OPT Linux Engineer Jobs
Linux Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in computer science, systems administration, or electrical engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, supporting a 24-month OPT extension. Employers in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT actively hire OPT candidates for these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJob no: 560783
Work type: Staff
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology
Job Title
Linux Systems Administrator II
Classification
Systems Administrator II
Auto Req. ID
560783
Salary Range
Classification Range $6,492 - $9,458 per month
(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,492 - $8,566 per month)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.
Why CSUF
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.
Department
The Division of Information Technology (IT) strives to be a strategic, innovative, and best‐in‐class IT organization that provides a leading‐edge technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to advance the University’s mission, vision, and goals. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our IT Infrastructure Services department as the Linux Systems Administrator II. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Linux Systems Administrator II is responsible for the installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of Linux servers, High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and related enterprise services supporting academic, research, and administrative computing. Applies systems administration knowledge and technical expertise to ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and security of enterprise Linux environments and research computing resources. This position participates in planning, implementation, documentation, automation, and operational support of campus Linux and HPC services while providing technical consultation and support to faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Under general supervision, deploys and maintains computer systems, servers, and network infrastructure. Applies systems administration knowledge to ensure the availability, reliability, and security of systems by deploying and managing systems and serving on teams to develop and implement new systems. Provides technical support and implements system enhancements. Works independently on most day-to-day assignments with general supervision on new assignments or projects to ensure alignment with objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and is accountable for own work results.
Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, scripting languages, virtualization technologies and cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and technologies. Working knowledge of troubleshooting hardware and software issues and providing technical support. Working knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures. Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple time sensitive assignments and smaller projects. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present technical information to technically diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical skills to evaluate, monitor, and resolve systems issues and design, develop, and implement systems solutions. Skill in leading the work of others. Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies and programs. Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. The position requires the equivalent of two or more years of progressively responsible experience administering enterprise Linux systems, with experience supporting enterprise server environments including virtualization, storage, scripting, monitoring, and system security. Candidates should have experience troubleshooting complex Linux operating system and infrastructure issues, including administering High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters and supporting Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management (SLURM) or similar workload scheduling systems.
Experience supporting graphics processing unit (GPU) computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), or scientific computing environments is preferred, along with experience using container technologies such as Docker, Podman, Singularity/Apptainer, or Kubernetes. Additional experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef; supporting cloud-based Linux infrastructure in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform; and using enterprise monitoring platforms such as Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana, or Zabbix is highly desirable. Experience supporting higher education or research computing environments, as well as Linux certification, is also preferred.
License/Certifications
A valid California driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions
Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator
Benefits at a Glance
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
- Dental and Vision coverage
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
- Retirement plan through CalPERS
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- 15 paid holidays
See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.
Additional Information
California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.
As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.
If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.
Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.
California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.
Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Hiring Preference
On-Campus CSUEU Employees
Advertised: Aug 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Job no: 560783
Work type: Staff
Location: Fullerton
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time, Information Systems & Technology
Job Title
Linux Systems Administrator II
Classification
Systems Administrator II
Auto Req. ID
560783
Salary Range
Classification Range $6,492 - $9,458 per month
(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $6,492 - $8,566 per month)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend hours.
Why CSUF
California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.
Department
The Division of Information Technology (IT) strives to be a strategic, innovative, and best‐in‐class IT organization that provides a leading‐edge technology environment for students, faculty, and staff to advance the University’s mission, vision, and goals. We are seeking an exceptional individual to join our IT Infrastructure Services department as the Linux Systems Administrator II. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under general supervision, the Linux Systems Administrator II is responsible for the installation, configuration, administration, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security of Linux servers, High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, virtualization platforms, storage systems, and related enterprise services supporting academic, research, and administrative computing. Applies systems administration knowledge and technical expertise to ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and security of enterprise Linux environments and research computing resources. This position participates in planning, implementation, documentation, automation, and operational support of campus Linux and HPC services while providing technical consultation and support to faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Other duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. Under general supervision, deploys and maintains computer systems, servers, and network infrastructure. Applies systems administration knowledge to ensure the availability, reliability, and security of systems by deploying and managing systems and serving on teams to develop and implement new systems. Provides technical support and implements system enhancements. Works independently on most day-to-day assignments with general supervision on new assignments or projects to ensure alignment with objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and is accountable for own work results.
