ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

YEET.

Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... kernel nerds who refuse to accept "mystery outages" as normal. We're a small, high-impact team with domain expertise in Linux, eBPF, performance instrumentation, and developer tooling. We move fast ...

Infobahn SoftWorld Inc

Systems Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

VMWARE or virtual machine skill, UNIX/Linux skills. Additional details: Top 3 soft skills: Team ... Windows and Google programs preferable Required Experience Level: Entry Level Work Environment:

Bectran Inc

Cyber Security Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

This individual will work closely with DevOps, Engineering, and Leadership teams, applying ... Basic Linux administration experience preferred. * Exposure to vulnerability assessments, security ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$103.3K

$248.8K

How much do entry level linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level linux kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $103,288.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $109,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Linux kernel developer do?

An Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining the core of the Linux operating system, known as the kernel. Their responsibilities typically include fixing bugs, writing new kernel modules, improving system performance, and collaborating with other developers to enhance features. They also review code, contribute to open-source projects, and learn from senior kernel developers. This role often requires a strong understanding of C programming, operating system concepts, and familiarity with version control systems like Git.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Linux kernel developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, operating systems concepts, and basic computer architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, Linux command-line tools, and knowledge of kernel debugging or build tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate in open-source communities help you stand out. These skills are crucial for efficiently contributing to kernel development, ensuring code quality, and working effectively within a global developer ecosystem.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Linux kernel developers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level Linux Kernel Developers often encounter challenges such as navigating the vast and complex kernel codebase, adhering to strict coding standards, and understanding kernel development workflows. It's common to feel overwhelmed initially, but collaborating with experienced team members, participating in code reviews, and contributing to open-source kernel discussions can accelerate learning. Setting up an effective development and debugging environment, as well as regularly reading kernel mailing lists, helps build familiarity with both the technical and community aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer vs Entry Level Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Linux Kernel DeveloperEntry Level Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBasic programming skills, understanding of Linux, some C/C++ knowledgeDegree in CS or related field, programming skills in multiple languages
Work EnvironmentLinux-based systems, kernel development teams, embedded systemsVarious industries, software development teams, diverse platforms
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, open-source projectsTech firms, startups, enterprise software companies
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developers focus on low-level system programming, working directly with the Linux kernel, often in specialized environments. Entry Level Software Engineers have broader roles, developing applications across various platforms. While both roles require programming skills and a CS background, Linux Kernel Developers need specific knowledge of Linux internals, making their work more specialized within the open-source and embedded systems industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 76% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,288 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Junior Trading Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

Hudson River Trading
See more jobs at Hudson River Tradingexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is seeking a Junior Trading Systems Engineer to join our growing Trading Systems Infrastructure team. This team designs, builds, and maintains the infrastructure that powers our global trading, and is responsible for ensuring optimal performance and uptime of the ultra low-latency operating systems, automation software, and development tools that allow our trading strategies to run worldwide 24/7.
As a Junior Trading Systems Engineer, you'll work on projects focusing on our real-time production trading environment and tackle problems that require high availability, high throughput, and ultra low-latency solutions. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for coding and automation, is eager to learn new skills to help build an elegant stack, and has the ability to handle challenging technical issues within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. 
Responsibilities

  • Manage worldwide Linux-based trading infrastructure by contributing to the planning and execution of complex technical projects and tasks
  • Troubleshoot hardware and software issues across the stack 
  • Plan and implement system installations and upgrades 
  • Deploy, configure, and test internal and external applications 
  • Improve documentation and reduce technical debt
  • Benchmark the performance of the trading stack, working with subject matter experts across the organization
  • Join an on-call rotation schedule to cover trading hours and weekend shifts, as needed

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of relevant experience managing Linux systems: you can install packages, manage users, control services, and know where to look for system logs, and you understand TCP/IP networking, default gateways, and how to debug connectivity problems
  • Familiarity installing and configuring Linux systems, from hardware and networking to kernel to applications 
  • Knowledge of Debian/Ubuntu is desirable
  • Basic familiarity with configuration management tools, particularly SaltStack - some knowledge of Puppet, Ansible, Chef, or CFEngine is also desirable
  • Project Management Skills
  • Proven programming experience: you don't just know what big-O notation is, you've also built working software and can explain and defend your design
  • Basic shell (bash) scripting experience
  • Experience using JIRA
  • Strong cross-functional communication and organization skills
  • Experience with production systems, as well as some cloud experience in AWS or GCP, is desirable but not required

The estimated base salary range for this position is 120,000 to 160,000 USD per year (or local equivalent). The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role will also be eligible for discretionary performance-based bonuses and a competitive benefits package.

Apply