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Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diverse Lynx

Linux System Engineer

Addison, IL

$60 - $70/hr

Plano, TX/Hybrid Linux System Engineer Experience Required - 10+ Yrs Responsibilities: * Install, configure, and maintain Linux servers (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu, SUSE). * Perform system monitoring ...

FANTOM CORPORATION

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

We are seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to support a mission-critical enterprise Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform, ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of enterprise ...

aqua IT

Linux System Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Aqua IT is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to provide support to a mission critical enterprise identity and access management system. Success in this role will require developing an ...

SolGenie

Linux Cloud System Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Linux Cloud System Engineer Location: Santa Clara CA (Onsite) Duration: Long Term We are seeking a Linux Cloud System Engineer with strong expertise in Linux system administration and cloud ...

Leidos

Senior Linux System Administrator

Alexandria, VA

$107K - $195K/yr

The Senior Linux System Administrator will work within a team engineers, developers and system administrators, adding new capabilities to our enclaves, as well as ensuring the existing systems are ...

Leidos

Senior Linux System Administrator

Washington, DC

$107K - $195K/yr

The Senior Linux System Administrator will work within a team engineers, developers and system administrators, adding new capabilities to our enclaves, as well as ensuring the existing systems are ...

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Senior Linux System Engineer information

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$100.5K

$127.9K

$158.5K

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux system engineer in the United States is $127,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,000.00 and $138,000.00 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.

More about Senior Linux System Engineer jobs
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Senior Linux System Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Linux System Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,927 per year, or $61.5 per hour.
Senior Linux System Administrator

Senior Linux System Administrator

Integration Innovation, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
i3 is looking for an experienced Senior Linux System Administrator to join our team. In this role, you'll be the go-to person for keeping our mission-critical Linux systems secure, stable, and running smoothly. We work in a dynamic environment supporting multiple organizations, so we need someone who communicates well, adapts quickly, and knows how to operate effectively.
You'll be working closely with our engineering and security teams to troubleshoot complex issues across both Linux and Windows platforms. Because of the nature of the mission, you might occasionally need to jump in during off-hours to provide support, but your primary focus will be day-to-day administration, security, and infrastructure stability.
Responsibilities
  • System Administration & Security: Build and maintain our Linux configurations, locking them down according to DISA STIGs and JSIG requirements. You'll also manage user accounts, permissions, and daily monitoring to make sure our hardware and key processes are highly available.
  • Vulnerability Management: A big part of this job is keeping us secure. You'll run regular ACAS scans, handle system patching, and remediate vulnerabilities.
  • DevOps & Infrastructure: You will own and administer our GitLab environment. This includes managing users, configuring repositories, and supporting CI/CD pipelines, as well as handling containerization and Kubernetes.
  • Operations: You'll take care of routine backups to ensure all our system data is recoverable, and you'll write and maintain the documentation for how our systems are installed and secured.

Qualifications
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on work experience).
  • 10+ years of Linux systems administrator experience, specifically working inside classified environments.
  • Active Top Secret clearance (including SAP Eligibility).
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Deep experience working in a mixed OS environment (Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Server).
    • Strong scripting skills-you should be comfortable writing in Bash, Python, or PowerShell.
    • Real-world experience with GitLab, CI/CD configurations, Kubernetes, and containerization.
    • You need to be heavily familiar with DoD security practices, ACAS, and applying STIGs.
  • Certifications: You must meet industry baseline requirements, which means you need at least a CompTIA Security+ and a Red Hat certification (RHCSA or higher). Network+ and containerization certs are bonus.
  • Security Practices: You need to know the ins and outs of OPSEC and PHYSEC measures and how to conduct yourself professionally in a classified environment.

Preferred:
  • A Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) certification.
  • A Cisco certification (CCNA or above).
  • Hands-on experience with virtualization, specifically VMware (and related certifications).
  • Experience using log centralizing tech like Splunk or the ELK Stack.

Knowledge/Skills
  • Knowledge of office administration and procedures.
  • Exceptional judgment capabilities and relationship management skills.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and client service skills; ability to clearly communicate in discussions and written documents, and to deliver feedback clearly and tactfully.
  • Interact with a diverse array of customers and staff in a professional and courteous manner.
  • Work independently with accountability for accurate and complete results.
  • Be extremely organized and exceptionally detail oriented.
  • Work well both independently and in a team environment.
  • Be energized by a fast-paced work environment.
  • Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
  • Analyze information and respond appropriately.
  • Manage time wisely and prioritize tasks.
  • Provide superior customer service.
  • Multi-task in a pleasant manner.
  • Work well under pressure.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
  • Regular i3 hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, however, additional hours may be required on occasion. Regular and punctual attendance is required.

About i3
i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.
Perks of being a team member owner include:
  • Long-term financial security
  • Higher job satisfaction
  • Greater job security
  • Personal and professional growth
  • Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:
  • Excellent insurance coverage
  • 401(k) match
  • Generous PTO
  • Health and wellness incentives
  • Tuition and certification reimbursement
  • Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard. Apply now to join us!

Apply