1

Linux System Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$88K - $117K/yr

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

$88K - $117K/yr

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

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 ...

Skills: Linux System Administration, Red Hat Ansible, Scripting Certifications: None Experience ... The Linux Systems Engineer is an active participant in SAFe and Scrum development teams and ...

Skills: Linux System Administration, Red Hat Ansible, Scripting Certifications: None Experience ... The Linux Systems Engineer is an active participant in SAFe and Scrum development teams and ...

Skills: Linux System Administration, Red Hat Ansible, Scripting Certifications: None Experience ... The Linux Systems Engineer is an active participant in SAFe and Scrum development teams and ...

Skills: Linux System Administration, Red Hat Ansible, Scripting Certifications: None Experience ... The Linux Systems Engineer is an active participant in SAFe and Scrum development teams and ...

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 ...

Linux System Administrator

College Park, MD ยท 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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Linux System Programmer information

See salary details

$17

$49

$81

How much do linux system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 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:
Infographic showing various Linux System Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,470 per year, or $49.7 per hour.
Linux System Engineer

Linux System Engineer

E&M Technologies, Inc.

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION: Linux System Engineer

WORK LOCATION: Chantilly, VA

JOB CATEGORY: Information Technology

JOB TYPE: Full-Time


REQUISITION ID: EM07-044

CITIZENSHIP: United States Citizen

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret/SCI with Poly

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: None

E&M Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customersโ€™ mission and quest for professional growth. E&M provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.


E&M Technologies, Inc. is currently seeking a Linux System Engineer to join our team in Chantilly, VA in support of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The NGA delivers world-class geospatial intelligence that provides a decisive advantage to policymakers, military service members, intelligence professionals, and first responders.


Job 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:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™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.
  • All candidates must be US CITIZENS to be considered for the position.
  • Must have and be capable of maintaining a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Top Secret/SCI security clearance upon hire and must be willing and able to obtain a polygraph within the customerโ€™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

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

To Apply for this Position:

You must have the Minimum Qualifications in your resume to be selected as a candidate.


The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. E&M considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidateโ€™s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.


Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.


This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.?


E&M anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require E&M to shorten or extend the application window.?


E&M is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. E&M provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veteransโ€™ Readjustment Assistance Act.


As part of the federal governmentโ€™s transition to the Trusted Workforce 2.0 Continuous Vetting framework, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is expanding enrollment in the FBI Rap Back program for cleared industry personnel beginning April 1, 2026.


Rap Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) is a service provided by the FBI that allows authorized agencies to receive notifications if there are updates to an individualโ€™s criminal history record while they hold a security clearance. This supports continuous vetting of cleared personnel.


Per DCSA guidance, we are required to provide the following FBI privacy advisements to all cleared employees:

โ€ข FBI Privacy Act Notice

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/compact-council/privacy-act-statement

โ€ข Noncriminal Justice Applicantโ€™s Privacy Rights

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/more-fbi-services-and-information/compact-council/guiding-principles-noncriminal-justice-applicants-privacy-rights