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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Tennessee

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$81K - $117K/yr

Experience analyzing logcat, kernel logs, ANR traces, and system-level crash reports. * Strong ... Basic knowledge of the Linux OS is a plus. * Experience with Firebase Crashlytics and Real Time ...

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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 popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Tennessee as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Principal Systems Software Engineer

Nashville, TN • On-site

Oracle Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Oracle Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

This role combines ethical hacking, vulnerability research, and clean-room reverse-engineering practices to understand how systems work, identify security weaknesses, and help engineering teams remediate them responsibly along with future proofing. 

This role works closely with product, infrastructure, security, hardware, and platform teams, as well as external silicon and hardware vendors. You will be deeply hands-on, owning early prototypes through production-ready platform software and technical standards. 
 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience in embedded security, hardware hacking, firmware analysis, reverse engineering, penetration testing, or vulnerability research. 

  • Demonstrated commitment to ethical hacking and authorized research. 

  • Proficiency in C programming and kernel-level debugging. 

  • Several years of hands-on Unix/Linux kernel development experience preferred. 

  • Knowledge of security technologies including TPM, Secure Boot, kernel signing, and encryption frameworks. 

  • Working knowledge of hardware interfaces and protocols, including UART, JTAG, SPI, IC, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or proprietary RF. 

  • Ability to communicate technical findings to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders. 

  • In depth knowledge of ARM, Intel, and AMD platforms and what chipsets do. 

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $110,100 to $234,600 per annum. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


Responsibilities:

  • Perform authorized security assessments of embedded, IoT, and hardware-based products. 

  • Reverse engineer firmware, binaries, bootloaders, protocols, and device interfaces. 

  • Analyze hardware using UART, JTAG/SWD, SPI, IC, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and related lab tools. 

  • Extract and assess firmware; identify attack surfaces, vulnerabilities, and insecure design patterns. 

  • Conduct protocol, RF, wireless, and physical security testing, where authorized. 

  • Develop proof-of-concept demonstrations in controlled environments and provide practical remediation guidance. 

  • Reconstruct system behavior, document interfaces, and support clean room re implementations for interoperability or security research. 

  • Build scripts and tooling to automate firmware analysis, testing, and repeatable security checks. 

  • Produce clear technical reports with reproduction steps, severity, impact, and mitigation recommendations. 

  • Work with engineering and product security teams to improve secure design, threat modeling, and product hardening. 

  • Collaborate with silicon vendors on reference code, firmware updates, and firmware enablement. 

  • Mentor engineers participate in design reviews, and define standards for maintainable, supportable, production-grade firmware across teams. 

What Oracle employees say

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About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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