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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

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 ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

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 ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

$142K - $263K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

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$101K

$149.1K

$176K

How much do freelance linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in the United States is $149,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance Linux kernel developer do?

A Freelance Linux Kernel Developer specializes in writing, modifying, and maintaining the core of the Linux operating system, often for clients or companies on a project basis. Their responsibilities include debugging kernel code, developing new features, optimizing performance, and ensuring compatibility with hardware and software. Freelancers in this field work independently, offering their expertise to organizations that need custom Linux kernel solutions or support. They typically need strong programming skills in C, in-depth knowledge of operating systems, and experience with open-source collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Linux kernel developer?

To thrive as a Freelance Linux Kernel Developer, you need deep expertise in C programming, operating systems concepts, and a strong understanding of Linux internals, often supported by a relevant computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), kernel debugging tools (such as GDB, perf), and contributing to open-source repositories is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and clear written communication help developers stand out when collaborating remotely and engaging with the open-source community. These competencies are crucial for efficiently delivering robust kernel solutions and maintaining high standards in a distributed, collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Linux kernel developers when working with diverse client codebases?

Freelance Linux Kernel Developers often work with a variety of client codebases, which can present challenges such as adapting to different kernel versions, understanding custom modifications, and ensuring compatibility with client-specific hardware. Navigating disparate documentation and collaborating remotely with in-house teams also requires strong communication and problem-solving skills. Staying up-to-date with upstream kernel changes and maintaining high code quality are essential to deliver reliable, maintainable solutions for each project.

What is the difference between Freelance Linux Kernel Developer vs Linux Device Driver Developer?

AspectFreelance Linux Kernel DeveloperLinux Device Driver Developer
CredentialsExperience with Linux kernel development, possibly certifications in Linux or C programmingSimilar credentials, often with specialized knowledge in device driver development
Work EnvironmentFreelance projects, remote work, client-based assignmentsIn-house or freelance, focused on hardware-specific driver development
Industry UsageTechnology companies, startups, open-source projectsHardware manufacturers, embedded systems, specialized tech firms
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance Linux kernel work or collaborationSeeking expertise in developing or maintaining device drivers

The main difference is that a Freelance Linux Kernel Developer works on overall kernel development projects on a freelance basis, while a Linux Device Driver Developer specializes in creating and maintaining drivers for specific hardware components. Both roles require similar technical skills and credentials, but their focus areas and work environments differ.

More about Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,062 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC • On-site

VAST Data
Software Development • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about VAST Dataexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

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 organization that is in the center of the hurricane being created by the revolution in artificial intelligence.
"VAST's data management vision is the future of the market."- Forbes
VAST Data is the data platform company for the AI era. We are building the enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and protect massive datasets and make them available for real-time data analysis and AI training and inference. Designed from the ground up to make AI simple to deploy and manage, VAST takes the cost and complexity out of deploying enterprise and AI infrastructure across data center, edge, and cloud.
Our success has been built through intense innovation, a customer-first mentality and a team of fearless VASTronauts who leverage their skills & experiences to make real market impact. This is an opportunity to be a key contributor at a pivotal time in our company's growth and at a pivotal point in computing history.
Requirements
VAST is building the highest-performing file system in the world. This requires innovating all the way into the Linux operating systems that require accessing data at unlimited bandwidth and low latency.
We are forming a new team focused solely on Kernel development, collaborating with the upstream community, and setting new industry standards for fast file systems.
Requirements
Linux Kernel Development Experience
System programming in C/C++.
Solid networking knowledge (OSI network layers, TCP/IP)
Python/Git- advantage
Knowledge block-level Storage/file systems - advantage
BSc/MSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent

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