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Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a Senior Linux Systems Engineer with a strong background in Linux ... system documentation, security hardening, and diagnosing andtroubleshooting system and network ...

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a Senior Linux Systems Engineer with a strong background in Linux ... system documentation, security hardening, and diagnosing and troubleshooting system and network ...

Responsibilities We are seeking a Senior Linux Systems Engineer with a strong background in Linux ... system documentation, security hardening, and diagnosing andtroubleshooting system and network ...

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

We are looking for a highly motivated Senior Linux Systems Engineer to join our Computing Team! You ... Optimize system performance through kernel and filesystem tuning; identify and eliminate I/O ...

Entarian is looking for a Senior UNIX/Linux System Engineer for a mixed and growing environment of Red Hat Enterprise Linux/Oracle Enterprise Linux and Solaris UNIX. The responsibilities include but ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Linux System Engineer information

See salary details

$100.5K

$127.9K

$158.5K

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

As of Aug 10, 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?

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
What cities are hiring for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Linux System Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux System Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Linux System Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Linux System Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Linux System Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Linux System Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Linux System Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,927 per year, or $61.5 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days 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

88th of 223 rated it services


Job description

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REQ#: RQ224273Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to support our nation's defense. Make an impact by connecting and securing critical operations across the globe, keeping our country safe and secure.

Job Description

Advance how our customers operate while you advance your career. Join GDIT as a Senior Linux Systems Engineer and build an impactful career in enterprise IT, collaborating with people who are driven and resourceful like you.
MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT
As a Senior Linux Systems Engineer, the work youll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of USCENTCOM. You will play a crucial role in configuration, maintenance, and optimization of Linux-based server environments supporting a large-scale enterprise infrastructure. This role supports mission-critical systems across an environment of more than 5,000 users, 1,000 servers, and 10,000 endpoints. The administrator will collaborate closely with other Enterprise Services teams to ensure system availability, performance, security compliance, and operational efficiency in support of USCENTCOM mission requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Configure, deploy, and maintain Linux server environments, including physical and virtual systems.

  • Administer Red Hat and CentOS Linux systems, ensuring stability, performance, and security compliance.

  • Configure and manage Linux services such as Apache, Nginx, DNS, DHCP, LDAP, and related system services.

  • Monitor system performance and availability, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact operations.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex system issues, including problems without existing documented solutions.

  • Implement system patches, updates, and security hardening in accordance with DoD and organizational policies.

  • Manage SSL/TLS certificate lifecycle activities supporting Linux-based services.

  • Collaborate with infrastructure, network, storage, and security teams to design and implement Linux-based solutions aligned with enterprise requirements.

  • Participate in system upgrades, migrations, and the deployment of new Linux infrastructure components.

  • Ensure incidents, problems, and service requests are tracked, prioritized, escalated, and resolved appropriately.

  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system configurations, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures.

  • Produce reports and data sets to inform leadership of system performance, trends, and improvement opportunities.

  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior administrators and team members.

  • Support projects focused on improving the security, efficiency, scalability, and resilience of Linux environments.

  • Assist in developing and enforcing system policies and best practices.

  • Participate in enterprise initiatives to modernize and standardize infrastructure services.

  • Contribute to continuous improvement efforts across Enterprise Services teams.


WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your technology expertise and drive for innovation to GDIT. The Systems Administrator Senior must have:

  • Certification: Applicable DoD 8140 or DoD 8570 Certification

  • Experience: 5+ years of related experience

  • Required skills:

    • Demonstrated proficiency administering Red Hat and CentOS Linux systems in enterprise environments.

    • Strong experience building, deploying, and maintaining Linux server infrastructures.

    • Expertise in system performance tuning, availability management, and security hardening.

    • Experience implementing patches, updates, and configuration changes in controlled environments.

    • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex systems issues under operational constraints.

    • Strong documentation skills for system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

    • Proven ability to work collaboratively across multiple IT disciplines.

  • Desired Skills:

    • Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) or higher

    • ITIL 4 Foundation Certification

    • Experience supporting USCENTCOM environments and familiarity with mission systems and operational requirements.

    • Knowledge of enterprise-scale infrastructure operations.

    • Experience mentoring junior administrators and contributing to team development.

  • Security clearance level: Current/active TS/SCI clearance is required

  • US citizenship required due to the TS/SCI clearance requirement.


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

  • Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities

  • Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals

  • Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off

  • Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace


OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and youll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.

#ARMA

#GDITPRIORITY

#CENTCOM/CITS

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

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

Certification

Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) | Red Hat - Red Hat

ITIL 4 Foundation | PeopleCert - PeopleCert

CompTIA Security+ CE | CompTIA - CompTIA

Travel Required

Less than 10%

Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship Required

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $127,500 - $172,500. 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