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Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...

Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...

This role offers the opportunity to work on critical Linux security technologies that help ... Accountabilities As a Kernel Developer, you will contribute to the development, maintenance, and ...

We are looking for a Staff Engineer who is passionate about the Linux kernel. As a Staff Engineer at DigitalOcean, you will work as a high-level technical leader responsible for designing, optimizing ...

Senior Kernel Engineer

$172K - $190K/yr

You will engineer low-level Qualcomm Android BSP solutions, optimize system performance, and build ... Mastery of C development and Linux kernel internals, including memory management, power management ...

New

Responsibilities : • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...

Minimum 2 years of professional experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules ... Proficient in systems level C programming and familiar with kernel coding style and static analysis ...

Linux kernel development experience with emphasis on the network stack and its interfaces is highly desirable e.g. * Programming experience at the sockets layer, protocol layer, device layer and ...

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Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

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

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level linux kernel engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, operating systems concepts, and computer architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Linux kernel development tools, Git version control, and debugging utilities like GDB is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you quickly diagnose issues and collaborate with experienced engineers. These skills are essential for contributing to complex kernel projects, ensuring code quality, and efficiently resolving system-level challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level Linux Kernel Engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level Linux Kernel Engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding the complexity of kernel codebases, adhering to strict coding standards, and navigating the open-source community’s workflow for submitting patches. Collaborating with experienced engineers and participating in code reviews can be overwhelming at first, but these experiences are crucial for skill development. Additionally, balancing bug fixes with learning new subsystems and tools is typical, so time management and a willingness to ask questions are important for success.

What does an Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer do?

An Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer assists in developing, maintaining, and debugging the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the Linux operating system. They typically work on tasks such as fixing bugs, implementing new features, and ensuring hardware compatibility. This role often involves writing code in C, understanding kernel modules, and collaborating with more experienced engineers to learn industry best practices. Entry level engineers may also contribute to open-source projects and review documentation to expand their knowledge of operating system internals.
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What cities are hiring for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Arista Networks

Nashua, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We  believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.

Job Description

Who You'll Work With

Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS.  This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base.  

Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.

Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.

What You'll Do

  • Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
  • Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
  • Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
  • Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
  • Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
  • Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
  • Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
  • Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
  • Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.
Qualifications
  • BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 years experience, or equivalent work experience
  • Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required.  Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable.
  • Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures.
  • Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
  • Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong software design and implementation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
  • Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

#LI-SP1

Additional Information

Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer.  Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law.  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.