How to Become a Linux Systems Engineer
The role of a Linux systems engineer is to design and implement Linux-based Internet web server infrastructure. A Linux systems engineer will typically work with a company's lab systems design team to create a computer network. It is a challenging and rewarding career with the potential for high earnings and self-directed autonomy.
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Things You'll Need
- Bachelor's degree in computer science
- Computer applications including:
- LINUX/UNIX
- APACHE, SSL, RPM, HTML, HTTP, HTTPS, SQL, and CVS
- SQL database services
- Scripting languages
Instructions
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Study mathematics and the sciences at the high school level, ideally in advanced classes. To become a Linux systems engineer, you'll need a computer science degree from a 4-year college. Excelling in high school math and science, particularly physics, will lay the groundwork you need to get into a good college program.
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Choose a college program that offers you choices in your course of study. Review the course calendars of the schools you're considering closely. Give added thought to colleges that offer heavy doses of Linux-based programming and systems engineering courses.
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Learn as many computer programming languages as you can. Practice and master them in a classroom environment, if possible, where you can benefit from the knowledge of an experienced instructor.
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Branch out. The more you know, the better off you'll be. KalamazooLinux.org offers a list of programming languages you'd be wise to become familiar with to build a complete skill set (see Resources below). Supplement in-class learning by learning on your own with the help of tutorial guide books, which are readily available online and in bookstores.
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Apply for entry-level Linux systems engineering positions when you have mastered the required skills. You should expect that you'll be working in a support capacity, at least initially, until you build up experience in a lab environment.
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Become a Linux systems engineer by amassing several years' experience in the implementation and maintenance of Linux-based networks. Most senior positions ask for 5 or more years' experience in a professional environment. Remember, you can build your resume and hone your skills by working freelance gigs on the side of your regular job.
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Tips & Warnings
The more Linux-based programming languages and server applications you have mastered, the better off you'll be. Qualifications and requirements will vary from job to job.
The given list of required computer applications includes only those that are most commonly used in Linux engineering and should not be considered complete or comprehensive.
