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Senior Linux Systems Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

A BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, information systems ... Five (5) or more years with managing UNIX/Linux Systems. * Three (3) or years of proven experience ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$99K - $136K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer 810 Innovation Dr, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA 37932 10 months Contract to ... Develop industrial control applications in C on real-time OS (Linux, VxWorks). * Implement designs ...

Architect, deploy, and manage large-scale HPC storage systems, including parallel file systems such ... Basic Qualifications * A BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, information ...

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 Industrial Data Infrastructure Engineer will act as a member of the data management team ... Proficient in Linux based systems and Kubernetes * Familiarity with CePH, certificate management ...

Systems Engineer 2

Maryville, TN · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

The Industrial Data Infrastructure Engineer will act as a member of the data management team ... Proficient in Linux based systems and Kubernetes * Familiarity with CePH, certificate management ...

Senior Platform Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$93K - $127K/yr

Senior Platform Engineer Founded in 1999 in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Cadre5 ... Strong working knowledge of Linux systems fundamentals and networked computing environment concepts

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Senior Linux Systems Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$87.2K

$111K

$137.5K

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior linux systems engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $110,988.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $119,700.00 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 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 near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Senior Linux Systems Engineer jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Senior Linux Systems Engineer job openings:
Senior HPC Linux Systems Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 105 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16005 

Overview:

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), which hosts several of the world’s most powerful computer systems, is seeking a highly qualified individual to play a key role in improving the security, performance, and reliability of the NCCS computing environments. This includes supporting one of the fastest supercomputers in the world, Frontier, along with numerous commodity clusters and specialized programs and partnerships. Frontier is one of the scientific research community's most powerful computational instruments for exploring solutions to some of today's most challenging problems.

As an HPC Linux Systems Engineer, you will work within the HPC Scalable Systems Group inside of the NCCS Systems Section to support numerous activities of the center. The Scalable Systems group oversees, administers and supports system installation, deployment, acceptance, performance testing, upgrades, problem diagnosis, and troubleshooting of large-scale HPC computational resources. The Systems Section is within the National Center for Computational Sciences Division (NCCS). The HPC Systems Section is responsible for the division’s computing, storage, networking, and infrastructure systems and services. The NCCS provides state-of-the-art computational and data science infrastructure, coupled with dedicated technical and scientific professionals, to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering advances across a broad range of disciplines. NCCS hosts the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, one of DOE’s National User Facilities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Install, integrate, and administer HPC Linux clusters and high-speed network
  • Diagnosing system operational problems quickly and effectively
  • Coordinating with vendors to resolve hardware and software problems
  • Recommending, planning, and coordinating hardware and software changes with customer participation using change management processes
  • Porting and writing system management tools
  • Documenting system administration procedures for routine and complex tasks
  • Participating in a 24-hour, 7-day on-call support rotation and off-hours maintenance windows
  • System implementation/integration into the NCCS environment and systems performance analysis.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific or technical field
  • 8+ years of Linux systems experience is required
  • Demonstrated experience working in classified environments, including a thorough understanding of security policies, compliance frameworks, and associated standard processes (e.g., NIST, DISA STIGs).
  • Demonstrated experience designing and deploying of HPC systems, ensuring they meet the computational needs and security requirements of a classified environment.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing Linux operating systems in a large-scale system environment
  • Solid understanding of networked computing environment concepts
  • 8+ years of experience with Linux Cluster Administration
  • Ability to develop and maintain programs and scripts that aid in the operation and automation of administrative tasks using various shell and scripting languages (bash, Python, Go)
  • Experience with Lustre and GPFS file systems
  • Experience with batch schedulers (particularly SLURM)
  • Experience deploying and maintaining automated configuration management software such as Puppet
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work as a team player
  • Proactive and solution-oriented problem solver
  • Prior project and/or team leadership experience

Special Requirement: 

  • Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

 

Benefits at 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 talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

In addition, we offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position.

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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