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Linux System Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

FANTOM CORPORATION

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

We are seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to support a mission-critical enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of enterprise ...

aqua IT

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Aqua IT is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to provide support to a mission critical enterprise identity and access management system. Success in this role will require developing an ...

RedBeard Solutions

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$145K - $160K/yr

Linux System Engineer WORK LOCATION: Chantilly, VA JOB CATEGORY: Information Technology JOB TYPE: Full-Time CITIZENSHIP: United States Citizen CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret/SCI with Poly TRAVEL ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Reston, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Linux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix Administrator, IT Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Systems Administrator, Server Administrator ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Tysons, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Linux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix Administrator, IT Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Systems Administrator, Server Administrator ...

CipherStaff

Linux System Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$122K/yr

Seeking Systems Security Engineer with Linux experience. Must be US Citizen with current Secret clearance. Location is remote with occasional office visit in Washington, DC. Salaried job with full ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

SIMILAR CAREER TITLES Linux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix Administrator, IT Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Cloud Systems Administrator, Server Administrator ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Tysons, VA

Linux System Administrator LOCATIONTysons, VA 22182 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLESLinux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Linux System Administrator LOCATIONChantilly, VA 20151 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLESLinux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix ...

Cymertek

Linux System Administrator

Reston, VA

Linux System Administrator LOCATIONReston, VA 20190 CLEARANCETS/SCI Full Poly (Please note this ... SIMILAR CAREER TITLESLinux Administrator, Systems Administrator, DevOps Engineer, Unix ...

Leidos

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

Leidos is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to provide support to a mission critical enterprise identity and access management system. A successful candidate will develop an understanding ...

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How much do linux system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system programmer in Washington is $56.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.82 and $70.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux System Programmer?

A Linux System Programmer is a software developer who specializes in designing, developing, and maintaining system-level software that interacts directly with the Linux operating system. They work on operating system kernels, device drivers, system utilities, and other low-level components essential for hardware and application software to function efficiently on Linux platforms. Their work often involves using programming languages like C and C++, understanding Linux internals, and optimizing performance and security at the system level.

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

To thrive as a Linux System Programmer, you need a deep understanding of C/C++ programming, operating system concepts, and Linux internals, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like GCC, GDB, Make, Git, and experience with kernel modules or system calls are commonly required, and certifications such as the Linux Foundation Certified Engineer can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively make someone stand out in this role. These abilities are essential for developing reliable, efficient system software and ensuring robust, secure Linux environments.

What is the difference between Linux System Programmer vs Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectLinux System ProgrammerLinux Kernel Developer
CredentialsProficiency in C, Linux OS, and system APIsDeep knowledge of kernel architecture, C, and debugging tools
Work EnvironmentDevelops system-level applications, interacts with hardware and OSWorks on kernel code, modules, and core OS functionalities
Industry UsageEmbedded systems, device drivers, system utilitiesKernel development, OS internals, driver development
Search/Comparison IntentFocuses on system programming tasks and application developmentFocuses on kernel internals and core OS modifications

The main difference is that Linux System Programmers develop system-level applications and utilities that run on Linux, while Linux Kernel Developers work on the core kernel code itself. Both roles require strong C skills and Linux knowledge, but Kernel Developers focus more on internal OS architecture, whereas System Programmers build on top of the kernel to create functional software.

How does a Linux System Programmer typically collaborate with other teams during the software development lifecycle?

Linux System Programmers frequently work alongside software engineers, DevOps teams, and QA specialists to design, implement, and optimize system-level components. Collaboration often involves reviewing kernel patches, troubleshooting low-level bugs, and ensuring system stability across different environments. Effective communication is crucial, as programmers must translate complex technical issues for non-specialist teams and work together to integrate new features or improvements. Participating in code reviews and contributing to technical documentation are also routine parts of the job.
What are popular job titles related to Linux System Programmer jobs in Washington? For Linux System Programmer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux System Programmer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Linux System Programmer jobs in Washington are:
Linux System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux System Programmer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 25% Full Time, and 73% Part Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,190 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Linux System Engineer

Bailey Information Technology, LLC

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Linux System Engineer
Location: Chantilly, VA
Clearance: TS, SCI/Poly eligible
Certifications: Current Security+ before start
Level: T3
Job Description:
Leidos is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to provide support to a mission critical enterprise identity and access management system. A successful candidate will develop an understanding of the services offered to external organizations, provide lifecycle systems engineering support to development and operations on the program, and use a combination of technical and functional expertise to recommend solutions to satisfy customer requirements. Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, and support cloud initiatives to support customer driven needs
  • Communicate and mitigate operational issues as received. Work to proactively identify RCA of baseline issues and establish a feedback loop to development.
  • Work as a SME to review user metrics, system health, overall performance checkouts and implements proactive measures to support operational availability
  • Responsible for deployment support as a product SME. Provide backfill tasking and troubleshooting script/playbook based automation processes as necessary.
  • Manage several environments as a Linux SME providing overall support to the program and working with Enterprise Services to ensure compliance with security services and applications.
Requirements/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related discipline plus 4-6 years of professional experience as a Systems Administrator or similar technical role.
  • Proactive self-starter demonstrating a positive, willing attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Two or more years of experience with Amazon Web Services (S3 Buckets, EC2, Reserved Instances, etc.)
  • Familiar with System Engineering documentation creation (network diagrams, data flows, etc.)
  • Experience working with Agile Team Collaboration tools such as (Jira, Confluence, BitBucket)
  • Strong Linux background and familiarity with best practices of infrastructure management
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Oracle COTS product experience (Oracle Access Manager, Oracle Unified Directory, etc.)
  • Experience with Kubernetes
  • Experience with Elastic tools (ElasticSearch, Kibana, Logstash)
  • Experience with AWS and other cloud vendors.
  • Experience with Amazon Web Services technical performance versus cost management
  • Experience with cloud-based architectures
  • Familiar with cross domain architectures at various levels
  • Experience with automated testing and monitoring
  • Experience with Engineering Review Boards and Change Management

Clearance Requirements*
Requires an active Top Secret security clearance upon hire and must meet SCI eligibility. Must be willing and able to obtain a polygraph within the customer's timeline after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

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