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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Oakland, CA

This entry-level role is designed to help you grow your Linux and technical skillset while working alongside experienced engineers supporting mission-critical NASA HPC operations. This is a 24/7 ...

This entry-level role is designed to help you grow your Linux and technical skillset while working alongside experienced engineers supporting mission-critical NASA HPC operations. This is a 24/7 ...

We hire engineers who are deep in one area and curious about the others. This role spans across ... Linux kernel drivers, PCIe-visible memory management, high-throughput low-latency ring buffer ...

We hire engineers who are deep in one area and curious about the others. This role spans across ... Linux kernel drivers, PCIe-visible memory management, high-throughput low-latency ring buffer ...

Strong knowledge of Linux kernel internals, particularly regarding memory management (buffer ring allocations, memory leaks) and CPU affinity/pinning. Responsibilities: * Design, develop, and execute ...

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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:
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.
Software Engineer, Sensor Platform

Software Engineer, Sensor Platform

Nuro

Mountain View, CA

$132K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

Nuro believes self-driving vehicles are the most immediate and profound opportunity for AI to drive positive change in the physical world. Safer streets, more time for what matters, and easier access to the world around us, that's why we're building a universal autonomy platform: self-driving for all roads and all rides.

Founded in 2016, Nuro is a physical AI company developing Level 4 autonomous driving technology for a wide range of vehicles, use cases, and markets. Powered by the Nuro Driver™, our universal autonomy platform enables the global mobility ecosystem to deploy autonomy at scale, from robotaxis and logistics fleets to personal vehicles.

With years of real-world deployment experience and a flexible, partner-led business model, Nuro is working toward a future where millions of autonomous vehicles powered by our technology help make everyday life safer, easier, and more connected.

Nuro has raised over $2B in capital from Uber, NVIDIA, Google, Softbank, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price, and other leading investors.

About the Team

The Devices Platform team's mandate is to lay the foundation of Nuro's onboard software for our sensor and compute platform, including device drivers, inter-device protocols and pipelines, and device runtime APIs. Sensors and compute hardware are the eyes, ears, and brains of our self-driving robots. We are creating the hardware-agnostic platform to be used by the perception and autonomy SW stack, and to realize the full potential of our sensor and compute HW in reliability, quality, and performance. The projects we work on are high impact and high visibility within Nuro. This team is also responsible for working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to define, evaluate, integrate the next generation HW platform for Nuro's products and to build the necessary tooling to assist continuous testing and validation.

About the Work

  • Design and develop sensor and compute systems for robotics
  • Architect and/or deploy Nuro sensors & autonomous SW with high reliability and performance
  • Deliver reliable SW through metrics monitoring, automated testing, and vendor collaboration
  • Debug complex systems, root-cause failure modes, and deploy effective solutions
  • Drive cross-functional projects on sensors and compute for autonomous vehicles

About You

  • Domain experience: Experience in robotics or autonomous driving systems
  • Technical excellence: Proven ability to deep dive into embedded and real-time systems; proficiency in C++, with emphasis on concurrency; 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 closely related field
  • Clear and concise communication
  • Collaborates effectively with engineers, PMs, and other stakeholders

Bonus Points

  • Experience in robotics hardware components, including sensors, embedded platforms (with multiple CPUs, GPUs, ISPs, and accelerators)
  • Experience with programming peripheral devices and device communication protocols such as USB, SPI, I2C, UART
  • Experience with radar, lidar, or visual cameras
  • Experience with GPU programming and low level driver optimization for Nvidia GPUs
  • Knowledge of Linux kernel and device driver level programming, including threading, IPC, shared memory, and synchronization
  • Knowledge of networking, full IP protocol stack, from PHY through TCP, UDP, and to application layer

At Nuro, your base pay is one part of your total compensation package. For this position, the reasonably expected base pay range is between $132,300 and $165,370 for the level at which this job has been scoped. Your base pay will depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, education, location, and skills. In the event that you are considered for a different level, a higher or lower pay range would apply. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, equity, and a competitive benefits package.

At Nuro, we celebrate differences and are committed to a diverse workplace that fosters inclusion and psychological safety for all employees. Nuro is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. #LI-DNP