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Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join our team as an entry-level Linux/Android Kernel Engineer where you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world SoC platform development. We're looking for fresh talent with strong ...

Join our team as an entry-level Linux/Android Kernel Engineer where you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world SoC platform development. We're looking for fresh talent with strong ...

Embedded Linux - including the build system, kernel configuration, device drivers, boot loader, device tree and filesystem, core application development, network configuration, testing * C, Python

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 ...

About the Role We're looking for a founding/lead Linux kernel developer to join our Scaling team. In this role, you'll design and develop Linux kernel components, working at the intersection of ...

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 Jun 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.
More about Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Intel Corporation

Folsom, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Intel rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:
Job Description:
Are you a graduate passionate about Linux, Android, and embedded systems? Join our team as an entry-level Linux/Android Kernel Engineer where you'll apply your academic knowledge to real-world SoC platform development. We're looking for fresh talent with strong fundamentals who are eager to learn FPGA environments, SoC internals, and professional kernel development. This role is designed for graduates ready to launch their careers in embedded systems with comprehensive mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Apply Academic Knowledge: Use your coursework in operating systems, embedded systems, and computer architecture in real-world kernel development
• Learn Professional Development: Transition from academic projects to professional Linux and Android kernel development under expert mentorship
• Hands-on Training: Gain practical experience with FPGA platforms, SoC hardware, and industry-standard development tools
• Kernel Fundamentals: Start with basic kernel module development and gradually progress to device drivers and system components
• Hardware-Software Learning: Develop understanding of how kernel software interfaces with SoC hardware blocks
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside experienced engineers, hardware teams, and participate in code reviews
• Skill Building: Build expertise in embedded debugging, cross-compilation, and hardware-aware software development
• Project Contribution: Contribute to real projects while learning professional development practices and industry standards
What We Value from Your College Experience:
• Academic Projects: Embedded systems projects, OS assignments, or hardware programming labs
• Internship Experience: Any software development, embedded systems, or hardware-related internships
• Coursework Relevance: Strong performance in systems programming, computer architecture, or embedded systems classes
• Learning Mindset: Demonstrated ability to learn complex technical concepts quickly
This position is not eligible for Intel immigration sponsorship.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Bachelor's/Master's degree in: Computer Engineering or Computer Science (with embedded systems/hardware coursework) or related field
• 3+ months of work or academic (internships, co-ops, and academic projects count) experience.
Academic Background We're Looking For: A minimum of three of the following areas:
• Operating Systems: Coursework in OS fundamentals, process management, memory management
• Programming Foundation: Strong C/C++ programming skills from coursework and projects
• Computer Architecture: Understanding of processor architecture, memory systems, and I/O from academic studies
• Embedded Systems: Coursework or projects in embedded programming, microcontrollers, or real-time systems
• Data Structures and Algorithms: Solid foundation from computer science curriculum
• Version Control: Basic Git experience from academic projects or internships
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Nice to Have but not mandatory):
• Advanced Education: Master's degree in relevant engineering field
• Hands-on Experience:
o Personal projects with Linux, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or embedded development boards
o Academic projects involving device drivers or kernel modules
o Internship experience with embedded systems or mobile platforms
• Technical Exposure:
o Familiarity with Linux command line and basic system administration
o Experience with cross-compilation or embedded toolchains from coursework
o Understanding of hardware protocols (UART, I2C, SPI) from labs or projects
o Basic knowledge of Android architecture or mobile development
Job Type:
College Grad
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
Primary Location:
US, California, Folsom
Additional Locations:
Business group:
The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics.
Posting Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.
Position of Trust
N/A
Benefits
We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.
Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $111,030.00-156,740.00 USD
The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Work Model for this Role
This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968