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What does a linux engineer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

A Linux engineer specializes in overseeing and handling systems operating on Linux servers. Their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs, installing and upgrading systems, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow. In a company setting, a Linux engineer is often in charge of developing new systems, assessing software and hardware, implementing solutions on areas needing improvement, and devising strategies to optimize procedures. Furthermore, as a Linux engineer, it is essential to provide technical support, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

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Linux engineer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real linux engineer resumes:

  • Create and deploy bash scripts to automate clean up routines, check system space allocations and system memory usage.
  • Experience shell scripting to automate administration jobs including backups for Websphere administration repository.
  • Manage and maintain virtual computing environment base on VMware and administers computer systems with windows.
  • Experience on scripting using Perl, shell and bash.
  • Develop scripts (Korn/Bourne, Perl, python) for automating the batch jobs.
  • Configure LDAP clients on server test and troubleshoot for maintaining network and data security.
  • Spearhead adoption of network and SAN virtualization technologies for substantial organizational savings.
  • Set up stand-alone LDAP (SLADP) server.
  • Install and configure DHCP, DNS, and NFS.
  • Prepare and maintain code for various Java applications.
  • Used Perl scripts for deployment code on multiple servers.
  • Develop a java software application to patch systems in the field.
  • Involve in various user administration activities including local and LDAP accounts.
  • Work with python for deployment of storage, networking and compute node.
  • Design and set up of firewall systems, and DNS servers from scratch.

Linux engineer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 15% of Linux Engineers are proficient in Python, Troubleshoot, and Bash. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Linux Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Python, 15%

    Worked on creating Shell and Python scripting to automate system administration and installation jobs for migration.

  • Troubleshoot, 7%

    Worked with other teams(Network, Database, Storage and Developers) to troubleshoot issues related to the moves.

  • Bash, 6%

    Created bash scripts that assisted in provisioning over 400 server builds as well as created scripts to QA the environments.

  • Cloud, 5%

    Provided High availability, fault tolerance and auto scaling features for applications running in cloud environment.

  • Unix, 4%

    Automated installation and monitoring process using Unix Shell Script and Puppet

  • Java, 4%

    Developed deployment Automation scripts for multiple JAVA/J2EE Applications.

Most linux engineers use their skills in "python," "troubleshoot," and "bash" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential linux engineer responsibilities here:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a linux engineer to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a linux engineer resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "installed and configured sonar server and client configured jenkins jobs to run sonar analysis jobs. "

Communication skills. Many linux engineer duties rely on communication skills. "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers.," so a linux engineer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways linux engineer responsibilities rely on communication skills: "customized jira and confluence installations to streamline communication between engineering and operations teams. "

Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of linux engineers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday linux engineer duties, as "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "installed and configured jenkins for automating deployments and providing an automation solution. "

See the full list of linux engineer skills

The three companies that hire the most linux engineers are:

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Compare different linux engineers

Linux engineer vs. Storage administrator

A storage administrator is typically in charge of managing and storing company data, ensuring its safety and accuracy. Their responsibilities typically revolve around devising strategies for data storage, developing and installing storage systems and back-ups, identifying errors and inconsistencies, troubleshooting, and performing regular maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency and security of storage systems. Furthermore, as a storage administrator, it is essential to produce progress reports and maintain records of all transactions, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

We looked at the average linux engineer salary and compared it with the wages of a storage administrator. Generally speaking, storage administrators are paid $11,232 lower than linux engineers per year.Even though linux engineers and storage administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require troubleshoot, unix, and debugging in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, linux engineer responsibilities require skills like "python," "bash," "cloud," and "java." Meanwhile a typical storage administrator has skills in areas such as "linux," "isilon," "vnx," and "storage systems." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Storage administrators really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $105,117. Comparatively, linux engineers tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $114,854.On average, storage administrators reach similar levels of education than linux engineers. Storage administrators are 1.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Linux engineer vs. Site administrator

Site administrators are professionals doing administrative tasks. Primarily, they plan a budget, as well as coordinate construction projects and other administrative duties associated with each contract. Site administrators are required to collaborate with different departments and help contractors run projects smoothly by performing tasks such as issuing technical plans and conducting on-site inspections. They must prepare documents at each stage of the project's schedule and check the quality of the construction work to produce reports. Site administrators must also supervise adherence to construction and safety regulations.

Site administrator positions earn lower pay than linux engineer roles. They earn a $71,941 lower salary than linux engineers per year.A few skills overlap for linux engineers and site administrators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "troubleshoot," "windows," and "user accounts. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that linux engineer responsibilities requires skills like "python," "bash," "cloud," and "unix." But a site administrator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "patients," "payroll," and "data entry."

Site administrators earn similar levels of education than linux engineers in general. They're 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Linux engineer vs. Linux systems administrator

A Linux systems administrator is primarily in charge of managing and overseeing Linux operating systems, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities revolve around installing and conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting, performing repairs, and monitoring systems performance to ensure optimal operations. They must also develop back-up and security systems as preventive measures should there be any issues or emergencies. Furthermore, as an administrator, it is essential to manage and encourage team members to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On average scale, linux systems administrators bring in lower salaries than linux engineers. In fact, they earn a $20,634 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on linux engineers and linux systems administrators resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "python," "troubleshoot," and "bash.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, linux engineers are more likely to have skills like "cloud," "git," "docker," and "qa." But a linux systems administrator is more likely to have skills like "os," "system administration," "linux," and "technical support."

Linux systems administrators earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $101,017. Comparatively, linux engineers have the highest earning potential in the health care industry, with an average salary of $114,854.When it comes to education, linux systems administrators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to linux engineers. In fact, they're 3.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Linux engineer vs. Technical systems engineer

Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization. They troubleshoot problems and find the best possible solution to address such problems. They also ensure that those problems will be resolved and would never be encountered again. Technical Systems Engineers also help out in information technology or network infrastructure projects of other departments. They provide expertise on the systems-related aspects of the project. They help guide project teams on the feasibility and the success factors of the project.

Technical systems engineers typically earn lower pay than linux engineers. On average, technical systems engineers earn a $2,503 lower salary per year.While both linux engineers and technical systems engineers complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like troubleshoot, cloud, and unix, the two careers vary in some skills.While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "python," "bash," "http," and "git" are skills that commonly show up on linux engineer resumes. On the other hand, technical systems engineers use skills like linux, windows server, technical support, and powershell on their resumes.The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for technical systems engineers, with average annual pay of $116,420. Comparatively, the highest linux engineer annual salary comes from the health care industry.In general, technical systems engineers hold similar degree levels compared to linux engineers. Technical systems engineers are 3.5% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of linux engineer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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