1

Senior Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Senior Systems Engineer

Everett, MA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer * Everett, MA. * Link Technologies (LinkTechConsulting.com), is currently ... Experience administering or supporting Linux server environments (Red Hat, CentOS, Ubuntu, or ...

Senior HPC and Quantum Systems Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

$108K - $148K/yr

We are seeking a Senior HPC & Quantum Systems Engineer to help architect, deploy, and operate a ... Strong background in Linux systems administration, job schedulers (Slurm or equivalent), and ...

Senior HPC and Quantum Systems Engineer

Westford, MA · Hybrid

$108K - $148K/yr

We are seeking a Senior HPC & Quantum Systems Engineer to help architect, deploy, and operate a ... Strong background in Linux systems administration, job schedulers (Slurm or equivalent), and ...

Senior Linux Device Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$170K - $185K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to join our Engineering team. The ideal candidate ... Debug complex system-level issues across hardware and software boundaries * Optimize code for ...

Linux Systems Administrator 6+ Month Contract Hybrid in Natick, MA Key Responsibilities:  Linux ... Collaborate with Platform Engineering to define scope, requirements, and strategies for managing ...

Sr. Systems Engineer

Danvers, MA · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Beyond execution, the Senior Systems Engineer provides strategic guidance, mentors engineering ... Advanced administration of Windows and/or Linux servers. * Deep experience with Active Directory ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Linux Systems Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$109.2K

$139K

$172.2K

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

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux systems engineer in Boston, MA is $138,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,200.00 and $149,900.00 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 near Boston, MA are hiring for Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,980 per year, or $66.8 per hour.

DevOps & Systems Engineer

Peabody, MA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines that support software development, testing, and deployment

  • Administer on-premises Linux servers, build systems, development environments, and supporting infrastructure

  • Develop scripts and configuration management tools to automate system deployment, administration, and integration


Job description

Role Summary
Specter Aerospace is seeking a DevOps & Systems Engineer to support the development, deployment, and maintenance of the internal systems used by our engineering, software, manufacturing, and security teams. This role is focused primarily on on-premises Linux systems, self-hosted development infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, containerized applications, and secure system administration.
A successful candidate will combine software automation skills with hands-on systems experience to maintain reliable engineering infrastructure, improve development workflows, and support evolving IT and security needs.
About Specter Aerospace
Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our DevOps & Systems Engineer will be based in our Peabody office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.
Role & Responsibilities
  • Build, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines that support software development, testing, and deployment
  • Administer on-premises Linux servers, build systems, development environments, and supporting infrastructure.
  • Maintain self-hosted source control, build runners, container registries, and related engineering services.
  • Develop scripts and configuration management tools to automate system deployment, administration, and integration.
  • Deploy and maintain containerized applications using Docker, Podman, or similar technologies.
  • Collaborate with software and engineering teams to troubleshoot build, deployment, infrastructure, and system integration issues.
  • Support system hardening, patching, access control, vulnerability management, monitoring, and backup activities.
  • Collaborate with the Security Lead to implement security requirements and support compliance efforts.
  • Maintain clear documentation for systems, pipelines, configurations, and operational procedures.
  • Assist with cross-functional IT, engineering, and security tasks as operational needs evolve.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a combination of equivalent experience and certifications.
  • Three or more years of experience in DevOps, infrastructure engineering, Linux systems administration, or a related field.
  • Experience administering Linux systems in production or engineering environments.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines, source control systems, build systems, and automation tools.
  • Experience with Docker, Podman, or similar containerization technologies.
  • Experience scripting in Python, Bash, or similar languages.
  • Familiarity with systems administration concepts including networking, storage, identity and access management, patching, monitoring, and backups.
  • Ability to troubleshoot issues across applications, operating systems, and infrastructure.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, particularly when working with engineering teams.
  • Ability to clearly document system changes, configurations, and operational procedures.
  • Security+ certification or ability to obtain it within six months of employment.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience supporting primarily on-premises or isolated engineering environments.
  • Experience administering self-hosted GitLab, GitHub Enterprise, or similar development platforms.
  • Experience with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or similar.
  • Familiarity with virtualization platforms, network services, shared storage, and hardware lifecycle management.
  • Experience implementing monitoring, logging, vulnerability scanning, or endpoint security tools.
  • Exposure to NIST-based security controls, CMMC, or other government security and compliance requirements.
  • Familiarity with infrastructure as code tools where appropriate for on-premises environments.
  • Experience supporting software development for embedded systems, hardware integration, manufacturing, or laboratory environments.
  • Relevant Linux, security, networking, or DevOps certifications.

EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.