, you need strong expertise in Linux operating systems, shell scripting, and system administration, usually supported by a relevant degree or certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Familiarity with tools such as Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, and monitoring systems is highly valuable. Analytical thinking, troubleshooting skills, and effective communication help you resolve complex issues and collaborate with IT teams. These capabilities are essential to maintaining secure, efficient, and reliable Linux-based infrastructures in dynamic technical environments.

How does a Linux specialist typically interact with other IT teams, and what collaboration skills are important?

Linux Specialists often work closely with network engineers, security analysts, and application developers to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance of Linux-based systems. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the role frequently involves troubleshooting complex issues that require input from multiple teams. Being proactive in sharing knowledge and providing documentation helps foster a collaborative environment, which is vital for maintaining system reliability and implementing new technologies.

What is the difference between Linux Specialist vs Linux Administrator?

AspectLinux SpecialistLinux Administrator
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC, RHCSALinux+, LPIC, RHCSA
Work EnvironmentSupport, troubleshooting, and optimization of Linux systemsManaging, configuring, and maintaining Linux servers
Employer & Industry UsageIT companies, data centers, tech firmsEnterprises, hosting providers, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on technical expertise and problem-solvingFocuses on system management and operational tasks

While both roles require similar Linux certifications and work in related environments, a Linux Specialist typically emphasizes troubleshooting and optimizing Linux systems, whereas a Linux Administrator focuses on managing and maintaining Linux servers for ongoing operations.

Is Linux Specialist still in demand?

Linux Specialists are still in demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Skills in Linux administration, scripting, and certifications like RHCE or CompTIA Linux+ enhance job prospects in this field.
More about Linux Specialist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Specialist jobs?

The most popular types of Linux Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Linux Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Linux Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Linux Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,925 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

About the Position

We're looking for Linux Engineers to join the team that maintains the critical infrastructure underlying the rest of Jane Street's technology. It's a broad role, and no two Linux Engineers look exactly alike. Our work spans on-prem and cloud infrastructure, every major pillar (compute, storage, networking), and every layer of the stack from the physical hardware to workload orchestration. You should expect to work in some (but not necessarily all) of these areas, and to go genuinely deep in a few.

That might mean:

  • Building the in-house tools and systems that make up our platform, or integrating mainstream (often open-source) technologies so they feel native to our infrastructure
  • Acting as one of the firm's Linux experts, and teaching other engineers specialist skills like systems debugging
  • Automating our own work, because it makes us faster and more reliable (and we think it's fun)
  • Diagnosing and resolving production issues in real time, often under time pressure
  • Carrying out scheduled changes to the platform, like upgrades, migrations, capacity changes, and rollouts, planned meticulously and executed carefully

The problem space runs from the physical to the abstract: datacenter provisioning and orchestration, kernels and drivers delivered through Nix and RPMs, production and research storage at scale, cloud that integrates cleanly with our on-prem platform, and, in partnership with our IT and Network Engineering colleagues, Linux desktops and how our hosts participate in the network.

We see Linux Engineering and Software Engineering as two ends of a spectrum, and plenty of people could do either job well. Linux Engineering is likely the better fit if you treat Linux itself as your problem space: you like working close to the operating system, you want to look after production infrastructure, and you're happy spending more of your time in a consulting capacity than a typical developer would. (Compared with kernel development, the emphasis flips: you'd rarely develop the kernel itself, though targeted patches happen, and you'd spend far more time running production infrastructure.) We're hiring for both roles and are happy to advise you on which might fit best.

We don't expect you to come in with deep experience; we're happy to hire smart problem-solvers and teach them what they need to know. But the job leans much more toward engineering than a traditional operations role: relentless automation instead of manual toil, and a large body of in-house technology rather than only off-the-shelf tools. You'll build systems, not just operate them.

About You

We don't expect you to have a background in finance or any other specific field - we're looking for smart people who enjoy solving interesting problems. We're more interested in how you think and learn than what you currently know. You should be:

  • Knowledgeable about operating system fundamentals, computer architecture, and systems programming concepts like sockets, virtual memory, and the process life cycle
  • Able to understand network protocols at a basic level
  • Comfortable at the command line of a Linux machine (whether from coursework, side projects, or time spent administering a campus computer lab) and fluent in basic introspection and troubleshooting: system health, individual processes, logs
  • Someone who solves problems by writing code (in any language) and cares about robust software engineering
  • Intellectually curious, collaborative, humble, and eager to learn (including from mistakes)
  • A strong communicator

If you're a recruiting agency and want to partner with us, please reach out to agency-partnerships@janestreet.com.