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Linux System Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Leidos

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$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 ...

GDIT

$88K - $117K/yr

Skills: Documentations, Linux, Systems Design, Systems Engineering Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | International Information System Security ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

Linux Systems Engineer ID: 1018 Location: Chicago, IL More about this job > Description SG is a ... Troubleshoot Linux system issues and assist with hardware maintenance. Set up desktops, laptops ...

GDIT

$88K - $117K/yr

Skills: Documentations, Linux, Systems Design, Systems Engineering Certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | International Information System Security ...

SolGenie

DevOps Linux System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced DevOps Linux System Engineer for an onsite role , please find the job descrpition below. Job Title: DevOps Linux System Engineer Location: Onsite - California, USA ...

Entarian

Linux System Administrator

College Park, MD · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

... system design, development, fielding, and sustainment of global NOAA IT needs. Position is on-site ... The Software Engineer II (Linux Administrator) must be able to support the following ...

Leidos

Linux System Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/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 ...

Leidos

Linux System Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/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 ...

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Linux System Programmer information

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How much do linux system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux system programmer in the United States is $49.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.06 and $62.26 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.
More about Linux System Programmer jobs
What states have the most Linux System Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Linux System Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Linux System Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Linux System Programmer jobs are:
Linux System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux System Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 17% Full Time, and 81% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,470 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Linux System Engineer

Linux System Engineer

Leidos

Chantilly, VA

$73K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 429 rated business services

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.

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 onlyand 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.

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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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