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Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Demonstrated experience in planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is required. * Must be proficient with troubleshooting in a Linux Red Hat environment. * Extensive experience with VMWare

Demonstrated experience in planning and leading Systems Engineering efforts is required. * Must be proficient with troubleshooting in a Linux Red Hat environment. * Extensive experience with VMWare

Sr. Linux Systems Administrator

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

... System Administrator (RHCSA)) * Experience with: * Offline and air-gapped patching (Red Hat ... Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) * HPC experience with PBS ...

Sr. Linux Systems Administrator

Columbia, MD ยท On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

... System Administrator (RHCSA)) * Experience with: * Offline and air-gapped patching (Red Hat ... Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA) * HPC experience with PBS ...

ManTech seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Linux System Administrator to join our team in Laurel, MD. You will be part of a dedicated team delivering enterprise infrastructure ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Linux System Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$113.8K

$144.9K

$179.5K

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

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system engineer in Washington, DC is $144,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,600.00 and $156,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Senior Linux System Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,889 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Senior Linux Systems Administrator - Kubernetes

Quevera LLC

Annapolis Junction, MD โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

Quevera is seeking a highly skilled Senior Linux Systems Administrator – Kubernetes with an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph to support a high-visibility mission environment in Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

In this role, you will support an Intelligence Community-wide mission environment and a software development and engineering project working to productize its system. You will provide senior-level Linux system administration and engineering support within a Kubernetes-based environment, leveraging extensive experience with CentOS/RHEL Linux, Kubernetes tooling, container fundamentals, and Bash.


Work Schedule:

  • Duty hours are Monday through Friday. 
  • Preferred shift is 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • The team provides coverage from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide Linux system administration and engineering support within a high-visibility mission environment. 
  • Support a software development and engineering project working to productize its system. 
  • Support an Intelligence Community-wide mission environment and service. 
  • Administer and support CentOS/RHEL Linux environments. 
  • Support a Kubernetes-based environment utilizing Kubernetes tooling and container fundamentals. 
  • Apply Bash within the Linux and Kubernetes environment.


Minimum Requirements:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required. 
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Linux System Administrator or Linux Systems Engineer. 
  • Linux administration experience with CentOS and/or RHEL. 
  • Kubernetes (K8s) experience, including Kubernetes tooling and container fundamentals. 
  • Bash experience. 
  • Active Security+ certification.


Desired Skills:

  • Red Hat certification. 
  • Experience with High Side/Classified networking. 
  • Experience with Python. 
  • Experience with Ansible. 
  • Experience with Salt. 
  • Experience with VMware. 
  • Experience working in Agile environments. 
  • DevOps experience. 
  • Experience with Key Management and/or Encryption technologies. 
  • Experience with storage. 
  • Experience with networking. 
  • Experience with security compliance. 
  • Experience with authentication. 
  • Experience with physical server administration. 
  • Current or recently held SYS3 PRIVAC level desired; candidates without a current SYS3 will need to apply for SYS3.

 

Why Join Quevera?

Award-Winning Culture

Quevera was recognized as a Top Workplace in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region for 2025, marking our fifth consecutive year receiving this distinction based on employee feedback.

Outstanding Benefits

We invest in our employees and their families through a highly competitive benefits package, including:

  • 100% employer-paid medical coverage (optional plan)
  • Competitive options for Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
  • Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Employer-paid life insurance
  • $5,000 annually for education, training, certifications, and professional development
  • Career advancement through our structured iQTouch Program
  • Up to 6% 401(k) match
  • Additional 4% profit-sharing contribution, at company discretion

At Quevera, we believe exceptional people deserve exceptional opportunities. We're more than just a workplace—we're a team of innovators, problem-solvers, and industry experts committed to delivering mission-critical solutions while fostering professional growth, collaboration, and technical excellence.

Quevera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action 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. #LI-AA1