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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Fortinet, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$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

Embedded Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$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

$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

$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 ...

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 ...

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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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 Jul 17, 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% 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.

Production Support Engineer

Rootshell Enterprise Technologies, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$49.50 - $64.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Hello All,
Greetings from Rootshell Inc.
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc. is a recognized provider of professional IT Consulting services in the US. We are actively seeking Production Support Engineer for one of our client, Please share your resume with current location & full contact info
Role:Production Support Engineer
Location:Bay Area, California - Hybrid
Job Summary
  • Monitor system health by reviewing alerts, performance metrics, and responding to incidents.
  • Lead incident response, root cause analysis, and post-mortems to improve reliability.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in daily stand-ups and deployment reviews.
  • Automate operational tasks, analyze logs, and build observability with SLIs, SLOs, and alerting.
  • Design, scale, and maintain reliable infrastructure using Linux, Kubernetes, Terraform, and CI/CD tools.
  • Develop high-quality code in Python, Go, or similar languages, with strong system-level debugging skills.
  • Troubleshoot networking, distributed storage, Linux kernel issues, and optionally GPU/OVN/OVS environments.
  • Communicate effectively, document work, and continuously enhance platform reliability and customer experience.

With regards
Naveen | Talent Acquisition
Rootshell Enterprise Technologies Inc.
Naveen@rootshellinc.com | www.rootshellinc.com

Apply