Linux Developer Career Info

Duties and Responsibilities of a Linux Developer

Linux is the operating system used for many servers and is supported by corporations, such as Oracle, Sun Microsystems, IBM, Dell and Hewlett-Packard. Linux is also known as an UNIX-like, open source operating system that virtually allows anyone to modify its source code. A Linux developer will have strong computer programming skills and be able to develop new program initiatives that meet company goals. Linux developers have contributed greatly to many software programs used on many computers, such as the Firefox and Mozilla Internet browsers. Other duties are specified in these Monster.com job postings:

• 'The Linux developer will be responsible for working with leading edge technologies in the telecommunications sector. Some of the areas of interest include COTS rack mounted servers, storage devices and networking components.' --Procom Services
• 'The successful candidate will be required to build applications to automate and improve human intensive tasks. He or she will also have to coordinate work efforts and report status as needed, support ad-hoc data analysis and manage relationships between various groups.' --TEKsystems, Inc.

Job Requirements

Although an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field is generally necessary for employment, some employers will take applicants that have strong skills in code writing. An employer may also be looking for an applicant that is proficient in programming both closed and open source software. Most importantly though, a developer needs involvement and experience in the open source community. Their work needs to be visible on the Internet, which can be accomplished by becoming an active member of a forum within a community and, for example, giving technical advise, uploading patches, giving papers, participating in activities that strengthen open source or just working on Linux. Since this is a programming intensive occupation, Linux developers must have a thorough understanding of the Linux operating system in addition to skills in other areas, such as PHP programming, C# programming, SQL administration and UNIX shell scripting experience. Linux developers must also have strong written and verbal communication and leadership skills, because even though Linux developers may work remotely, they need to communicate in emails and blogs as well as guide and motive others working on the same project. Other job requirements may be similar to the following as found in jobs posted on Monster.com:

• 'The desired candidate should have experience with web service development, Microsoft and Linux operating systems, operating systems virtualization software experience (VMware) and SQL design and implementation.' --TEKsystems, Inc.
• 'The successful candidate will have a BS and MS in computer science, electrical engineering or some related field. Should have a minimum of 15 years of experience with software development and a minimum of seven years with Linux development.' --Procom Services

Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for programmers in general is expected to decline slowly over the next decade when compared to other jobs in the U.S. The primary reasons for this expected slowdown are that many software platforms now allow users to write their own programs, programs that are specifically designed to meet the user's needs and, of course, offshoring of jobs. But, Linux developers may experience better job prospects since most development of commercial software is changing over to the model of open source development. In addition, there will still be employment opportunities for Linux developers that work with servers and other pieces of equipment that rely on the Linux operating system. The median annual salary of programmers in general was $65,510 in 2006.