How to hire a linux systems engineer

How to hire a linux systems engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step linux systems engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a linux systems engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new linux systems engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a linux systems engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the linux systems engineer you need to hire. Certain linux systems engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A linux systems engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, linux systems engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of linux systems engineer salaries for various roles:

   Type of Linux Systems Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Linux Systems Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$38-70
   Linux Administrator	A Linux administrator is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of Linux operating systems to support business operations and high-quality deliverables. Linux administrators handle the resolution of Linux network issues, maintaining its stability and ensuring its safety and security from unauthorized access and malware threats... Show more	$29-48
   Systems Administrator Lead	A systems administrator lead is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing procedures for critical enterprise systems. Typical duties of systems administrators include managing the day-to-day operations of a company's computer and network systems, developing new application and system implementation plans, and establishing guidelines for installing and managing the organization's computer operating systems... Show more	$37-62

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Python
   • Bash
   • Cloud
   • Centos
   • Red Hat
   • Troubleshoot
   • AWS
   • Configuration Management
   • Unix
   • RHEL
   • Virtualization
   • GIT
   • Docker
   • OS

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead the drive to upgrade from SMS to SCCM to take advantage of the advanced features that SCCM offer.
   • Manage VMware (ESX & ESXi) servers and clusters.
   • Create and manage user accounts and groups permissions on RHEL6 systems using LDAP.
   • Manage disk configurations using LVM on local servers as well as NFS systems.
   • Experience in AWS, which include managing application in the cloud and creating instances.
   • Perform pSeries Virtualization in AIX environments, build and manage VIO servers and clients.

   More linux systems engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your linux systems engineer job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A linux systems engineer can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, linux systems engineers' average salary in montana is 36% less than in new hampshire.
   • Seniority. Entry-level linux systems engineers 46% less than senior-level linux systems engineers.
   • Certifications. A linux systems engineer with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a linux systems engineer's salary.

   Average linux systems engineer salary

   $109,078yearly

   $52.44 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level linux systems engineer salary

   $80,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average linux systems engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$142,678	$69
   2	New Jersey	$130,832	$63
   3	New York	$125,923	$61
   4	Massachusetts	$120,260	$58
   5	District of Columbia	$116,783	$56
   6	Washington	$115,451	$56
   7	Virginia	$114,375	$55
   8	Pennsylvania	$110,087	$53
   9	Maryland	$107,413	$52
   10	Illinois	$107,387	$52
   11	Tennessee	$101,919	$49
   12	North Carolina	$100,335	$48
   13	Texas	$99,521	$48
   14	Wyoming	$94,495	$45
   15	South Carolina	$94,489	$45
   16	Georgia	$93,040	$45
   17	Wisconsin	$92,648	$45
   18	Missouri	$92,184	$44
   19	Florida	$91,943	$44
   20	Iowa	$91,681	$44

   Average linux systems engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Meta	$150,067	$72.15	688
   2	Apple	$145,848	$70.12	157
   3	The Walt Disney Company	$136,215	$65.49	52
   4	Point72	$133,984	$64.42	2
   5	Gap Inc.	$133,119	$64.00
   6	Zendesk	$132,821	$63.86	1
   7	CME Group	$131,264	$63.11	1
   8	Parsons	$127,356	$61.23	54
   9	Cloudian	$125,164	$60.17
   10	LinkedIn	$124,489	$59.85	9
   11	BGC Partners	$124,207	$59.71	2
   12	FireEye	$123,071	$59.17
   13	PEAK6	$120,497	$57.93	1
   14	Amd	$120,288	$57.83	23
   15	Amazon	$119,694	$57.55	395
   16	Contextlogic Inc.	$118,312	$56.88
   17	ResMed	$117,785	$56.63
   18	Theranos	$117,429	$56.46
   19	Salesforce	$117,289	$56.39	3
   20	DRW	$116,465	$55.99	5

4. Writing a linux systems engineer job description

   A linux systems engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a linux systems engineer job description:

   Linux systems engineer job description example

   Being an engineer at FactSet is to shape the future of investments technology. As a Systems engineer, the solutions you design will support not only our clients' workflows, but also a massive suite of corporate systems that keep our global enterprise up and running each and every day. We rely on the latest in big data and cloud computing, among other technologies, to solve some of ours and the investment community's greatest challenges.
   
   This position will primarily be responsible for managed file transfers in our datacenters and in the cloud. This includes developing and supporting widely used methods of file transfers, ciphers, securing file transfers and providing mission critical environment for file transfer services to internal and external users. The engineer will be responsible for production server deployments, system maintenance, performance testing, development of tools and utilities and migration of onprem file transfer services to the cloud. You'll work closely with talented Linux, Windows, Network, and Cybersecurity engineers and developers to ensure high availability of our services. You will be a part of the Linux Engineering Team and have the opportunity to be involved in large scale system architecture design & development.
   
   Our engineers find the right balance between FactSet's flexible environment where everyone can contribute individually, yet at the same time cultivate a community where they can depend on each other for help, learning, and development.
   Responsibilities:
   Maintaining the overall stability and performance of Managed File Transfer System environment Tool development supporting automation of MFT internal workflows Interface with clients and vendors to implement reliable and secure solutions and troubleshoot issues Ensure that the MFT environment is up to date with versions and patches.Collaborate with security to perform periodic audits/reviews of MFT environment Cloud migration
   
   Minimum Qualifications:
   5+ years of experience with large managed file transfer environments and Linux system administration
   
   Critical Skills:
   Exposure to Linux Bash/Perl/other scripting or programming languages like PythonExperience in administration of Secure Transport & Managed File Transfer ServicesExcellent analytical and troubleshooting skills including packet captures to troubleshoot file transfer issues Good communication skills to be able to actively participate in vendor/client MFT discussions Member of 24x7 on-call rotation
   
   Preferred Skills:
   Proficient in administering and deploying Secure transport like Axway in large scale environments Experience with cloud technologies such as AWS or Azure Develop custom solutions for secure transport workflows to fit business requirements.Excellent communication skills in English, interpersonal, and organizational skills
   
   Education:
   Bachelor's degree in computer science, foreign equivalent or equivalent work experience required
   
   FactSet is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right linux systems engineer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with linux systems engineers they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit linux systems engineers who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your linux systems engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit linux systems engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit linux systems engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   If your interviews with linux systems engineer applicants aren't enough to make a decision, you should also consider including a test project. These are often the best, most straightforward, and least bias-prone ways of determining who will likely succeed in the role. If you don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new linux systems engineer

   Once you've found the linux systems engineer candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new linux systems engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a linux systems engineer?