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Senior Linux Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Linux Administrator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$103K - $155K/yr

Partner closely with senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration * Mentor ...

Partner closely with senior systems engineers (Linux, Windows, Infrastructure) to operationalize designs and ensure seamless handoff between system architecture and system administration * Mentor ...

Implement and architect server/systems infrastructure in a large 24x7 environment. * Be able to ... Experience with Oracle Linux 5.6 - 6.4 and Oracle RAC cluster technology * Cloud Computing: AWS ...

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Senior Linux Architect information

See California salary details

$73K

$122.3K

$189K

How much do senior linux architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux architect in California is $122,312.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $139,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Linux Architect, you need deep expertise in Linux system administration, architecture design, scripting languages, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Ansible, Puppet, Docker, Kubernetes, and certifications such as RHCE or LFCS are typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with teams and guiding technical decisions. These abilities are crucial to ensure secure, scalable, and efficient Linux environments that support organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by a Senior Linux Architect, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Linux Architects often encounter challenges related to designing scalable, secure, and highly available systems while balancing business requirements and technical constraints. Integrating various open-source and proprietary solutions, managing large-scale migrations, and ensuring seamless collaboration across development, operations, and security teams are frequent hurdles. To address these, strong communication skills, deep technical expertise, and continuous learning are essential. Staying updated on industry best practices and fostering a culture of documentation and knowledge sharing within the team can also help mitigate these challenges.

What does a Senior Linux Architect do?

A Senior Linux Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex Linux-based systems and infrastructure. They ensure that Linux environments are stable, secure, and scalable to meet organizational needs. Their duties often include evaluating new technologies, leading system migrations, setting standards for system configuration, and mentoring junior staff. They also collaborate with other IT teams to integrate Linux systems with other components and troubleshoot advanced issues.

What is the difference between Senior Linux Architect vs Linux Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Linux ArchitectLinux Systems Engineer
CertificationsLinux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), RHCE, CompTIA Linux+LPIC, RHCE, CompTIA Linux+
Work EnvironmentDesigning Linux infrastructure, architecture planning, high-level system designImplementing, configuring, maintaining Linux systems, troubleshooting
ResponsibilitiesArchitecting scalable Linux solutions, guiding teams, strategic planningDeploying and managing Linux servers, system updates, performance tuning
Industry UsageIT, cloud providers, enterprise data centersIT departments, managed service providers, enterprise environments

The main difference is that a Senior Linux Architect focuses on designing and planning Linux infrastructure at a high level, while a Linux Systems Engineer handles the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of Linux systems. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What job categories do people searching Senior Linux Architect jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Linux Architect jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Senior Linux Architect job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,312 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Senior Linux Systems Engineer, Connected Warfare

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 74,658 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Anduril is seeking a Senior Linux Systems Engineer to directly support our most sensitive programs. Within the Connected Warfare department, you will be a part of the Edge Compute and Communications (ECC) team, where we're building and maintaining critical tactical infrastructure for our UAS products. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the world's best engineers and cybersecurity professionals as you help to implement cutting edge systems. You will work directly with customers and systems deployed across the globe in support of national security missions all while gaining invaluable experience navigating complex cybersecurity regulation frameworks. If this starts to excite you, we invite you to keep reading further!

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Serve as subject matter expert for for the server and systems ecosystem.
  • Build technology infrastructure at all classification levels including SAP/SCI .
  • Design, install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot IT systems consisting of various of operating systems with a focus on Linux.
  • Architect and execute on server/storage infrastructure related to program specific needs.
  • Support engineering and deployment efforts for multiple classified programs.
  • Work in close coordination with the ISSM and ISSO in monitoring the information system(s) implementing configuration management across authorization boundaries.
  • Define, document and follow standards and best practices for systems design, testing, and implementation.
  • Drive scripting and automation to develop solutions to common problems.
  • Provision cloud based resources in both Infrastructure as as Service and Platform as a Service environments.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of experience in IT infrastructure engineering.
  • Desire to cross train into other engineering disciplines (eg network, data links).
  • Ability to operate independently in a fluid environment.
  • Advanced scripting skills with both Bash and Powershell to automated and solve recurring tasks
  • Strong working knowledge of clustered server infrastructure.
  • Deep understanding of Active Directory and multi-site architecture.
  • Previous experience deploying IT systems in an air gapped environments, as well as in tactical / austere environments.
  • Professional experience with RHEL Image Builder.
  • Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance or higher, if not already at this level.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time, and excitement to work in our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA, the majority of the time! 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • High Performance Compute (HPC) with CPU and GPU based clusters
  • Understanding of Datacenter storage and networking fabric
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain at least an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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