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Linux System Administrator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Synergy ECP

Linux System Administrator

Columbia, MD

$160K/yr

... System Administrator supporting programs or environments of similar scope and complexity * Experience working with Linux, Unix, Windows, or Cisco operating systems * Experience administering Linux ...

ManTech

Linux System Administrator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

MANTECH seeks an experienced and passionate, career and customer-oriented Linux System Administrator to join our team in Ft. Meade, MD. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: * Creating and ...

Synergy ECP

Linux System Administrator

Columbia, MD · On-site

$160K/yr

... System Administrator supporting programs or environments of similar scope and complexity * Experience working with Linux, Unix, Windows, or Cisco operating systems * Experience administering Linux ...

ManTech

Linux System Administrator

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$77K - $128K/yr

MANTECH seeks an experienced and passionate, career and customer-oriented Linux System Administrator to join our team located in the Ft. Meade, MD area. Responsibilities include, but are not limited ...

Set of X

Linux System Administrator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

Work with current owners and administrators to understand existing systems, requirements, and ... Extensive RedHat (RHEL), CentOs Linux, and/or UNIX experience. * Experience managing NiFi data ...

Leidos

Senior Linux System Administrator

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Senior Linux System Administrator will work within a team engineers, developers and system administrators, adding new capabilities to our enclaves, as well as ensuring the existing systems are ...

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How much do linux system administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system administrator in Washington is $58.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.54 and $70.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Linux System Administrator, you need a strong understanding of Linux operating systems, system troubleshooting, and networking, often supported by a degree in computer science or related certifications like CompTIA Linux+ or Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA). Familiarity with command-line interfaces, shell scripting, system monitoring tools, and configuration management systems like Ansible or Puppet is essential. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure reliable system performance, quick resolution of technical issues, and smooth collaboration within IT teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux System Administrators when managing large-scale server environments?

Linux System Administrators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent configurations across numerous servers, ensuring security compliance, and minimizing downtime during updates or maintenance. Managing automation tools, such as Ansible or Puppet, and monitoring system performance are also critical aspects. Effective communication and collaboration with development and network teams are essential to quickly resolve issues and implement new technologies smoothly.

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

AspectLinux System AdministratorNetwork Administrator
CertificationsLinux+, LPIC, RHCSACompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentServers, data centers, cloud platformsNetworking hardware, routers, switches
ResponsibilitiesManaging Linux servers, scripting, securityConfiguring networks, troubleshooting connectivity
Industry UsageIT, hosting, cloud servicesTelecommunications, enterprise networks

While both roles involve IT infrastructure, a Linux System Administrator focuses on managing Linux servers and related software, whereas a Network Administrator specializes in maintaining and troubleshooting network hardware and connectivity. Both roles require specific certifications and are vital in ensuring smooth IT operations within organizations.

What Is a Linux System Administrator?

A Linux system administrator— or sysadmin—is an information technology professional who oversees the lifespan of Linux software installed on a server, computer, or other pieces of hardware, including network devices. As a Linux sysadmin, your responsibilities include software installation, day-to-day maintenance of applications, and an overall understanding of Linux operating systems. As part of the daily maintenance team, your job is to monitor system health and ensure that security patches are up-to-date, so that network systems perform well for business users.

What are Linux System Administrators?

Linux System Administrators are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux-based operating systems and servers. They ensure the stability, security, and performance of Linux systems, manage user accounts, implement backups, and handle software updates. Their role often includes monitoring system health, automating routine tasks using scripts, and providing technical support to users. Linux System Administrators play a critical role in managing the underlying infrastructure that supports applications and services in many organizations.
More about Linux System Administrator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Washington are:
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What job categories do people searching Linux System Administrator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Linux System Administrator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Linux System Administrator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Linux System Administrator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Linux System Administrator jobs in WA? For Linux System Administrator jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux System Administrator job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,410 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Linux System Administrator

