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Contract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Boston, MA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

Della Infotech

Contract Engineer Embedded

Boston, MA · On-site

$142K - $187K/yr

Expertise in C/C++ programming * Experience with board bring-up and hardware-software integration ... BSP, Linux Kernel, Device Tree, and Device Driver development * Experience debugging bootloader ...

Actalent

Embedded Firmware Engineer

North Reading, MA

$60 - $80/hr

Develop and maintain Linux kernel device drivers for embedded hardware components. * Integrate and ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA. Pay and Benefits ...

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All JobsContract Linux Kernel Engineer JobsContract Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Contract Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$11.9K

$124.4K

$140.7K

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract linux kernel engineer in Boston, MA is $124,392.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $135,800.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

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For Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Contract Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you

Principal SDET - Linux Kernel

Cambridge, MA • Remote

Premier Global Links
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Premier Global Linksexternal

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the Role

Premier Global Links LLC is seeking an experienced Principal Software Development Engineer in Test SDET to lead test strategy, automation, and system-level validation for a highly distributed, Linux-based AI and compute platform.

This is a senior technical leadership opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working at the Linux kernel level, solving complex infrastructure problems, and building scalable automated testing and continuous integration systems.

You will help define quality standards, develop advanced test frameworks, debug low-level system issues, and partner with engineering teams to improve the performance, reliability, and security of large-scale computing infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the overall testing strategy for a custom Linux kernel supporting AI and compute platforms.
  • Design, develop, and scale automated test frameworks for performance, reliability, and security.
  • Build comprehensive test suites for Linux kernel enhancements and support kernel and virtual machine infrastructure upgrades.
  • Develop and maintain continuous integration and automated testing infrastructure.
  • Perform Linux kernel debugging, system-level validation, performance testing, and benchmarking.
  • Troubleshoot complex low-level issues across test, development, and production-like environments.
  • Analyze failures and identify root causes across operating systems, virtualization, networking, storage, and hardware interfaces.
  • Partner with software, systems, infrastructure, and kernel engineering teams to establish and maintain quality standards.
  • Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to other engineers.
  • Help improve testing methodologies and infrastructure for highly distributed computing environments.

Required Qualifications

  • 12+ years of relevant software engineering, software development, test engineering, or validation experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Strong software development and validation experience using C, particularly in Linux kernel or systems-level environments.
  • Strong programming and scripting skills using Python, Shell, and/or Perl.
  • Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals and system architecture.
  • Hands-on knowledge of KVM and virtualization, Virtio drivers, cgroups, memory management, file systems, block I/O, Ethernet/network drivers, and TCP/IP.
  • Experience with Linux kernel debugging tools and system-level performance analysis.
  • Strong experience with performance benchmarking and reliability testing.
  • Experience designing, developing, or supporting automated testing frameworks and CI/CD or continuous testing infrastructure.
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex system-level software and infrastructure problems.
  • Strong technical communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to provide technical direction and mentor engineers in a distributed environment.
  • Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote, highly technical organization.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Annual bonus or incentive opportunities
  • Equity opportunities
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits
  • 401(k) savings plan
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Paid sick time
  • Parental and family-friendly benefits
  • Employee assistance program
  • Financial and wellness resources

Actual compensation may vary based on relevant experience, technical skills, qualifications, and work location.

Premier Global Links LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.