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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Minnesota

Firmware Engineer II (Continuation)

Shakopee, MN · On-site +1

$85.41K - $125.27K/yr

Experience with Linux kernel and device driver development. * Experience with VxWorks or other real ... Whether you're a budding developer or a seasoned expert, we're invested in your professional ...

Principal Software Engineer, Robotics

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$140.90K - $188.90K/yr

... Linux and/or RTOS. * Provide hands‑on technical leadership in: * Board bring‑up, kernel ... CI/CD pipelines and automated builds (Azure DevOps) Cross‑Functional Leadership & Mentorship

Hire, manage, and mentor a team of developers, including both freelancers and full-time employees ... Proficient in embedded C/C++ programming and experienced with RTOS and Linux . * Strong background ...

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota? For Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

NextGen RF Design, Inc.

North Mankato, MN • On-site

$120.20K - $157.50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Senior Embedded Software Engineer
NextGen RF Design is seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer with 7+ years of experience
developing embedded C software for real-time, hardware-centric systems. This role is for a hands-on
technical expert who designs, implements, debugs, and maintains low-level firmware across
microcontrollers, SoCs, and embedded Linux platforms.
You will play a critical role in architecting and delivering robust, production-ready embedded software,
working closely with hardware, FPGA, DSP, and systems engineers. While mentorship and technical
leadership are expected, this is not a people-management role, it is focused on deep technical
contribution and ownership. This role requires strong hands-on experience debugging complex
embedded systems running both RTOS and Embedded Linux in production environments.
Key Responsibilities
Embedded Software Development
o Design, develop, and maintain embedded C/C++ firmware for microcontroller- and SoC-
based systems.
o Implement real-time software using RTOS environments (e.g., FreeRTOS, or similar).
o Develop and maintain low-level drivers, BSPs, bootloaders, and hardware abstraction
layers.
o Write efficient, deterministic, and maintainable code for interrupt-driven and time-critical
systems.
o Embedded Linux is used where appropriate and complements MCU/RTOS-based
systems.
- Kernel configuration and debugging
- Device drivers
- User-space applications and services
o Lead design reviews; establish coding, documentation, and verification standards; drive
technical best practices across projects.
Systems Architecture & Integration
o Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, and DSP engineers to define hardware/software
partitioning.
o Translate system requirements into clear, testable software designs and interfaces.
o Participate in design reviews, ensuring software architectures are scalable, testable,
and production-ready.
o Support integration of embedded software into complete RF and embedded systems.
Debugging & Bring-Up
o Lead board bring-up and system-level debugging on new hardware.
o Diagnose and resolve complex issues involving:
- Memory corruption, stack overflows, race conditions
- Timing issues, watchdog resets, and hard faults
- Kernel panics and low-level Linux issues
o Use tools such as JTAG/SWD debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and trace
tools.
o Debug across hardware, firmware, and OS boundaries.
Customer & Business Alignment
o Work directly with customers to capture requirements, translate into system-level
specifications, and communicate design tradeoffs.
o Represent the company at customer design reviews, technical working groups, or
industry events as needed.
Verification, Quality & Production Support
o Develop and execute unit, integration, and system-level test strategies.
o Ensure software meets performance, reliability, and maintainability requirements.
o Support manufacturing test, field issues, and long-term product sustainment.
o Contribute to coding standards, documentation, and software best practices.
o Support requirements traceability, documentation, and formal verification activities
consistent with structured product development and quality system standards.
Technical Leadership & Mentorship
o Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers.
o Lead by example through code quality, design rigor, and problem-solving approach.
o Influence engineering best practices without formal management responsibility.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
* BS in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
* 10+ years of professional experience in embedded software development.
* Solid background in embedded Linux, including kernel-level debugging.
* Proven experience with:
o Interrupts, DMA, memory-mapped I/O
o Multithreading, synchronization, and real-time constraints
o Device driver development
* Deep debugging skills using both software and hardware tools.
* Expert-level skills in:
o C/C++ for embedded systems (bare metal and RTOS).
o Git-based version control and CI/CD workflows.
* Basic understanding of RF communications protocols (e.g., LoRa, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE/5G,
proprietary modulations).
* Ability to manage tasks using Atlassian JIRA or other software tracking tools.
* Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams or mentoring junior engineers.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain technical tradeoffs to
both engineers and executives.
* Experience with ISO 9001 or other regulated development environments preferred.
End-to-end ownership: define requirements, document designs, develop and verify firmware;
proficient with interrupt-driven, real-time systems and device drivers.
* Evaluate and partition functions across CPU, FPGA, and peripherals, making clear cost,
performance, and schedule tradeoffs.
JOB SNAPSHOT
Base Pay: Competitive; commensurate with experience
Employment: Full-Time, OnSite/Hybrid
Job Type: Engineering, Embedded Design
Education: BSCE/BSEE required.
Experience: 7 years experience preferred
Manages Others: No
Industry: RF Engineering Services
Required Travel: Not Specified