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Senior Linux Architect Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Linux & OpenShift Systems Administrator reports to the Program Manager or IT Lead. Other ... Architect (RHCA) Preferred Qualifications: Experience in DoD, classified, or SAP environments ...

Sr Systems Engineer

Rocklin, CA

$109K - $149K/yr

You will partner closely with senior engineers, architects, and support teams to deliver reliable platform services, improve day-to-day operations, and contribute to the continued evolution of Linux ...

Review code, architecture decisions, and technical designsEnsure adherence to coding standards and best practices * Participate in technical discussions and problem-solving * Stay current with ...

Showing results 21-40

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 10, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,312 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer - CSP Engagements

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our CSP Engagements team, focusing on system software for Datacenter products such as GB200. This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded firmware, Linux kernel development, and middleware development, with customer-facing responsibilities to enable cloud service providers with next-generation computing platforms. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, driving technical solutions from concept through deployment.

What you'll be doing:

  • Design and develop software solutions for data center servers including Linux kernel modifications, device drivers, and system optimizations for GB200 and next-gen platforms.

  • Lead hardware bring-up activities, BSP development, and hardware-software co-design for Cloud Service Provider deployments.

  • Partner directly with CSPs to deliver technical solutions, co-develop & co-debug features and optimizations, and provide support during new product introductions.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in designing end-to-end solutions spanning firmware, OS, middleware, and applications with focus on AI/ML and HPC workloads.

  • Perform advanced system debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization for large-scale data center environments.

  • Collaborate with AE, FAE, and Solution Architect teams to deliver integrated customer solutions and technical documentation.

What we need to see:

  • Deep expertise in data center server architectures, HPC systems, and hardware-software co-design.

  • Expert knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, communication protocols (PCIe, USB, Ethernet).

  • Deep understanding of computer architecture, microprocessor concepts, and expert knowledge of ARM (aarch64) and x86 architectures.

  • Ability to debug kernel crash dumps and all types of lock-up issues. Hands-on experience with GDB, kdump, and eBPF tracing to debug multiprocessor systems. Good understanding of ARM and Intel assembly.

  • Strong understanding of PCIe virtualization and IOMMU.

  • Deep understanding of NUMA architectures including memory topology, processor-memory locality, and performance optimization for multi-CPU systems in data center environments.

  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, plus experience with virtualization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures.

  • Skilled in complex system-level debugging, performance analysis, and test design.

  • BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of system software development experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with GPU computing (CUDA), deep learning workloads

  • Expertise in Out of Band and In-band management architectures

  • Knowledge of Memory fabric and CXL architectures

NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us. If you're creative, hardworking and self-motivated, we want to hear from you!

Do you want to join a team of highly motivated and experienced program managers who drive the successful introduction of NVIDIA's next generation GPU/CPU based products? We work closely with internal leaders in Software, Hardware, Firmware, Marketing and Operations to ensure the SW team delivers outstanding products while operating across multiple functional units and all levels of management to achieve Time-To-Market. As part of the team, your knowledge of driver, firmware, diagnostics and the SW stack development processes and priorities will enable you to swiftly make the course adjustments needed to keep these complex projects on track!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 3, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

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Benefits

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993