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Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Jobsbridge

Senior JAVA Lead

Cupertino, CA

Company Description Intelliswift Software, Inc Senior Software Engineer with Distributed computing ... Linux kernel,performance profiling, scalable java Additional Information Multiple Openings

Fortinet

Senior Software Development Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Skills Required: - C programming and low-level debugging - Linux Kernel, concurrency and interrupt handling - IPv4/IPv6, TCP/IP Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. The US base ...

RIIM

Site Reliability Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$67.75 - $90/hr

... Linux kernel internals, with exposure to scheduler, memory allocation, and driver subsystem. • Experience writing high quality code with at least one programming language (Python, Go, or similar ...

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 ...

Protingent

Software Development Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

A strong foundation in networking, storage protocols, Linux kernel concepts, and core operating ... Partner with engineering stakeholders to identify high-value opportunities to reduce manual effort ...

Oracle

Principal Software Developer 4

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

... in Linux kernel patches, enhancing the Ksplice tools and improving the workflow. Responsibilities ... programming • Understanding of security issues and defenses in compiled languages • Strong ...

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 ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer JobsEntry Level Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$34.6K

$117.5K

$283K

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 San Jose, CA is $117,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $124,200.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA? For Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:
What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities near San Jose, 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 San Jose, 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 $117,510 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Software Engineer - Platform Core (C++, C)

SpaceXAI

Palo Alto, CA

$180K - $440K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Build and maintain the lean, high-reliability Linux-based operating system that underpins our supercomputer network fabric.
  • Write (or rewrite) high-performance device drivers to extract the maximum physical capability from our network and compute hardware.
  • Manage deployment, operation, and debugging of our platform in production, including:
    • Rigorous resolution and root-causing of anomalies to ensure the system is constantly improving in reliability.
    • Developing and constantly improving our tools for observability and configuration management.
  • Collaborate with our hardware teams and external partners to design the next generation of supercomputer hardware - and then bring up our OS and software stack on it.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Hands-on systems programming experience in C or C++.
  • Strong operating systems fundamentals (scheduling, memory management, I/O) - you must be able to articulate in extreme detail how a computer works, from the hardware all the way up to high-level applications.
  • Understanding of computer networking, both in the host (OS stack) as well as common network devices like switches and routers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel and its networking stack - transferable experience with another production-grade kernel is okay, too!
  • Proficiency with debugging tools spanning kernel, network, and userspace (e.g., ftrace, perf, Wireshark/tcpdump, eBPF, gdb, and more).
  • Experience bringing up new hardware from scratch - you have flashed bare-metal software on a microcontroller with JTAG, or bootstrapped a Linux kernel and rootfs on new hardware.
  • Demonstrated track record of developing and optimizing device/peripheral drivers - ideally for high-speed interfaces, or with advanced considerations like DMA and cache coherency.
  • Understanding of major peripheral hardware interface standards (Ethernet, PCIe, I2C, SPI, etc.) - you can critically review a schematic, and debug these interfaces if needed.
  • Experience with product security, OS/system hardening, and secure boot schemes.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$180,000 - $440,000 USD

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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