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Senior Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pay rate : $60/hr - $75/hr Duration : 12 months contract As a Sr. Linux Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our Linux server infrastructure ...

Pay rate : $60/hr - $75/hr Duration : 12 months contract As a Sr. Linux Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our Linux server infrastructure ...

Description Pay rate : $60/hr - $75/hr Duration : 12 months contract As a Sr. Linux Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our Linux server ...

#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

... Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers and test teams ... Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team ...

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Torrance, CA ยท On-site

$165K - $231K/yr

As Senior Embedded Linux Engineer, you will own the embedded Linux platform underneath Neros products -- the distribution, kernel, bootloader, and SDK that our flight, ground-station, and autonomy ...

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Senior Linux Engineer information

See California salary details

$10

$57

$75

How much do senior linux engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior linux engineer in California is $57.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior Linux engineer?

A Senior Linux Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux-based systems and infrastructure. They ensure system reliability, security, and performance while automating tasks using scripting and configuration management tools. This role often involves troubleshooting complex issues, optimizing system resources, and collaborating with development and operations teams. Senior Linux Engineers also contribute to scaling IT environments, integrating new technologies, and mentoring junior engineers. Strong expertise in networking, security, and cloud-based solutions is typically required for this position.

What does a senior Linux engineer do?

Senior Linux Engineers are often responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining scalable Linux-based infrastructure, automating routine tasks, and ensuring high system availability. They regularly collaborate with software development teams, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and implement security best practices. In addition, they may participate in infrastructure upgrades, disaster recovery planning, and mentor junior team members. This combination of technical and collaborative work keeps the role both challenging and rewarding while offering opportunities for professional development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Linux engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Linux Engineer, you need in-depth expertise in Linux system administration, scripting, networking, and troubleshooting, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field and several years of hands-on experience. Familiarity with tools such as Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, and certifications like RHCE or LPIC are highly valued. Strong analytical skills, clear communication, and the ability to mentor junior engineers help set top performers apart. These skills are essential for maintaining reliable infrastructure, driving automation, and supporting team success in dynamic technical environments.

How much does a senior Linux engineer make?

A senior Linux engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $140,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications such as RHCE or LPIC. They often work with Linux systems, scripting, and cloud environments, with higher salaries in tech hubs and for those with specialized skills.

Is Linux still in demand?

Linux engineers are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems. Skills in Linux system administration, scripting, and familiarity with tools like Bash and Docker enhance job prospects in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Linux Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Linux Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Linux Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Linux Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Linux Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Linux Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Linux Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,627 per year, or $58 per hour.

Sr. Linux Engineer (Contract)

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

OMNIVISION
Software Developmentย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$60 - $75/hr

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Pay rate : $60/hr - $75/hr

Duration : 12  months contract 

As a Sr. Linux Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the stability, security, and efficiency of our Linux server infrastructure and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of technical tasks, requiring both deep expertise in Linux systems administration and the ability to innovate and automate solutions to enhance operational efficiency and manage a wide range of activities, including the architecture, planning, implementation, design, capacity management, and operational support for the Linux Virtual and Physical infrastructure for an on-premises environment. This role also supports Electronic Design Automation (EDA) compute environments, including EDA tools administration and IBM LSF job scheduler management.

