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Senior Linux System Administrator Jobs in Virginia

Nwis

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Nwis

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Nightwing

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $163K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

Nightwing

Linux System Administrator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$99K - $206K/yr

Nightwing is seeking a Technical Engagement Network (TEN) Lab Manager with experience in Linux Systems Administrator to support the design, development, and deployment of advanced cybersecurity ...

MANTECH

Linux Systems Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Senior Linux Systems Administrator to join our team in Chantilly, VA. As a Linux Systems Administrator, you will help maintain and enhance the Sponsor ...

MANTECH

Linux Systems Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Senior Linux Systems Administrator to join our team in Chantilly, VA. As a Linux Systems Administrator, you will help maintain and enhance the Sponsor ...

MANTECH

Linux Systems Administrator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Senior Linux Systems Administrator to join our team in Chantilly, VA. As a Linux Systems Administrator, you will help maintain and enhance the Sponsor ...

AeroVironment

Linux System Administrator

Herndon, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Worker Type Regular Are you looking for a with unique opportunity to learn and grow as a Linux System Administrator. If so, AV is looking for you to join the Cyber and Intel Division's Operation ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLinux System Administrator JobsSenior Linux System Administrator JobsSenior Linux System Administrator Jobs in Virginia

Senior Linux System Administrator information

See Virginia salary details

$21.8K

$126.1K

$177K

How much do senior linux system administrator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system administrator in Virginia is $126,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $148,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior Linux system administrator?

A Senior Linux System Administrator is responsible for managing, configuring, and maintaining Linux-based systems and servers. They handle system performance tuning, security hardening, troubleshooting, and automation through scripting and configuration management tools. Additionally, they oversee backups, software updates, and infrastructure reliability. This role often involves mentoring junior administrators and collaborating with development and IT teams to support business operations.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a senior Linux system administrator?

Senior Linux System Administrators are responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux-based servers and infrastructure. Their daily tasks often include monitoring system performance, managing user permissions, applying security patches, automating processes through scripting, and troubleshooting technical issues. They regularly collaborate with developer, security, and operations teams to support new deployments and ensure system reliability. Additionally, they may mentor junior administrators and contribute to designing infrastructure improvements, making this a dynamic and influential role within IT operations.

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

To thrive as a Senior Linux System Administrator, you need deep expertise in Linux/UNIX system administration, scripting, networking, and troubleshooting, typically backed by several years of industry experience and a relevant degree or certifications like RHCE or CompTIA Linux+. Proficiency with tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Docker, and monitoring platforms, as well as experience with cloud environments, is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to mentor junior team members are crucial soft skills. These abilities are essential for ensuring reliable system uptime, seamless team collaboration, and effective response to complex IT challenges.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Virginia look for?

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What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Linux System Administrator jobs?

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Senior Linux System Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Linux System Administrator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,136 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Linux System Administrator

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$90K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.
Position Overview
By Light has an opening for a Sr. Systems Administrator (Linux/Unix) position supporting the Army National Guard (ARNG) in Falls Church, VA. This is an IT Service Management contract in support of the operation, modernization, expansion, and further evolution of the ARNG's global Information Technology (IT) services including networking, compute, storage, infrastructure, applications, hosting, and program management services. The GECOS program supports the ARNG enterprise IT infrastructure, its Wide Area Network (WAN), authentication and directory services, cybersecurity, application hosting, and associated services. GECOS uses ITIL best practices framework as the basis for IT Service Management (ITSM) model.
Three (3) days onsite with up to two (2) days telework. Onboarding/transition in period requires on-site support up to 60 days. GECOS work schedules are subject to change on direction by mission requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Provide system administration support for Linux operating systems including installing software, applying patches, managing file systems, monitoring performance, and troubleshooting alerts from monitoring tools.
  • Analyzes and resolves problems associated with the operating system, servers, hardware, and applications software.
  • Detects, diagnoses, and reports related problems on servers, including system failure analysis and recovery, insuring the consistency and integrity of file systems.
  • In-depth hardware configuration knowledge, shell programming expertise, and a solid understanding of standard concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, performs a variety of tasks, and works under general supervision.
  • Responsible for daily monitoring of interface programs between multiple enterprise systems; review daily logs and ensure successful completion.
  • Perform incremental and full cold backups/patching.
  • Responsible for DoD Linux Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
  • Provide performance metrics and usage charts, including CPU usage, disk usage and network uptime for the Linux Servers.
  • Provide general maintenance, upgrades, and new installation of servers and coordinate with data center personnel to execute. Document and generate business processes for day-to-day and emergency support procedures.
  • Install, test, and verify Linux Security patches; coordinating, documenting requirements and timelines, and working closely with service owners.
  • Perform systems security administration functions, including creation and maintenance of customer profiles and accounts.
  • Responsible for creating and/or maintaining standard operating procedures for the Linux documentation library.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain Ansible servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain STIG Manager servers and scripts.
  • Implement, configure, update, and maintain the Linux operating system firewall.
  • Experience in handling NFS, CIFS, and SMB permissions.

Required Experience/Qualifications
  • High school diploma or AA. Preferred - Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science or a related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education, technical certifications or training, or work experience.
  • 6+ years of overall demonstrated experience as a RHEL 7 and/or RHEL 8 Servers
  • Must Possess the appropriate baseline certification(s) to achieve DoD 8570.01-M
    Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II (CompTIA Security+ ce) and additional Computing Environment (CE) certification (RHEL7 and/or RHEL 8) When 8140 requirements are implemented on program/contract, employee will need to conform to 8140 certification standards
  • Experience managing RHEL 7 and RHEL 8 Linux servers
  • Highly versed in Linux administration and best practices
  • Familiar with enterprise network architectures
  • Experience with automated configuration management (Ansible, Puppet, Chef, etc.)
  • Familiar in programming/scripting skills for automation (Bash, Ruby, Python, Perl, etc.)
  • General understanding of Linux internals (system calls, file systems, processes, etc.)
  • General understanding of TCP/IP and related protocols (HTTP, FTP, NFS, etc.)
  • Experience with PowerShell scripting engine to automate tasks.
  • Excellent problem solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities, including understanding user requirements, troubleshooting technical issues, successfully resolving issues and challenges, and developing creative solutions for process improvement.
  • Dependability, in that the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction, and solicits feedback to improve.
  • Must have customer service experience as this position will require candidate to engage with senior military and government leadership.
  • Must be able to present your ideas clearly through briefings, meetings, and interaction with leadership of different skill sets.
  • Must be able to provide training sessions as required.
  • Must be able to engage with stakeholders to ensure tasks are progressing and meeting timelines.
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Excellent documentation skills
  • Strong organizational and collaborative skills
  • Strong teamwork and engagement as a project team member.
  • Ability to assimilate information rapidly, motivated to self-study new requirements.
  • Maintain current industry knowledge of relevant concepts, practices, and procedures.
  • Ability to work under time constraints.
  • Adapt to changes in requirements and new projects.
  • Manage or serve as a team lead.
  • Maintain and upgrade certifications.
  • Other duties may be assigned, directed, or requested.

Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Must have a minimum of an active Secret clearance at time of interview and candidate must maintain active clearance.

Salary Range
Salary Minimum: $90,000
Salary Maximum: $120,000
The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

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