Linux System Administrator

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
By Light has an opening for a Sr. Systems Administrator (Linux/Unix) position supporting the Army National Guard (ARNG) in Falls Church, VA. This is an IT Service Management contract in support of the operation, modernization, expansion, and further evolution of the ARNG's global Information Technology (IT) services including networking, compute, storage, infrastructure, applications, hosting, and program management services. The GECOS program supports the ARNG enterprise IT infrastructure, its Wide Area Network (WAN), authentication and directory services, cybersecurity, application hosting, and associated services. GECOS uses ITIL best practices framework as the basis for IT Service Management (ITSM) model.
Three (3) days onsite with up to two (2) days telework. Onboarding/transition in period requires on-site support up to 60 days. GECOS work schedules are subject to change on direction by mission requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Provide system administration support for Linux operating systems including installing software, applying patches, managing file systems, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting alerts from monitoring tools.
  • Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system, servers, hardware, and applications software.
  • Detects, diagnoses, and reports related problems on servers, including system failure analysis and recovery, insuring the consistency and integrity of file systems.
  • In-depth hardware configuration knowledge, shell programming expertise, and a solid understanding of standard concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, performs a variety of tasks, and works undergeneral supervision.
  • Responsible for daily monitoring of interface programs between multiple enterprise systems; review daily logs and ensure successful completion.
  • Perform incremental and full cold backups/patching.
  • Responsible for DoD Linux Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Provide performance metrics and usage charts, including CPU usage, disk usage and network uptime for the Linux Servers.
  • Provide general maintenance, upgrades, and new installation of servers and coordinate with data center personnel to execute. Document and generate business processes for day-to-day and emergency support procedures.
  • Install, test, and verify Linux Security patches; coordinating, documenting requirements and timelines, and working closely with service owners.
  • Perform systems security administration functions, including creation and maintenance of customer profiles and accounts.
  • Responsible for creating and/or maintaining standard operating procedures for the Linux documentation library.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain Ansible servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain STIG Manager servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain the Linux operating system firewall.
  • Experience in handling NFS, CIFS, and SMB permissions.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • High school diploma or AA. Preferred - Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience.
  • 6+ years of overall demonstrated experience as a RHEL 7 and/or RHEL 8 Servers
  • Must Possess the appropriate baseline certification(s) to achieve DoD 8570.01-M
    Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II (CompTIA Security+ ce) and additional Computing Environment (CE) certification (RHEL7 and/or RHEL 8) When 8140 requirements are implemented on program/contract, employee will need to conform to 8140 certification standards
  • Experience managing RHEL 7 and RHEL 8 Linux servers
  • Highly versed in Linux administration and best practices
  • Familiar with enterprise network architectures
  • Experience with automated configuration management (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, etc.)
  • Familiar in programming/scripting skills for automation (Bash, Ruby, Python, Perl, etc.)
  • General understanding of Linux internals (system calls, file systems, processes, etc.)
  • General understanding of TCP/IP and related protocols (HTTP, FTP, NFS, etc.)
  • Experience with PowerShell scripting engine to automate tasks.
  • Excellent problem solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities, including understanding user requirements, troubleshooting technical issues, successfully resolving issues and challenges, and developing creative solutions for process improvement.
  • Dependability, in that the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve.
  • Must have customer service experience as this position will require candidate to engage with senior military and government leadership.
  • Must be able to present your ideas clearly through briefings, meetings, and interaction with leadership of different skill sets.
  • Must be able to provide training sessions as required.
  • Must be able to engage with stakeholders to ensure tasks are progressing and meeting timelines.
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent documentation skills
  • Strong organizational and collaborative skills
  • Strong teamwork and engagement as a project team member.
  • Ability to assimilate information rapidly, motivated to self-study new requirements.
  • Maintain current industry knowledge of relevant concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Ability to work under time constraints.
  • Adapt to changes in requirements and new projects.
  • Manage or serve as a team lead.
  • Maintain and upgrade certifications.
  • Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Must have a minimum of an active Secret clearance at time of interview and candidate must maintain active clearance.

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