Job Responsibilities  

  • Oversee and execute system-based projects, write scripts to automate manual processes, and create system documentation and diagrams. Provide system administration and configuration of specialized mission applications and software.
  • Strategic Infrastructure Management: Lead the administration, maintenance, and support of our Linux server environment and VDI infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and scalability to meet the evolving needs of the organization.
  • Automation & Configuration Management: Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of automation solutions leveraging Ansible and Ansible AWX for configuration management, provisioning, and orchestration of Linux servers and infrastructure components. Develop and maintain Ansible playbooks and AWX workflows to automate routine tasks, streamline system deployments, and enhance operational efficiency across the Linux environment.
  • EDA & IBM LSF Support: Administer and support Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software applications and compute environments. Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot the IBM LSF job scheduler, including queue configuration, resource allocation, license integration, and job throughput optimization to support engineering compute workloads.
  • Incident Resolution and Technical Escalations: Act as a point of escalation for complex technical issues, leveraging advanced troubleshooting skills to swiftly diagnose and resolve incidents, minimizing impact on business operations.
  • Advanced Problem Analysis and Resolution: Conduct in-depth analysis of system problems, particularly those related to hardware, EDA software applications, job scheduling systems, and operating system servers, employing sophisticated diagnostic techniques to implement effective solutions.
  • Comprehensive Documentation and Knowledge Management: Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, including automation scripts and procedures, to streamline troubleshooting processes, enhance team collaboration, and ensure continuity of operations.
  • Root Cause Analysis and Problem Management: Lead root cause analysis efforts for critical problems and major incidents, identifying underlying issues and implementing preventive measures to mitigate future occurrences, thereby safeguarding business continuity.
  • Proactive Performance Monitoring and Security Compliance: Utilize advanced monitoring tools and command-line interface utilities to continuously assess server performance, identify potential vulnerabilities, and ensure adherence to stringent security standards.
  • Change Management and Risk Mitigation: Spearhead the planning, coordinating, and executing of system software upgrades, patches, and firmware updates, meticulously evaluating risks and impacts to minimize disruptions and maintain system integrity.
  • On-call Support and Vendor Coordination: Provide responsive support during both regular business hours and after-hours as part of on-call rotations, collaborating closely with external vendors, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to swiftly resolve issues and optimize service delivery.
  • Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Proactively identify opportunities for process enhancements and technical innovations, advocating for adopting best practices and driving efficiency gains across the IT infrastructure landscape.
  • Effective Communication and Stakeholder Engagement: Interface with IT management, end-users, and departmental teams to communicate feedback, share insights, and champion initiatives aimed at enhancing operational excellence and delivering exceptional service quality.
  • By embracing these responsibilities, you will not only elevate the performance and reliability of our Linux infrastructure but also play a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives that propel our organization toward greater technological innovation and business success.

Job Requirements  

  • BS degree or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of experience as a Linux Engineer, with expert-level Linux systems administration; senior candidates should have 10+ years demonstrating advanced, expert-level Linux administration.
  • In-depth knowledge and expertise in Linux systems, preferably RedHat / Ubuntu, RedHat Satellite
  • Patching and vulnerability management on a monthly basis.

Version Control

SVN, GitLab

Scripting and Automation

Bash, Python, Ansible, Ansible AWX

Applications & Tools

SOS, Jira, Confluence, Nagios, GitHub, Jenkins, Linux Kickstart, Cobbler, Puppet, Chef

EDA Applications & Job Scheduling

Working knowledge of how Electronic Design Automation (EDA) applications function and support their compute environments.

Hands-on experience with the IBM LSF job scheduler, LSF RTM including installation, configuration, queue and resource management, license scheduler integration, and troubleshooting job scheduling issues.

Hardware

Hands-on experience with Dell PowerEdge GPU servers, Dell MX7000 Chassis and MX700 series blade configuration; Cisco UCS blades and rack servers.

Security Tools

Automox, Qualys, Axonius, Splunk SEIM agent deployment

Storage

NFS and iSCSI storage concepts; cron jobs and rsync functionality.

Networking

TCP/IP, VLAN, DNS, load balancing, and security concepts.

Database Maintenance

MySQL, PostgreSQL

Virtualization

Experience with VMware (version 8 and above) and Citrix StoreFront for Linux workloads.

Transferable Skills

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with a diversity of people.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and manage time effectively; analytical problem-solving and project management skills.
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

This is a contract position and is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We are accepting applications only from candidates who are able to work directly on a W-2 or 1099 basis.

Please note: We are not accepting submissions from third-party agencies, staffing firms, or other intermediaries for this position. Direct candidate applications only.