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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Allentown, PA

FPGA engineer. Timing. Granada, Spain

Bath, PA · On-site

$119K - $153K/yr

General knowledge of software engineering and development, embedded Linux, and Linux kernel drivers. * Passion, energy, and high motivation to participate in industrial R&D projects and initiatives.

Technical skills in general software development, embedded Linux, software engineering, FPGA design, firmware modules, and Linux kernel driver development and debugging. * Recommended experience in ...

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Allentown, PA salary details

$99.7K

$147.1K

$173.7K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Allentown, PA is $147,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,700.00 and $162,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 Allentown, PA?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Allentown, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Allentown, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Allentown, PA are:

What cities near Allentown, PA are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near Allentown, PA with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Embedded Software Engineer (Internship) Granada, Spain

Safran

Bath, PA • On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Internship

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Safran rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Embedded Software Engineer -Trainee- (R&D) Granada, Spain



We're looking for a Firmware Engineer (trainee) to join our R&D team in Granada, Spain.


Our Technology:


We're the world leader in Resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing (R-PNT) solutions that improve the reliability, performance and safety of critical applications, and high-risk operations, even in GPS/GNSS denied environments. We provide virtually fail-safe GNSS and PNT solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide.

To this end, we have developed industry-leading solutions that are built around a sound foundation of ultra-accurate synchronization (sub-ns) and frequency distribution services. These combine to deliver a broad set of products and technical solutions based on the enhanced White Rabbit PTP synchronization technology for myriad applications, ranging from timing distribution in financial networks to robust and reliable positioning.

In addition, Safran has great expertise in Time Sensitive Networking through several engagements carried out in the framework of aerospace with ESA to provide deterministic communications with zero-packet loss. Overall, we are a highly dynamic company with a clear focus on research and innovation for providing reliable solutions that have robust, dependable, and reliable timing at their core.


The Position:


As a Senior Embedded Software Engineer, you will start working on a highly motivating engagement with the R&D Engineering Team in Granada, Spain, where you will be expected to develop the main elements of a synchronization system that extends White Rabbit timing over a free space communication interface. Thus, you will assist in the design, integration, and validation of the main software and embedded firmware elements of a prototype for wireless White Rabbit timing. This could include the design of custom Linux kernel modules and drivers, specialized Linux images, user-level applications, software libraries, or even test automation procedures. Moreover, you will implement the necessary extensions to our synchronization protocol to use the new wireless interface, and debug and diagnose any issues arising during the design of these extensions. The assembly of experimental demonstrators and travel to showcase proofs of concept might be required during the final stages of the project.


What you'll be doing:


You will have the responsibility for understanding the requirements and assisting in the development of a project that includes highly innovative elements.

In collaboration with the Testing and Quality teams, you will ensure that your developments are produced according to specification.

You will use your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure the highest quality for the results in accordance with the allotted schedule, effort, and budget.

You will work with the latest and greatest in Resilient PNT and deterministic technologies!

You will have effective communication with other project partners, project managers, and will be constantly communicating with them from project kick-offs to stakeholder meetings.

You will be developing the software elements of our current embedded Timing products and the next generation Safrans incoming products. This will include, but is not limited to, writing custom kernel modules and extensions to our synchronization protocols.

You will be expected to validate the software components that you implement, ensure their operation in embedded Linux, and debug complex issues arising from the integration of multiple SW and FPGA elements on an embedded system.


Main responsibilities:


You will contribute to technical specifications together with the technical leads.

You will provide estimates of workload required to complete specified tasks and plans work accordingly.

You will contribute to the development and the validation of components.

You will carry out development tasks according to project plan.

You will check the quality of the deliverables through systematic unit testing.

You will participate in final qualification of deliverables, including the validation of documentation

.

What you Bring to Safran:


Master's Degree in Telecommunications, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.

Good written and communication skills in English.

Technical skills in general software development, embedded Linux, software engineering, and Linux kernel driver development and debugging.

Ambition to grow and develop personally and professionally. Passion for challenges and technology. Ability to participate in ambitious projects with major international technology leaders.


Desirable experience in:


o Embedded Linux generation tools and build systems (e.g., Buildroot, Petalinux, ...).

o Embedded software development and debugging for embedded Linux and standalone (e.g., microcontrollers, baremetal for Xilinx devices).

o Provable experience in development of Linux kernel network drivers, DMA modes, and custom modifications to the kernel.

o Embedded SW development, testing, and debugging. You will be expected to debug complex issues involving multiple interactions, e.g., kernel, user applications, FPGA IP modules, ... Working command of debugging tools, such as GDB, DDD, or Valgrind, is expected.

o Strong automation and scripting skills (e.g., bash, TCL, ...).

o Strong knowledge of the main programming languages for embedded and agile prototyping, including C, C++, Python, ...

o Extensive experience with repositories and version control (Git, SVN, ...).

o Linux networking, Xilinx AXI DMA, and management of serial transmission interfaces from kernel space, such as generic PHYs or GTx transceivers from Xilinx.

o Previous knowledge of timing, synchronization, and frequency dissemination protocols (e.g., PTP, NTP, SyncE, or others) would be appreciated.

o Previous knowledge of the Xilinx architecture, e.g., Zynq-7000, UltraScale, Zynq-MPSoC, is also desirable.

o Working knowledge of cross compilation toolchains for different platforms (e.g., ARM SoCs, LM32, ....) would be desirable.


The keys of our offer:


Be part of a leading and expanding company.

Health insurance.

Flexible work schedule.

International and dynamic environment in Granada, Spain with some travels and colaborations with other teams in the company at France and United States.

High possibilities to grow inside the company.

Professional Career Plan.




Safran is an equal opportunity employer who does not discriminate based on race, color, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status or any protected category. We encourage veterans and people with disabilities to apply.


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