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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Kansas City, KS

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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Kansas City, KS salary details

$97.4K

$143.7K

$169.7K

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

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Kansas City, KS is $143,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,600.00 and $159,100.00 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.

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you

Senior Hybrid Cloud Architect - Data Center

Dearborn, MO • On-site

Jobtailor
See more jobs at Jobtailorexternal

$150 - $230/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description


  • Directly manage, mentor, and inspire Infrastructure, Cloud, and Solution Architects

  • Handle talent acquisition, career development, performance management, and resource allocation

  • Establish and lead an Architecture Center of Excellence

  • Design, document, and publish reusable architectural patterns, reference architectures, and deployment blueprints

  • Research emerging technology and author white papers, strategy documents, and engineering blogs

  • Translate technical engineering concepts into business strategies and deliver architectural decision records to executives and review boards

  • Lead datacenter strategy, capacity planning, hardware lifecycle, storage, and compute architecture

  • Manage VMware environments and lead migration to OpenShift Virtualization

  • Design integrations between microservices and legacy IBM z/OS, DB2, and CICS systems

  • Architect hybrid cloud ecosystems spanning datacenters, GCP, AWS, and Azure

  • Build and test infrastructure automation frameworks using Terraform, Ansible, PowerShell, Python, and Bash

  • Architect and maintain CI/CD pipelines with testing, security scanning, and policy-as-code validation

  • Administer Windows Server, Active Directory, GPO, WSUS/SCCM, Linux, RHEL/RHCOS, and kernel tuning

  • Implement GitOps-based application and infrastructure delivery using ArgoCD, Flux, Helm, and Kustomize

  • Govern large-scale cloud migration programs

  • Design AI/ML infrastructure, GPU-accelerated node pools, AI storage, and MLOps platforms


Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent

  • Expert-level experience designing, building, and operating large-scale on-premises datacenters

  • Deep knowledge of server hardware lifecycle, complex storage fabrics, and bare‑metal provisioning

  • Hands‑on expertise with VMware vSphere, vCenter, vSAN, NSX or OpenShift Virtualization/KubeVirt

  • Ability to lead transitions between VMware and OpenShift Virtualization

  • Ability to write, review, and deploy infrastructure scripts using Terraform, Ansible, Python, PowerShell, or Bash

  • Proven experience building automated CI/CD pipelines using GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or similar tools

  • Extensive administration experience across Windows Server, Active Directory, and PowerShell automation

  • Extensive administration experience across Linux, RHEL, systemd, and kernel tuning

  • Deep understanding of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4.x and enterprise Kubernetes primitives

  • Proven track record managing, leading, and mentoring Architects or Senior Engineers in an enterprise setting

  • Strong conceptual and integration experience with legacy Mainframe environments, including z/OS

  • Preferred: large-scale cloud migration experience with GCP, AWS, or Azure; GCP highly preferred

  • Preferred: AI/ML infrastructure, GPU orchestration, Kubeflow, MLflow, OpenShift AI, and large data streams

  • Preferred: SDN, hybrid cloud connectivity, and Zero-Trust network security

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

  • Visa sponsorship is not available


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in designing and managing large-scale datacenter architectures, cloud migration strategies, and infrastructure automation. Proficient in leading teams of architects and engineers while implementing advanced technologies across hybrid cloud ecosystems.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Large-Scale Datacenter Design

  • VMware vSphere Administration

  • Infrastructure Automation with Terraform

  • CI/CD Pipeline Development

  • Cloud Migration Strategy


ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

  • Infrastructure Architecture

  • Cloud Architecture

  • VMware vCenter

  • OpenShift Virtualization

  • Terraform

  • Ansible

  • Python

  • PowerShell

  • CI/CD Pipelines

  • AI/ML Infrastructure


Soft Skills

  • Mentoring

  • Leadership

  • Communication

  • Strategic Thinking

  • Talent Development


Certifications & Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent


Industry Keywords

  • Hybrid Cloud

  • Zero-Trust Network Security

  • Mainframe Integration

  • AI/ML Orchestration

  • Storage Fabrics


Tools & Technologies

  • GitLab CI

  • GitHub Actions

  • Jenkins

  • Windows Server

  • Active Directory

  • Linux

  • RHEL

  • Kubernetes

  • GCP

  • AWS

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