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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in California

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 ...

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 · On-site

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 ...

Data Direct Networks

CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

It is for engineers who understand how data moves through the stack, who care about latency and ... Working across Linux kernel file systems and user-space infrastructure layers * Designing high ...

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Linux Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

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 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 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
Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms

Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms

Qualcomm

Folsom, CA • On-site

$134K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 202 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system-level technical leadership for next-generation ARM server platforms. This role spans Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, with responsibility for shaping architecture, guiding cross-functional execution, and ensuring production-quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.
This role works across silicon, firmware, OS, and performance teams to enable high-performance ARM server SoCs, optimize system software, and ensure compliance with industry platform standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide system-level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
  • Define and guide architecture across HW ↔ FW ↔ OS ↔ hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
  • Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high-performance server platforms.
  • Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
  • Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
  • Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
  • Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
  • Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system-level analysis and technical leadership.
  • Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 8+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 7+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 4+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
  • 10+ years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience.
  • Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
  • Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
  • Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre- and post-silicon debug environments.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
  • Master's degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high-performance or datacenter platforms.
  • Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
  • Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
  • Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$192,600.00 - $289,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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