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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Boise, ID

Senior Embedded Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$118K - $154K/yr

Strong Linux internals and kernel knowledge with related integration and configuration experience ... Product Engineering * PRIMARY SKILL : C and C++-Development * SECONDARY COMPETENCY : Operating ...

Android Engineer Location: Houston, TX Duration: 12+ Months Contract * Design, develop, and ... Familiarity with Linux Kernel development. * Proficiency in Java and the Android framework.

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

This engineer will build embedded software running on bare metal to embedded Linux as well as ... Experience with Linux device interaction, drivers, or kernel-level debugging * Familiarity with ...

Senior Embedded Firmware Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

This engineer will build embedded software running on bare metal to embedded Linux as well as ... Experience with Linux device interaction, drivers, or kernel-level debugging * Familiarity with ...

Sr. Software Development Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

... Linux-based embedded systems, including bootloaders, kernel modules, and wireless device drivers ... Developer Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson At Ericsson, we know that our people are the key to ...

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Boise, ID salary details

$96.1K

$141.9K

$167.5K

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

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Boise, ID is $141,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,900.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Boise, ID?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Boise, ID are:

Senior Embedded Engineer

Embtel Inc

Boise, ID • On-site

$118K - $154K/yr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Hi,

We EMBTEL, Inc one of the fastest growing IT Staffing & Recruitment Company in the US. We are U.S. Federal Govt. approved vendor and Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) company. We have an urgent requirement with our client/Implementation partner. The job details are given below - https://embtel.com/careers/ https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?f_C=15556444&geoId=92000000

Role: Senior Embedded Engineer & C/C++ Programmer
Location: Boise, ID - Hybrid Model (2 days a week from office and 3 days remote)
Duration: C2C / C2H / Fulltime

Who are we looking for? A mid-level team member with around 4+ to 10 years of experience in Linux Internals and C Programming.

Technical Skills:

  • Good understanding of Linux internals on embedded systems
  • Strong Programming experience in "C, Data Structures, Multithreading, and system programming
  • Strong Linux internals and kernel knowledge with related integration and configuration experience
  • Linux device driver development experience
  • Strong Bash shell scripting
  • Very familiar with Linux build processes and Makefiles
  • 5+ years embedded C/C++ development
  • Very strong Linux and analytical problem solving skills
  • Experience with Yocto
  • Understanding of Device tree
  • Ability to understand design and produce code of high quality
  • Knowledge on development tools, processes, quality aspects
  • High comfort level working in a fast-paced, results-oriented culture
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
  • Design, build and maintain efficient, reusable and reliable code.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Analyze and Review Specifications
  • Design and Development of Firmware for printers
  • On time Delivery and high quality outputs
  • Find creative, innovative solutions to problems
  • Analytical mindset and good problem-solving skill
  • Perform regular audits to identify software inefficiencies and mastermind ways to improve workflow
  • Write and continually update documentation for all programs for internal and external reference
  • Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all areas pertaining to data and proprietary information
  • Troubleshoot to resolve issues.

Process Skills:

  • Agile Scrum
  • Experience using task tracking tools such as Jira, ALM or equivalent

Behavioral Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
  • Result oriented team player
  • Good in communication (Oral and written)
  • Interpersonal skills

Skills Matrix:

  • PRIMARY COMPETENCY : Product Engineering
  • PRIMARY SKILL : C and C++-Development
  • SECONDARY COMPETENCY : Operating Systems
  • SECONDARY SKILL : Linux-OS Enablement
  • TERTIARY COMPETENCY : Server Technologies
  • TERTIARY SKILL : Linux Kernel Programming
  • PRIMARY SKILL PERCENTAGE : 51
  • SECONDARY SKILL PERCENTAGE : 25
  • TERTIARY SKILL PERCENTAGE : 24

We EMBTEL, Inc one of the fastest growing IT Staffing & Recruitment Company in the US. We are U.S. Federal Govt. approved vendor and Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) company. We have an urgent requirement with our client/Implementation partner. (https://embtel.com/careers/ https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?f_C=15556444&geoId=92000000)


EMBTEL logo

About EMBTEL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Embtel, Inc was established in year 2011. Embtel isn’t just any IT staffing and recruiting firm. We firmly believe in the importance of people. Personal relationships are incredibly valuable to what we do. To that end, we work hard to make sure both clients and employees are satisfied with their placement. We want our employees to shine and our clients to be satisfied. The climate in our office is a positive one. We work hard. We have fun. We exchange the occasional high five. We believe a positive atmosphere leads to positive results. We trust our employees. We understand their needs. We make things happen. We’ve been excelling in IT solutions since 2005. Our organized, unique approach has yielded quality results time after time. And, we’ll continue to do it this way.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Fremont, CA, US

Year founded

2011

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