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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Tech-mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key ... Strong knowledge and experience in OS Hardening, Performance Tuning, Kernel Customization * Able to ...

Tech-Mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key ... Kernel Customization Able to write Shell and Perl scripts Good knowledge and experience in System ...

Fortinet, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Develop Secured Enterprise Wireless products and features Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets Wifi security protocol implementation Job Requirements: Proficient C programming ...

Fortinet

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

Develop Secured Enterprise Wireless products and features Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets Wifi security protocol implementation Job Requirements: Proficient C programming ...

Fortinet, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $160K/yr

... • Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets • Wifi security protocol ... C programming skill • Basic networking protocols and system design knowledge • Passion and ...

Fortinet, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$117K - $143K/yr

Develop Secured Enterprise Wireless products and features Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets Wifi security protocol implementation Job Requirements: Proficient C programming ...

Fortinet

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$117K - $143K/yr

Develop Secured Enterprise Wireless products and features Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets Wifi security protocol implementation Job Requirements: Proficient C programming ...

Fortinet, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$117K - $143K/yr

Develop Secured Enterprise Wireless products and features Linux kernel/driver development of popular Wifi chipsets Wifi security protocol implementation Job Requirements: Proficient C programming ...

Verkada

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

Familiar with Linux servers, Linux device drivers, Linux kernel patches, secure operating systems and security focused programming. * Familiarity with RTOS, Secure Boot, Go, WebRTC * Experience ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high reliability, informative debug, and ... Deep understanding of operating system internals (Linux preferred). * Experience with hardware ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high reliability, informative debug, and ... Deep understanding of operating system internals (Linux preferred). * Experience with hardware ...

Nuro

Software Engineer, Sensor Platform

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $165K/yr

Familiarity with the role of the Linux kernel in driver performance. * 2+ years of industry experience * Bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D in degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Oakland, CA

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 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,152 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Linux Engineer

Tech-mex

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key opening for a Lead Linux Kernels Engineer. If this sounds like you, please apply for this amazing opportunity.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
  • Familiarity with Hive data access patterns and basic MapReduce tuning
  • Familiarity with HBase, YARN, Kafka

REQUIRED SKILLS:
  • Bachelor's degree in IT or equivalent experience
  • Design, implementation and administration of highly available and redundant Linux infrastructure
  • Knowledge on o/s satellite mgmt, authentication (qmx), apache, tomcat. splunk agent deployment, report creation, distributed splunk deployment. puppet package deployment , automation - vm deployment
  • Performing routine audits of systems and software
  • Applying operating system updates, patches, and configuration changes
  • Installing and configuring new hardware and software
  • Responsibility for security
  • Responsibility for documenting the configuration of the system
  • Troubleshooting any reported problems
  • Experience in design and deployment experience with HA and redundant systems
  • Strong knowledge and experience in file systems (UFS, NFS, Disk partitioning, file system tuning, auto mounts, NIS, DNS)
  • Strong knowledge and experience in OS Hardening, Performance Tuning, Kernel Customization
  • Able to write Shell and Perl scripts
  • Good knowledge and experience in System performance tuning and monitoring

Apply