Working knowledge of operating systems, server administration, scripting languages, virtualization technologies and cloud technologies, and related system administration concepts, principles, and technologies. Working knowledge of troubleshooting hardware and software issues and providing technical support. Working knowledge of applications programming techniques and procedures. Strong organizational skills to plan, organize, and manage multiple time sensitive assignments and smaller projects. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to present technical information to technically diverse audiences in a clear and concise manner. Strong analytical skills to evaluate, monitor, and resolve systems issues and design, develop, and implement systems solutions. Skill in leading the work of others. Proficiency in using applicable software, server, and system technologies and programs. Knowledge of higher education policies, data needs, and data privacy regulations.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. The position requires the equivalent of two or more years of progressively responsible experience administering enterprise Linux systems, with experience supporting enterprise server environments including virtualization, storage, scripting, monitoring, and system security. Candidates should have experience troubleshooting complex Linux operating system and infrastructure issues, including administering High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters and supporting Simple Linux Utility for Resource Management (SLURM) or similar workload scheduling systems.
Experience supporting graphics processing unit (GPU) computing, artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), or scientific computing environments is preferred, along with experience using container technologies such as Docker, Podman, Singularity/Apptainer, or Kubernetes. Additional experience with automation and configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef; supporting cloud-based Linux infrastructure in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform; and using enterprise monitoring platforms such as Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana, or Zabbix is highly desirable. Experience supporting higher education or research computing environments, as well as Linux certification, is also preferred.
License/Certifications
A valid California driver’s license.
Special Working Conditions
Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator
Benefits at a Glance
- An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
- Dental and Vision coverage
- Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
- Retirement plan through CalPERS
- Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
- FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
- Employee Assistance Programs
- 15 paid holidays
See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.
Additional Information
California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.
Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.
As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.
The person holding this position is considered a general mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with the requirement outlined in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.
Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.
If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.
Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.
Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration.
California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.
Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.
Hiring Preference
On-Campus CSUEU Employees
Advertised: Aug 06 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
See all 35+ OPT Linux Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Linux Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Linux Engineer
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Linux Engineer positions typically fall under CIP codes for computer science or information technology, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree's CIP code matches before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Companies that regularly file H-1B visa petitions for systems and infrastructure roles are more likely to sponsor you after OPT ends. Prioritize mid-size tech firms, cloud providers, and government contractors with established immigration support for engineers.
Highlight kernel, scripting, and automation skills upfront
Employers screening OPT candidates for Linux roles want to see concrete technical depth immediately. Lead your resume with shell scripting, kernel configuration, Ansible, or similar tools to signal you can contribute without an extended ramp-up period.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Many employers need several weeks to process E-Verify enrollment and confirm your work authorization. Starting your job search 60 to 90 days before your OPT begins gives hiring teams enough runway to complete onboarding without delays.
Address OPT directly and confidently in interviews
Interviewers unfamiliar with OPT often overestimate its complexity. Be ready to explain your authorization period, the STEM extension timeline, and E-Verify requirements clearly. Framing it as a straightforward process reduces hesitation from hiring managers.
Pursue roles at companies with existing international engineering teams
Organizations that already employ international engineers on OPT or H-1B visas have HR infrastructure to handle work authorization efficiently. Look for engineering teams with visible international diversity as a signal of sponsorship familiarity.
Linux Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Linux Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Linux Engineer roles generally qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization because they directly relate to computer science, information technology, and systems engineering degree programs. If your undergraduate or graduate degree falls under a qualifying STEM CIP code, you can also apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month period, giving you up to three years of authorized work.
Do Linux Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code, not just the job title. Degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, information systems, and related fields typically qualify. The role itself must also be directly related to your field of study. Confirm your school's designated school official agrees the position qualifies before accepting an offer that depends on the extension.
What does an employer need to hire me as a Linux Engineer on OPT?
Your employer must enroll in E-Verify, which electronically confirms your work authorization. For STEM OPT, they also need to sign a formal training plan documenting your learning goals and supervise your role against that plan. Most large tech employers and government contractors already meet these requirements. Smaller companies may need guidance from their HR team before committing.
Where can I find Linux Engineer jobs that accept OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT and international students looking for roles where employers are open to sponsoring work authorization. You can browse Linux Engineer listings filtered by OPT-friendly employers, which saves you from applying to companies that will decline at the authorization stage. Searching a general job board makes it harder to identify which employers have the infrastructure to hire on OPT.
What happens to my Linux Engineer job if my H-1B petition is not selected in the lottery?
If you are not selected in the H-1B lottery and your OPT period ends, you will need to stop working unless you have another valid status. Some employers will retain you through cap-exempt H-1B opportunities, O-1 visa petitions for workers with extraordinary ability, or by transferring you to a role at a university or nonprofit that is exempt from the lottery cap. Discussing contingency plans with your employer before the lottery is worth doing.