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Contract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in California

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA

Join our team as an entry-level Linux/Android Kernel Engineer where you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world SoC platform development. We're looking for fresh talent with strong ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

Join our team as an entry-level Linux/Android Kernel Engineer where you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world SoC platform development. We're looking for fresh talent with strong ...

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Contract Linux Kernel Engineer information

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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What job categories do people searching Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 5% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 84% Remote job distribution.
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Intel

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Intel rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an emphasis on x86 architectures, device drivers, and platform-level integration. The successful candidate will support early platform enablement across both presilicon and postsilicon environments, including FPGA-based validation platforms and production silicon.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with Silicon Architects, SoC design teams, firmware engineers, and other software developers to enable operating system support for new hardware capabilities. The position requires strong Linux kernel expertise, deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, and the ability to debug complex system-level issues during early platform bring-up. Contributions to upstream Linux kernel subsystems and participation in open-source development are highly valued.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules and device drivers for x86-based platforms.
Support platform bring-up activities and early boot enablement in both presilicon (FPGA/emulation) and postsilicon environments.
Work with FPGA platforms and simulation environments for early hardware validation and driver development.
Collaborate with SoC design, firmware, and platform teams to define OS and kernel requirements for new hardware features.
Develop and enhance kernel subsystems related to device drivers, memory management, power management, scheduling, and platform interfaces.
Implement and debug kernel functionality including ACPI integration and hardware interface protocols.
Diagnose and resolve kernel-level issues during system boot, device initialization, and runtime operation.
Backport patches, apply security updates, and maintain stable kernel branches as part of platform productization.
Contribute patches and enhancements to upstream Linux kernel subsystems when applicable.
Optimize system performance through power/performance tuning, memory management improvements, and system-level profiling.
Maintain kernel configuration, build environments, and development workflows using Git-based version control systems.
Work with cross-functional engineering team

PROFESSIONAL TRAITS
Strong analytical thinking and system-level problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including SoC design, firmware, and platform engineering groups.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment.
Strong attention to detail with disciplined debugging and troubleshooting practices.
Adaptability to work across different hardware platforms and development phases.
Passion for low-level systems development, including personal experimentation with Linux kernel builds, debugging, or open-source contributions.
Commitment to high-quality engineering practices and maintainable code.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant experience.
The experience must include:
Linux Kernel Development1:
Strong experience in Linux kernel development with emphasis on x86 platform architecture.
Hands-on experience developing and debugging Linux kernel drivers and kernel subsystems.
Experience working with one or more Linux kernel subsystems such as:
Device drivers and platform drivers
Memory management
Power management and ACPI
Scheduler or interrupt handling
Virtualization or I/O subsystems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Development Tools
Proficiency with Git-based development workflows.
Experience submitting or maintaining upstream Linux kernel patches.
Familiarity with Linux kernel build systems and configuration management.
Debugging and Performance
Strong debugging skills using kernel-level diagnostic tools.
Experience with system performance analysis, power optimization, and memory management.

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, California, FolsomAdditional Locations:US, California, Santa Clara, US, Oregon, HillsboroBusiness group:The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $149,600.00-211,200.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

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Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968

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