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Senior Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

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

Sr Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

... passionate Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. In this role you will build ... Operate and continuously improve Linux systems engineering and administration. * Deployment and ...

Sr Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

... passionate Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. In this role you will build ... Operate and continuously improve Linux systems engineering and administration. * Deployment and ...

Sr Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

... passionate Senior Systems Engineer to join our infrastructure team. In this role you will build ... Operate and continuously improve Linux systems engineering and administration. * Deployment and ...

Senior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107.60K - $147.30K/yr

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

Guide engineering and operations for Linux/UNIX and Windows Server across physical and virtual footprints; ensure best practices for reliability, security, and performance. * Define and maintain OS ...

Guide engineering and operations for Linux/UNIX and Windows Server across physical and virtual footprints; ensure best practices for reliability, security, and performance. * Define and maintain OS ...

Guide engineering and operations for Linux/UNIX and Windows Server across physical and virtual footprints; ensure best practices for reliability, security, and performance. * Define and maintain OS ...

Linux System Engineer

Addison, IL ยท On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Plano, TX/Hybrid Linux System Engineer Experience Required - 10+ Yrs Responsibilities: * Install ... Apply patches and upgrades to operating systems and system components. * Troubleshoot system ...

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Senior Linux Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$103.6K

$131.9K

$163.4K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,700.00 and $142,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings:
Sr. Staff Systems Engineer - Linux

Sr. Staff Systems Engineer - Linux

Early Warning Services

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$173K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At Early Warning, we've powered and protected the U.S. financial system for over thirty years with cutting-edge solutions like Zelle, Paze, and so much more. As a trusted name in payments, we partner with thousands of institutions to increase access to financial services and protect transactions for hundreds of millions of consumers and small businesses.

Positions located in Scottsdale, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York follow a hybrid work model to allow for a more collaborative working environment.

Candidates responding to this posting must independently possess the eligibility to work in the United States, for any employer, at the date of hire. This position is ineligible for employment Visa sponsorship.

Overall Purpose

This position assists in creating processes and performing tasks needed to maintain the overall integrity and reliability of Early Warning Services systems and network.

Essential Functions

  • Create and build out new VMWare VMs with RHEL Linux 8.x/9.x,10.x including file system, application specific OS level configurations.

  • Perform administration, installation, configuration and maintenance of Linux/UNIX Operating system on VM on physical and virtual servers.

  • Diagnose, perform RCA, tune/maintain, and resolve hardware/software related server problems (OS, services, disks, network modules, resources etc.)

  • Support existing server infrastructure in an on-call capacity as part of a team rotation.

  • Implement defined standards and updates to existing hardware and operating system infrastructure including Patching, users, file systems and kernel parameters.

  • Interact with multiple internal customers and external vendors to provide quality support for product line.

  • Create and/or edit policies, standards, work instructions, and any associated server documentation.

  • Maintain and update operating system versions and toolsets to improve security and stability.

  • Support the company's commitment to protect the integrity and confidentiality of systems and data.

  • Stay up to date with merging technologies and industry trends to enhance the organization's technical capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Education or experience typically obtained through completion of a bachelor's degree in information systems, Computer Science, or related field.

  • 8+ years of experience in Red Hat system administration with strong understanding of the Linux kernel.

  • Proven experience in medium to large scale enterprise environment.

  • Advanced (L3/L4) troubleshooting skills, including root cause analysis for performance bottlenecks and systems issues.

  • Proven experience in automation framework (Ansible automation platform, terraform, packer)

  • Strong knowledge of AWS services (EC2.S3, RDS, VPC, cloud watch etc.)

  • Strong understanding of encryption technologies (data-at-rest, TLS/SSL, AES etc.) and key management practices.

  • Strong scripting abilities (Bash, Python, Perl) for automating system administration tasks.

Strong knowledge of CI/CD pipelines methodology

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.

  • Familiar with virtualization and containerization technologies (VMware, podman, docker, Kubernetes)

  • Background and drug screen.

Preferred Qualifications

  • AWS certified solutions Architect Professional

  • Deep experience with various Linux distributions (RHEL, OEL, Ubuntu), virtualization

  • Red hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)

  • Additional related education and/or experience preferred

The base pay scale for this position in:
Phoenix, AZ/ Chicago, IL in USD per year is: $144,000 - $180,000.
San Francisco, CA in USD per year is: $173,000 - $216,000.
Additionally, candidates are eligible for a discretionary incentive plan and benefits.

This pay scale is subject to change and is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific candidate, which is always dependent on legitimate factors considered at the time of job offer. Early Warning Services takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining a competitive salary offer, including, but not limited to, the job scope, market rates and geographic location of a position, candidate's education, experience, training, and specialized skills or certification(s) in relation to the job requirements and compared with internal equity (peers). The business actively supports and reviews wage equity to ensure that pay decisions are not based on gender, race, national origin, or any other protected classes.

Some of the Ways We Prioritize Your Health and Happiness

  • Healthcare Coverage-Competitive medical (PPO/HDHP), dental, and vision plans as well as company contributions to your Health Savings Account (HSA) or pre-tax savings through flexible spending accounts (FSA) for commuting, health & dependent care expenses.

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan-Featuring a 100% Company Safe Harbor Match on your first 6% deferral immediately upon eligibility.

  • Paid Time Off -Flexible Time Off for Exempt (salaried) employees, as well as generous PTO for Non-Exempt (hourly) employees, plus 11 paid company holidays and a paid volunteer day.

  • 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

  • Maven Family Planning - provides support through your Parenting journey including egg freezing, fertility, adoption, surrogacy, pregnancy, postpartum, early pediatrics, and returning to work.

AndSOmuch more! We continue to enhance our program, so be sure tocheck our Benefits page herefor the latest. Ourteamcan share more during the interview process!

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Early Warning Services, LLC ("Early Warning") considers for employment, hires, retains and promotes qualified candidates on the basis of ability, potential, and valid qualifications without regard to race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, protected veteran or disability status or any factor prohibited by law, and as such affirms in policy and practice to support and promote equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and municipal laws. The company also prohibits discrimination on other bases such as medical condition, marital status or any other factor that is irrelevant to the performance of our employees.