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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Katy, TX

Lead Infrastructure Engineer - Storage

Houston, TX

$102K - $134K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Solid Linux fundamentals, including system performance, networking basics, and kernel/storage-stack concepts. * Strong scripting/programming in one or more of Python, Go, Bash. * Experience with ...

AI Engineer II

Houston, TX · On-site

$116K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop and enhance automated pipelines for AI delivery using tools like Azure DevOps, GitHub ... Experience with GPU environments, Linux systems, and frameworks such as LangChain, Semantic Kernel ...

Showing results 21-30

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Katy, TX salary details

$92.7K

$136.8K

$161.5K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Katy, TX is $136,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $151,400.00 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 popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Katy, TX?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Katy, TX are:

What cities near Katy, TX are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near Katy, TX with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Senior Director, Compute Platform Engineering

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP

Spring, TX

$225K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Senior Director, Compute Platform EngineeringThis role has been designed as 'Hybrid' with a requirement that you will work on average 2 days per week from an HPE office.

Who We Are:

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today's complex world.Our culture thrives onfinding new and better ways to accelerate what's next.We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs.We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you.Open up opportunities with HPE.

Job Description:

We're hiring a Senior Director to lead the platform engineering organization that builds our embedded platform software, our build and release infrastructure, and the engineering practices the compute teams rely on. You'll set direction, build and grow the teams and their leaders, and reduce developer cycle time by creating modern and secure CI/CD systems. A big part of the job is making our developers more productive: getting more done, and getting it done faster, without losing quality. That includes putting AI and LLM tools to real use in how we build software and ensuring that these tools have a measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead a global team of 20+ engineers, including managers and technical leads, across embedded Linux, CI/CD, build infrastructure, and developer tooling.
  • Develop and execute the strategic vision, translating it into actionable roadmaps and plans.
  • Optimize developer throughput and cycle times by measuring the end-to-end pipeline, setting targets, and implementing improvements.
  • Identify and eliminate blockers and dependencies, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline workflows.
  • Integrate AI and LLM tools into engineering processes, including code generation, testing, review, and specification work, assessing value and setting appropriate boundaries.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement: reducing friction and toil, enhancing quality, and ensuring reliable releases.
  • Experiment with innovative workflows, learn from failures, and scale successful practices.
  • Own the CI/CD and build strategies, ensuring automated pipelines, reproducible builds, and robust test automation.
  • Maintain the security and maintainability of embedded Linux and kernel projects.
  • Track key engineering metrics to inform decisions and prioritize investments.
  • Hire, mentor, and develop managers and senior engineers.

Required Experience:

  • 10+ years in software engineering, with 5+ years in engineering management.
  • Hands-on experience with embedded systems, particularly embedded Linux.
  • Expertise in CI/CD, build systems, and automation for testing and releases.
  • Proven track record of improving team workflows and increasing developer productivity, supported by data and tangible process/tool improvements.
  • Practical experience applying AI and LLM tools in engineering environments, with a clear understanding of their benefits and limitations.
  • Contributions to open source projects and familiarity with open source ecosystems.
  • Strong communication skills, able to engage effectively with engineers and executive leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience managing managers or leading cross-site teams.
  • Experience shipping embedded, firmware, or platform software as part of hardware products.
  • Active involvement in open source communities, such as Linux.
  • Proven success in implementing AI or LLM-first practices within engineering organizations, with demonstrated results.

What We Can Offer You:

Health & Wellbeing

We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.

Personal & Professional Development

We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have - whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.

Unconditional Inclusion

We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.

Let's Stay Connected:

Follow @HPECareers on Instagram to see the latest on people, culture and tech at HPE.

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Job:

Engineering

Job Level:

Director"The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level.
- United States of America: Annual Salary USD 185,000 - 370,000 in Colorado // 176,000 - 425,500 in Texas
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered."

Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html

The estimated job application period closure is September 28 2026; this timeline is provided for transparency and internal planning purposes.

HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together. Please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.

HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

Recruitment Fraud Alert

We have become aware of an increase in fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals impersonate our company or authorized recruitment agencies to offer fake employment opportunities. These scams may occur through false websites, emails, social media, or chat-based applications and often aim to obtain personal information or money. Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge a candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. We also never request personal information such as back account details, Social Security numbers, or national IDs via social media or chat applications.

All legitimate job opportunities will come through official company channels, and candidates are responsible for verifying the credentials of any third party claiming to represent the company. Any reliance on fraudulent communication is at the individual's own risk, and HPE disclaims legal liability for any resulting damages. If you suspect recruitment fraud, do not share personal information or make any payments and report the incident to your local authorities immediately.