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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

Zealogics.com

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

HPC Rack, Build, cable, configure, and provision Linux kernel, windows server. * HPC Operating ... Programming language: Python, Shell * Virtualization and containerization * Computer network

Slope

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance‑critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $445K/yr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

Amazon

Embedded SDE II, HW Compute Group

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Linux Kernel and Board Support Package (BSP) Development Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux BSPs for embedded systems. Key focus areas include ...

Amazon

Embedded SDE II, HW Compute Group

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

As a Linux Kernel and Board Support Package (BSP) Development Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining Linux BSPs for embedded systems. Key focus areas include ...

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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer information

See Oakland, CA salary details

$33.9K

$115.2K

$277.4K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level linux kernel developer in Oakland, CA is $115,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,900.00 and $121,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Oakland, CA?

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

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

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

What cities near Oakland, CA are hiring for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near Oakland, CA with the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Oakland, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,152 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Anodize

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization
Summary
We're a well-funded, stealth startup building a new end-to-end personal computing platform. For this role, the primary responsibility is to build, optimize, and maintain the core virtualization and kernel stack that powers our platform. You will have deep ownership over host and guest kernel interactions, identifying performance bottlenecks, and implementing novel solutions to mitigate hardware virtualization overhead.
Whether it's tackling pathological memory access overhead by implementing advanced hugepage alignment techniques (e.g., coordinating host/guest hugepage backing to eliminate TLB misses), optimizing CPU scheduling, or improving I/O virtualization, your goal is to push the boundaries of virtualization performance, and contribute those improvements directly back to the broader Linux ecosystem.
Responsibilities
  • Virtualization Stack Ownership: Design, implement, and optimize host and guest OS features to maximize throughput and minimize latency in a hardware-accelerated virtualization environment.
  • Open Source Stewardship: Heavily engage with the upstream community. Prepare, submit, and shepherd kernel patches through Linux kernel mailing lists, advocating for our architectural improvements to become part of mainline Linux.
  • Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve systemic performance bottlenecks across the stack (e.g., implementing efficient hugepage alignment to reduce nested page walks, optimizing THP behaviors, etc.).
  • Systems Innovation: Track cutting-edge academic systems research (e.g., Eurosys, OSDI) and translate novel techniques into production-ready software implementations that drive measurable performance gains.
Minimum Requirements
  • Kernel Development: Proven track record in Linux kernel development, with deep expertise in the virtualization stack (KVM) or memory management.
  • Open Source & Upstreaming: Practical experience navigating Linux kernel mailing lists and a clear history of proposing, debating, and upstreaming meaningful patches.
  • Systems Programming: Strong software development skills with deep hands-on proficiency in C, Rust, Make, and associated systems toolchains.
  • Low-Level Debugging: Strong ability to profile, benchmark, and debug complex, deeply nested virtualization workloads to pinpoint systemic overhead.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active maintainer or contributor status in core open-source virtualization projects (e.g., Linux KVM, QEMU, rust-vmm, crosvm, libkrun, etc.).
  • Deep familiarity with the internal workings of the Linux memory management (mm) subsystem, virtual memory, and paging architecture.
  • Prior experience translating academic systems research into upstreamable mainline features.

Apply