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Senior Linux System Administrator Jobs in Springfield, VA

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Linux System Administrator information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$23K

$132.9K

$186.4K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system administrator in Springfield, VA is $132,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $156,700.00 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 Springfield, VA?

The most popular types of Linux System Administrator jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Springfield, VA?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Linux System Administrator jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Senior Linux System Administrator jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Senior Linux System Administrator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Linux System Administrator job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,893 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Senior Linux Systems Administrator

Computational Physics, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is seeking a Senior Linux System Administrator to support our customers at the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) in the deployment and maintenance of its precise timing and astrometry networks.
The USNO is responsible for the production and dissemination of precise parameters concerning time, star positions, and the earth's rotation to the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community, other U.S. Government (USG) users such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as non-USG civilian and international users. Distribution of these parameters supports GPS navigation, among other applications, an important national and international function. A reliable, secure, maintainable and manageable USNO network is crucial to the production and dissemination of these data products.
The position will be located at the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington D.C. Partial telework may be permitted in accordance with applicable Navy and Observatory guidance in effect at the time.
Required Qualifications
  • Seven (7) or more years of industry experience
  • Five (5) or more years of experience as a Linux System Administrator Experience managing, configuring, and patching
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) systems Experience applying STIGs and remediating vulnerabilities identified by ACAS or similar security tools Experience supporting systems in virtualized environments (e.g., VMware vSphere)
  • Experience integrating systems with monitoring and alerting platforms (e.g., SolarWinds, AIDE)
  • Experience configuring and managing centralized authentication services (e.g., Active Directory, Centrify, FreeIPA/IdM)
  • Experience installing and maintaining endpoint security tools (e.g., Trellix/McAfee, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint)
  • Experience configuring and managing centralized logging solutions (e.g., rsyslog, SIEM integrations)
  • Experience administering Linux systems using configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet)
  • Experience with DoD cybersecurity policies and frameworks is highly desirable

Education & Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in IT, CS, or related field
  • CompTIA Security+ CE
  • Active Top Secret Security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across system, network, and storage layers
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting SELinux
  • Experience managing RHEL lifecycle and patching using tools such as Red Hat Satellite or equivalent
  • Experience with container technologies (e.g., Podman, Docker)
  • Strong understanding of Linux networking (e.g., firewalld/nftables, DNS, routing, VLANs)
  • Experience with modern monitoring and observability platforms (e.g., Prometheus, Grafana, ELK)
  • Experience managing Linux storage (e.g., LVM, XFS, NFS, multipath) Experience developing and maintaining
  • Ansible playbooks/roles and using version control (e.g., Git)
  • Experience supporting compliance frameworks (e.g., RMF, STIG checklists, POA&M development)

U.S. citizenship is required for DoD contracts.
About CPI
We love science! We study the physical properties of the Earth and our atmosphere, neighboring planets, and the sun. We make the study of science practical by translating our findings into products, both hardware and software, that make our customer's lives easier and better. CPI has served various U.S. Government agencies, universities, international science organizations, prime contractors, as well as commercial customers for 40 years.
CPI is an employee-owned company -- our team members receive company stock. Employee ownership motivates and empowers increased productivity, contribution to the longevity of the business, improved retention, and enhanced employee engagement.
Why Work for Us?
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
  • Positive, upbeat, and transparent company culture with opportunities for self-development and career advancement
  • Employee-owned small business that allows team members to learn from each other and take ownership
  • Professional development support including conference attendance and certification training

Benefits
  • 401(k), Profit Sharing and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Disability insurance (short-term and long-term)
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental Leave
  • Tuition reimbursement

To apply please visit our careers page.
CPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.