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Senior Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Platform Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

Sr. Platform Engineer USX HEADQUARTERS Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Position open to remote ... Linux systems • Ability to write Helm Charts for deploying any type of resource • In depth ...

Senior Power Systems Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

Position Overview EnerNex is seeking an experienced Senior Power Systems Engineer to support and lead complex power system studies and consulting engagements for utilities, system operators ...

The Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Services is responsible for designing, implementing ... Experienced in supporting Commvault backup environment, including VMware, Windows OS, Linux Red Hat ...

The Systems Engineer, Infrastructure Services is responsible for designing, implementing ... Experienced in supporting Commvault backup environment, including VMware, Windows OS, Linux Red Hat ...

Sr. Software Engineer (Data Center Automation)

Memphis, TN · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

They are seeking a highly skilled Sr. Software Engineer to manage and enhance reliability across a ... • Optimize Linux-based systems for performance, security, and reliability, including kernel ...

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Senior Linux Systems Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$91.2K

$116.1K

$143.9K

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

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux systems engineer in Tennessee is $116,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $125,300.00 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 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 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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs in TN? For Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Classified HPC Systems Engineer

Classified HPC Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16429
Overview:
We are hiring a HPC Systems Engineer to design, operate and maintain clusters, servers, and workstations supporting services where science happens at ORNL! This position resides in the Emerging Technologies & Computing team in the Research Computing group in the Information Technology Services Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The Emerging Technology Computational Group facilitates ORNL goals through HPC systems engineering, integration, and support for the research community at ORNL. By providing design, deployment, optimization, monitoring, and tooling support across multiple clustered infrastructures, we facilitate Lab-wide R&D projects. Our HPC clusters range in scope from just a handful of nodes to over fifty-thousand cores.
We partner with ORNL research organizations to enable research excellence and delivery. We work with other clustered computing and HPC groups to help research programs identify the best solutions for their needs. When we build our customer's environments, our team collaborates to design, implement, and maintain the systems from inception to retirement.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Advocate and promote HPC and clustered computing services to researchers who process large data sets and/or develop code as a part of their project.
  • Ensure the availability, performance, scalability, and security of production systems.
  • Leverage automation and monitoring solutions that minimize our day-to-day maintenance and scout opportunities to optimize system management practices or system performance.
  • Collaborate with technical POCs for the programs that we support to install and help tune the performance of various scientific toolsets.
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:
  • A BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, information systems, science, engineering, business, or a related discipline and a minimum of 5-7 years of aligned professional experience is required for consideration. An overall combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
  • 2 or more years with managing UNIX/Linux Systems.
  • 2 or more years of proven experience with configuration management and automation tools such as Git, Ansible, or Puppet.
  • Moderate proficiency in at least one scripting language such as Bash, Python, or others.
  • Experience performing advanced troubleshooting and system administration with Linux Servers.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active DOE Q, active DOD Top Secret, or active DOD TS/SCI clearance is heavily preferred for consideration.
  • Solid understanding of multiple operating systems and cluster technologies.
  • Experience performing advanced troubleshooting and system administration with Linux Servers.
  • A strong desire to innovate and identify new technologies and opportunities and be able to communicate the potential benefits of those choices to others within the team and our research partners.
  • A collaborative and upbeat approach to thrive on the opportunity to build trust and credibility and ultimately become a trusted advisor to our research teams.
  • Experience with Rocky/Centos/RHEL, Ubuntu, VMware.
  • Understanding of HPC platforms to support users with SLURM job submissions and troubleshooting.
  • Experience building and running containerized applications in an HPC environment.
  • Experience with multiple deployment mechanisms like Diskless, Warewulf, and traditional deployment (cobbler, PXEboot, and/or Bright).
  • Experience managing systems utilizing GPU (NVIDIA and AMD) clusters for AI/ML and/or image processing.
  • Knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP, traffic analysis, common protocols, and network diagnostics.
  • Experience with Infiniband networks and diagnostics.
  • Experience with performance and diagnostic tools for benchmarking, analysis and tuning of systems, networking, and storage.
  • Experience with Grafana, CheckMK, Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, Ganglia, or other network and device monitoring systems.
  • Previous experience working in a government, scientific or other highly technical environment.
  • Good documentation skills, including ability to prepare simple documentation web pages.

Special Requirements:
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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