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Contract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud ... W2 contract opportunity with potential for extension up to 18 months subject to performance, budget ...

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement based in Netherlands. This role focuses on enabling and optimizing Ubuntu Linux across a wide range of modern System-on ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...

Avride

Embedded Linux Kernel Engineer

Austin, TX

About the role We are seeking a highly experienced Embedded Linux Software Engineer responsible for ... Proven, hands-on experience with embedded Linux kernel, including preempt_rt, device drivers and ...

Avride

Embedded Linux Kernel Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

About the role We are seeking a highly experienced Embedded Linux Software Engineer responsible for ... Proven, hands-on experience with embedded Linux kernel, including preempt_rt, device drivers and ...

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All JobsContract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs

Contract Linux Kernel Engineer information

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$11K

$114.5K

$129.5K

How much do contract linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract linux kernel engineer in the United States is $114,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Linux Kernel Engineer vs Contract Embedded Linux Developer?

AspectContract Linux Kernel EngineerContract Embedded Linux Developer
Required CredentialsLinux kernel knowledge, C programming, Linux certificationsEmbedded systems, Linux, C/C++, hardware familiarity
Work EnvironmentKernel development, system-level programming, Linux environmentsEmbedded devices, hardware integration, real-time systems
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, open-source projectsConsumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on kernel-level expertise, system optimizationFocus on embedded system development, hardware-software integration

The Contract Linux Kernel Engineer primarily works on kernel development, system optimization, and low-level Linux system tasks. In contrast, the Contract Embedded Linux Developer focuses on developing Linux-based software for embedded devices, often involving hardware integration. Both roles require Linux and C expertise but differ in scope and environment, catering to different industry needs.

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Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Apple

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we craft experiences that have transformed entire industries. The diversity of our people and ideas fuels innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could build here.
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple’s platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases.
You will partner closely with platform, infrastructure, and SRE teams to ensure every kernel we ship is stable, observable, and ready for real world workloads at scale.
Description
In this role, you will design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer. You will collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline. Your work will have direct impact on the stability, performance, and debuggability of systems that power critical Apple services.
If you enjoy deep kernel debugging, building robust CI systems, and owning kernel releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $142,300 and $263,300, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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