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Senior Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across ...

Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Keywords: Chicago IL Jobs, Senior Systems Engineer, Linux Servers, Scripting, Automation Tools, TCP/IP, Networking Concepts, Trading Infrastructure, Financial, Software Engineer, Architect ...

Systems Engineer

Virginia, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Demonstrated experience with LINUX systems engineering and administration. Desired Skills: * Demonstrated experience with security-controlled systems, CipherTrust enterprise hardware security modules ...

Linux Systems Administrator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$82K - $110K/yr

Responsibilities Sentinel is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer for one of our strategic partners. This administrator is responsible to install, administer, and support Red Hat Enterprise Linux, VMware ...

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Chicago IL Jobs, Senior Trading Systems Engineer, Linux Servers, Scripting, Automation Tools, TCP/IP, Networking Concepts, Trading Infrastructure, Financial, Software Engineer, Architect, Programmer ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Linux Server administration * Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation platforms * Public cloud infrastructure * Server deployment and patch management tooling * Infrastructure and platform ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Linux Server administration * Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and automation platforms * Public cloud infrastructure * Server deployment and patch management tooling * Infrastructure and platform ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Linux Systems Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$97.4K

$124K

$153.6K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux systems engineer in Illinois is $123,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,300.00 and $133,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior Linux systems engineer do?

A Senior Linux Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex Linux-based systems and servers within an organization. Their duties often include configuring system architecture, ensuring system security and reliability, automating processes with scripting, and troubleshooting advanced issues. They may also mentor junior engineers, manage large-scale deployments, and contribute to planning the IT infrastructure. This role requires deep expertise in Linux operating systems, networking, and system optimization.

How does a senior Linux systems engineer typically collaborate with development and security teams?

A Senior Linux Systems Engineer often works closely with development teams to ensure that infrastructure is tailored to the needs of applications, facilitating smooth deployments and resolving compatibility issues. Collaboration with security teams is also essential, as they help implement and maintain system hardening, intrusion detection, and compliance with security policies. Regular meetings, ticketing systems, and cross-functional project planning are common ways these teams work together to ensure system reliability, security, and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior Linux systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Linux Systems Engineer, you need expert-level knowledge of Linux/Unix systems administration, scripting languages (such as Bash or Python), and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with configuration management tools (like Ansible or Puppet), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., RHCE, LFCS) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to mentor junior engineers distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring system reliability, optimizing performance, and driving team success in complex IT environments.

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

AspectSenior Linux Systems EngineerLinux Systems Administrator
CertificationsLinux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC), RHCELPIC, RHCE often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and optimizing Linux infrastructureMaintaining, monitoring, and supporting Linux systems
ResponsibilitiesAdvanced system architecture, scripting, troubleshooting complex issuesRoutine system setup, updates, user management
Industry UsageTech companies, data centers, cloud providersEnterprises, hosting providers, IT departments

The main difference is that Senior Linux Systems Engineers focus on designing and optimizing Linux infrastructure, while Linux Systems Administrators handle daily maintenance and support tasks. The engineer role involves more strategic planning and complex problem-solving, whereas the administrator role emphasizes operational support and system stability.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs in IL?

For Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Linux Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

We're seeking a Linux Engineer with deep systems expertise and Python/scripting experience to join our growing global team. You will be responsible for engineering and operating Linux at scale across our mission critical environment, while also improving automation and self-service tools that enhance our ability to manage IMC's servers.
The Linux Engineering team is responsible for the provisioning, configuration, performance, and reliability of a large-scale Linux infrastructure that supports a diverse set of workloads. These include ultra-low latency systems critical to high-frequency trading, as well as high-throughput environments that run research workflows and a wide variety of Kubernetes-based applications. This role requires strong Linux fundamentals applied at scale, with automation as a key enabler for consistency and efficiency across the fleet. Your initiative, collaborative attitude, problem-solving skills, and focus on continuous improvement will help ensure IMC stays competitive by bringing the latest technologies and practices into production.
Your Core Responsibilities:
  • Apply deep Linux engineering expertise to troubleshoot and resolve complex issues on enterprise systems, ensuring stability and performance
  • Enhance configuration management code and processes that we use to manage over 10,000 bare-metal Linux systems globally
  • Develop and maintain Python/Bash tools to support large-scale Linux systems management
  • Improve provisioning workflows to seamlessly build bare servers into production-ready platforms
  • Extend Linux-focused metrics, logging, monitoring, and alerting integrations for full fleet visibility
  • Communicate updates and status clearly and frequently with peers and stakeholders through meetings, tracking tickets, code reviews, chats, and merge requests

Your Skills and Experience:
  • Hands-on Linux systems engineering, administration, and provisioning expertise applied at scale, preferably on bare-metal systems
  • Configuration management at scale, preferably on bare-metal servers with Puppet and Hiera
  • Python development for automation, APIs, design, testing, and debugging
  • Ansible playbook authorship and complex task automation
  • RPM design, build, publishing, and in-house repository management
  • CI/CD pipelines, Git version control, branching and merging best practices
  • Strong system and network troubleshooting with tools such as EBPF, tcpdump, strace, systemd, ntp/ptp, lsof, and nc
  • Networking fundamentals: routing, DNS, TCP/UDP/multicast
  • Experience building and publishing Docker images
  • Working familiarity with Kubernetes
  • Exposure to monitoring stacks such as Prometheus, Grafana, and AlertManager, with a focus on Linux telemetry and exporter development
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

The Base Salary range for the role is included below. Base salary is only one component of total compensation; all full-time, permanent positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and benefits, including paid leave and insurance. Please visit Benefits - US | IMC Trading for more comprehensive information.
Salary Range
$150,000-$225,000 USD
About Us
IMC is a research-driven trading firm where quantitative modeling, machine learning, and engineering shape how modern markets are traded. A stabilizing force in markets since 1989, we provide liquidity across trading venues, delivering the best outcome in value and risk management to investors. Using our own technology and capital, we build proprietary systems and algorithms that operate across global markets. Our researchers, traders, and engineers work as a collective, combining rapid experimentation, advanced infrastructure, and real-time feedback to turn insight into execution and execution into advantage.