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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in California

Panasonic

MTS III, Software

Irvine, CA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to Responsibilities We are looking for an accountable and technically skilled Embedded Linux Kernel Developer to join our engineering team. In this ...

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through ...

Fortinet

Principal Software Developer Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$157K - $211K/yr

M.S. preferred • Strong C/C++ experience in Unix/Linux environment is essential • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel programming, including system calls and custom device drivers • Experience ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

Nvidia

Senior Software Engineer, Networking

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

... developer testing, and post-GA support. * Work in a fast-paced environment of continuous development and deployment cycles. * Craft and implement Linux kernel networking drivers for NVIDIA ConnectX ...

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California?

For Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you

Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer - CSP Engagements

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our CSP Engagements team, focusing on system software for Datacenter products such as GB200. This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded firmware, Linux kernel development, and middleware development, with customer-facing responsibilities to enable cloud service providers with next-generation computing platforms. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, driving technical solutions from concept through deployment.

What you'll be doing:

  • Design and develop software solutions for data center servers including Linux kernel modifications, device drivers, and system optimizations for GB200 and next-gen platforms.

  • Lead hardware bring-up activities, BSP development, and hardware-software co-design for Cloud Service Provider deployments.

  • Partner directly with CSPs to deliver technical solutions, co-develop & co-debug features and optimizations, and provide support during new product introductions.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in designing end-to-end solutions spanning firmware, OS, middleware, and applications with focus on AI/ML and HPC workloads.

  • Perform advanced system debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization for large-scale data center environments.

  • Collaborate with AE, FAE, and Solution Architect teams to deliver integrated customer solutions and technical documentation.

What we need to see:

  • Deep expertise in data center server architectures, HPC systems, and hardware-software co-design.

  • Expert knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, communication protocols (PCIe, USB, Ethernet).

  • Deep understanding of computer architecture, microprocessor concepts, and expert knowledge of ARM (aarch64) and x86 architectures.

  • Ability to debug kernel crash dumps and all types of lock-up issues. Hands-on experience with GDB, kdump, and eBPF tracing to debug multiprocessor systems. Good understanding of ARM and Intel assembly.

  • Strong understanding of PCIe virtualization and IOMMU.

  • Deep understanding of NUMA architectures including memory topology, processor-memory locality, and performance optimization for multi-CPU systems in data center environments.

  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, plus experience with virtualization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures.

  • Skilled in complex system-level debugging, performance analysis, and test design.

  • BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of system software development experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience with GPU computing (CUDA), deep learning workloads

  • Expertise in Out of Band and In-band management architectures

  • Knowledge of Memory fabric and CXL architectures

NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us. If you're creative, hardworking and self-motivated, we want to hear from you!

Do you want to join a team of highly motivated and experienced program managers who drive the successful introduction of NVIDIA's next generation GPU/CPU based products? We work closely with internal leaders in Software, Hardware, Firmware, Marketing and Operations to ensure the SW team delivers outstanding products while operating across multiple functional units and all levels of management to achieve Time-To-Market. As part of the team, your knowledge of driver, firmware, diagnostics and the SW stack development processes and priorities will enable you to swiftly make the course adjustments needed to keep these complex projects on track!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 15, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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