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Linux System Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Linux System Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$73.45K - $132.78K/yr

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 ...

Linux System Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$73.45K - $132.78K/yr

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 ...

Linux System Engineer

Burke, VA · On-site

$73.45K - $132.78K/yr

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 ...

Linux System Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$73.45K - $132.78K/yr

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 ...

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux ... Required Education: BS Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems ...

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux ... Required Education: BS Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems ...

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Linux System Programmer information

See Washington salary details

$19

$56

$92

How much do linux system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Linux System Programmer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $117,190 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Linux System Engineer

Linux System Engineer

Leidos

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$73.45K - $132.78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

58th of 424 rated business services


Job description

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. 

Primary 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.

Basic 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

  • Active TS/SCI with CI Poly preferred

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

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 16, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $73,450.00 - $132,775.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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