2

Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Arlington, VT

Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Arlington, VT salary details

$29.7K

$68.6K

$116.7K

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level linux kernel engineer in Arlington, VT is $68,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,900.00 and $77,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

Are entry level Linux kernel engineers in demand?

Entry level Linux kernel engineers are in demand due to the widespread use of Linux in servers, cloud infrastructure, and embedded systems. Skills in C programming, kernel development, and familiarity with tools like Git and Linux kernel modules increase employability in this field.
Infographic showing various Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Arlington, VT as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,608 per year, or $33 per hour.

Systems Engineer, Entry Level - FCS Auxiliary and Training Systems-Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Cossayuna, NY

General Dynamics Mission Systems
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$77K - $86K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
As a Systems Engineer for Fleet Ballistic Missile Auxiliary and Training Systems, you'll be a member of a cross-functional team responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing simulation and training systems that support the Fleet Ballistic Missile program.
Our team supports the tactical development and operation of Fire Control capabilities for the Ohio-class fleet and future Columbia-class submarines. We build systems that help engineering teams test Fire Control in lab environments and help prepare the fleet to operate new Fire Control capabilities before they are used aboard a submarine.
For Ohio-class systems, this includes capabilities such as the Weapon System Simulator and Training Stimulation System. For Columbia-class submarines, these capabilities come together in the Strategic Weapon Interface Simulator, which supports both system testing and fleet training.
In this role, you will support systems engineering activities across the development life cycle, including requirements analysis, requirements management, system design, integration, verification, troubleshooting, test execution, and technical documentation. You will work hands-on with systems in lab environments and collaborate across multiple technical disciplines to support mission-critical test and training capabilities.
We encourage you to apply if you have any of these preferred skills or experiences:
- Experience or coursework related to the systems engineering life cycle.
- Experience with networking, Linux environments, or virtual machine management.
- Exposure to cyber hardening techniques or secure system configuration.
- General IT skills, lab troubleshooting experience, or systems integration experience.
- Familiarity with test development, test execution, and test results reporting.
- Familiarity with systems requirements, requirements management, DOORS, MBSE, Cameo/MagicDraw, or system modeling tools.
- Ability to understand technical work products and coordinate across multiple disciplines.
What sets you apart:
- Clear understanding of systems engineering concepts, principles, theories, and technical standards.
- Ability to support requirements management, system design, integration, and verification activities.
- Interest in applying system modeling or MBSE practices to clarify complex interfaces and system behavior.
- Creative thinker with the ability to grasp and apply new information quickly.
- Ability to handle increasing responsibility and growing technical complexity.
- Team player who thrives in collaborative environments and contributes to team success.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development for yourself and others.
- Identifies opportunities to apply AI for continuous improvement and innovation.
Our Commitment to You:
- An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
- Research-oriented work alongside award-winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security.
- Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired, through a 9/80 schedule.
- Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more.
- See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits.
Workplace Options:
This position is on-site to start, with an opportunity to flex from site in the future based on program needs. While on-site, you will be part of the Pittsfield, MA facility.
Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $77,843.00 - USD $86,358.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What General Dynamics Mission Systems employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom