1

Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs in Waterloo, IL

Senior Systems Engineer

Arnold, MO ยท On-site

$130 - $140K/hr

Support integration and testing of hardware/software system components across a complex, multi-site ... Red Hat Enterprise Linux, YUM, Satellite, and Capsule technologies * Enterprise storage systems:

Senior Systems Engineer 112-167

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Guides Mid-level and Junior-level system engineers performing requirements engineering, solutions ... Senior-level working experience in government or industry in relevant work areas including: DoD/IC ...

Systems Engineer Senior-Level 112-113

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Guides Mid-level and Junior-level system engineers performing requirements engineering, solutions ... Senior-level working experience in government or industry in relevant work areas including: DoD/IC ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Linux System Engineer information

See Waterloo, IL salary details

$93.1K

$118.5K

$146.8K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system engineer in Waterloo, IL is $118,486.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,300.00 and $127,800.00 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 cities near Waterloo, IL are hiring for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IL with the most Senior Linux System Engineer job openings:

Senior Systems Engineer

D2 Technical Services

Arnold, MO โ€ข On-site

$130 - $140K/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

**ACTIVE TS/SCI SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED**

Think strategically. Deliver technically. Shape the architecture.

At D2 Tech Services, Senior Systems Engineers aren't order-takers - they're the people who look at a complex, multi-site enterprise and figure out how to make it better. You'll work across contracts and service lanes, translating technical reality into architecture artifacts, integration plans, and documented solutions that drive the mission forward.

We're looking for a self-aware, highly adaptive engineer who can communicate as fluently with leadership as with fellow engineers - someone who takes ownership, pursues continuous improvement, and brings eight years of enterprise-scale systems experience to a team that values all three.

What you'll own

You'll collaborate with senior engineering and project integration staff - producing architecture artifacts, driving integration efforts, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks across a portfolio of managed services.

  • Assess, document, and track program requirements - existing and emerging - alongside Senior Engineering and Project Integration staff
  • Develop architectural documentation, integration artifacts, and graphical and narrative presentations that bring complex systems into focus
  • Support integration and testing of hardware/software system components across a complex, multi-site program
  • Collaborate with engineers across multiple contracts to produce architecture artifacts spanning technical, physical, and logical designs
  • Monitor service line communication channels and respond to immediate needs throughout the day
  • Leverage subject matter experts across contracts and service lanes to develop and document comprehensive environment solutions
  • Manage assigned service tickets and coordinate closure with relevant stakeholders
What you bring to the tableMust-haves
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • 8+ years of experience as a Systems Engineer supporting complex, multi-site enterprise-scale environments; B.S. in Computer Science or related field
  • IAT Level II DoD 8570 compliance (CompTIA Security+ or equivalent)
  • Proven ability to write detailed, accurate technical documentation
Strong differentiators
  • Experience presenting technical material to internal and external leadership
  • IT project integration experience: running control gates, tracking tasks, coordinating across service lanes
  • Data flow validation and interface management with mission application service providers
  • Technical diagram production with Microsoft Visio
  • Project tracking tool proficiency: Jira, Confluence, Kanban boards, or similar
  • Demonstrated accountability and a drive for continuous improvement through certifications, education, or self-directed learning
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal presence
Deep expertise in one or more areas

The strongest candidates will bring deep knowledge in at least one of these disciplines and working familiarity with others:

  • Juniper / Cisco networking
  • Cisco ASA / Palo Alto firewall engineering
  • VMware infrastructure and architectures, virtual networking, vROPS
  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux, YUM, Satellite, and Capsule technologies
  • Enterprise storage systems: EMC Unity, Isilon, or NetApp
  • Enterprise-scale backup technologies
  • DISA STIG audits, hardening, and remediation
  • Certification and Accreditation (C&A) and Risk Management Frameworks (RMF)
What you'll gain technical exposure to

This role is a platform for growth. Depending on your background and the program's needs, you can expect hands-on exposure to:

  • Enterprise-scale system integration and design
  • Enterprise virtualized environments
  • LAN and WAN technologies
  • Firewall technologies and DMZ architectures
  • Enterprise-class storage: NAS and SAN
  • Backup technologies: NetBackup, Cohesity, and Veeam

Your clearance. Your experience. Your next challenge.

D2 Tech Services is actively interviewing cleared Senior Systems Engineers. If you're ready to think strategically, own your work, and support a mission that matters - apply now.

Additional Information

  • All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
  • Compensation is unique to each candidate and relative to the skills and experience they bring to the position. The salary range for this position is typically $130-$140k. This does not guarantee a specific salary as compensation is based upon multiple factors such as education, experience, certifications, and other requirements, and may fall outside of the above-stated range.
  • Highlights of our benefits include Health/Dental/Vision, 401(k) match, Accrued PTO, STD/LTD/Life Insurance, Referral Bonuses, professional development reimbursement, and more!

D2 Technical Services is committed to a merit-based recruitment process and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.ย  As a Veteran-Owned Small Business, we particularly welcome applications from veterans who have the requisite skills and experience.ย  Job applicants that are interested in one of our openings and may require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, should contact us to request an accommodation.