ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in California

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through ...

Nvidia

Senior Linux Developer - Networking

Santa Clara, CA

$64 - $84.50/hr

NVIDIA is looking for an excellent Drivers Engineer to join our OFED Linux Drivers team. In this position, you will take part in developing cutting-edge features and technologies in kernel and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Linux Kernel Engineer JobsContract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in California

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California? For Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 3% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

We are looking for a Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer to join the Linux networking drivers R&D team. The work environment is versatile, informative, dynamic and challenging as our employees are currently working on innovative, next-generation network interface card at the forefront of technology.

What you'll be doing:

  • Being part of the Linux kernel group, working on developing the device driver for our NICs.

  • Integration and optimization of existing products and solutions with our software stack and hardware capabilities.

  • Crafting and developing components of the network, security, and storage software stacks.

  • Driving a complete engineering process, including refining requirements, engineering design of data structures/algorithms, implementation, peer review, developer testing, and post-GA support.

  • Drive complex technical issues to closure that may occur in the cross-team boundary.

What we need to see:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or equivalent experience

  • 8+ years of proven experience in the field

  • Extensive experience with Linux is required

  • Experience with kernel-level programming is required

  • Deep understanding of the system software stack, with a focus on software/hardware interaction, including platform firmware, device drivers, Linux kernel, and how user-space applications utilize system services to achieve high performance

  • Knowledge of Network Protocols such as TCP/IP and RDMA

  • Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills

  • Deep knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Open source code contributor

  • A Master's or equivalent experience in Computer Science is a plus

  • Hands-on expertise with RDMA

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 26, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

View All Nvidia Jobs

Apply