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Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Linux Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$57 - $71/hr

... System administration (users, permissions, services, networking) o Patch management tools (yum/dnf/apt) · Experience with vulnerability remediation and security best practices. · Strong ...

Senior Linux Systems Administrator Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company's Information ... Monitor and optimize system performance, ensuring high availability, reliability, security and ...

Senior Linux Systems Administrator Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company's Information ... Monitor and optimize system performance, ensuring high availability, reliability, security and ...

Senior Linux Systems Administrator Company: The Boeing Company The Boeing Company's Information ... Monitor and optimize system performance, ensuring high availability, reliability, security and ...

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Senior Linux System Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$104.6K

$133.1K

$164.9K

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

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system engineer in Reston, VA is $133,089.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,800.00 and $143,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Linux System Engineer, you need deep expertise in Linux operating systems, scripting (such as Bash, Python, or Perl), system architecture, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with configuration management tools (like Ansible or Puppet), virtualization platforms, cloud services, and certifications such as RHCE or LPIC are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you efficiently manage complex environments and mentor junior staff. These capabilities are crucial for ensuring system stability, security, and scalability in mission-critical IT infrastructures.

What are some common challenges a Senior Linux System Engineer faces when managing large-scale server environments?

Senior Linux System Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining system uptime, managing complex configurations, and ensuring security across a large number of servers. Troubleshooting issues in distributed environments, automating repetitive tasks, and keeping systems up-to-date with the latest patches are also frequent responsibilities. Collaboration with development, security, and networking teams is essential to resolve cross-functional issues and implement new solutions efficiently. Staying current with evolving technologies and best practices is key to overcoming these challenges and excelling in the role.

What does a Senior Linux System Engineer do?

A Senior Linux System Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Linux-based systems and servers within an organization. They ensure the reliability, security, and optimal performance of these systems, often leading projects and mentoring junior engineers. Their tasks may include automation, scripting, system updates, monitoring, and responding to incidents. They also collaborate with other IT teams to support business needs and implement best practices for system administration.

What is the difference between Senior Linux System Engineer vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectSenior Linux System EngineerLinux System Administrator
CertificationsLinux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), RHCELPIC, RHCE often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and optimizing Linux infrastructureMaintaining and supporting existing Linux systems
ResponsibilitiesAdvanced troubleshooting, system architecture, scriptingSystem setup, user management, routine maintenance

The Senior Linux System Engineer typically focuses on designing and optimizing Linux environments, requiring advanced skills and certifications. In contrast, the Linux System Administrator handles daily maintenance and support tasks. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and complexity.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? For Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Senior Linux System Engineer job openings:
Sr. Linux Systems Engineer

$142K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 hours ago


General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 208 rated it services


Job description

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REQ#: RQ222678Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to work alongside federal civilian agencies. Make an impact by providing services that help the government ensure the well being and support of U.S. citizens.

Job Description
GDIT is seeking an experienced Sr.Linux Systems Engineer to support critical IT operations for federal government projects. In this key role, you will leverage your strong Linux expertise to administer, optimize, and secure systems that ensure high availability, scalability, and reliability of technical infrastructure.As a part of GDIT's mission-driven team, you will implement solutions, diagnose challenges, and drive operational efficiencies across complex environments while collaborating with cross-functional teams.Key Responsibilities:
  • System Administration:Install, configure, manage, and maintain Linux systems, including servers, virtualization platforms, and cloud computing environments.
  • Performance Optimization:Monitor system performance, conduct capacity analysis, and address bottlenecks to ensure system efficiency and availability.
  • System Security:Implement security measures, conduct audits, and ensure compliance with organizational and federal security requirements.
  • Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution:Use advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting skills to resolve system issues, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Automation:Develop and maintain scripts and automation tools to streamline repetitive tasks and improve operational productivity.
  • Patch Management:Maintain systems by performing software updates, patches, and upgrades while testing functionality and compatibility.
  • Infrastructure Documentation:Create and update system documentation to include configurations, processes, and procedures.
  • Collaboration:Partner with application teams and other IT stakeholders to support system-level integration, patch workflows, and maintenance activities.
  • Scalability & Efficiency:Drive innovation to scale infrastructure capabilities while enhancing system operability.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Education:Bachelors degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Experience:8-10+ years of hands-on Linux systems administration experience across enterprise environments.
  • Technical Competencies:
    • Deep proficiency in Linux operating systems such as Red Hat, CentOS, or Ubuntu.
    • Expertise in command-line interfaces and scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python, or Perl).
    • Experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef).
    • Familiarity with virtualization technologies like VMware, KVM, or Hyper-V and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
    • Networking knowledge (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, NFS, and firewalls).
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certifications:
    • Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE), Linux Professional Institute Certifications (LPIC-2/LPIC-3), or equivalent.
  • Hands-on experience with containerization tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Familiarity with security and compliance frameworks (DISA STIGs, NIST, CIS benchmarks).
Onsite Work Location:Can work either in Germantown, MD or Washington, DC
Security Clearance:DOE Q or TS Clearance is required.
Citizenship:US Citizenship required. Why Join GDIT?At GDIT, your skills and experience will play an integral role in advancing mission-critical operations.
  • Career Growth:AI-powered tools and internal mobility programs to support your professional development.
  • Comprehensive Benefits:Competitive pay, health and wellness packages, 401(k) company match, and generous paid time off.
  • Workplace Innovation:Access to cutting-edge technologies and a culture focused on advancement, teamwork, and innovation.
  • Community Impact:Participate in a diverse and collaborative environment recognized for driving excellence.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Join GDIT to combine your Linux expertise with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on critical IT operations.#WeAreGDIT #NNSAITOPS
Work Requirements
Years of Experience

8 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $142,792 - $178,250. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US