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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Katy, TX

AI Engineer II

Houston, TX · On-site

$116K - $144K/yr

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 41-47

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 Sep 5, 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 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 Katy, TX?

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

Lead Infrastructure Engineer - Storage

J.P. Morgan

Houston, TX

$102K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Assume a vital position as a key member of a high-performing team that delivers infrastructure and performance excellence. Your role will be instrumental in shaping the future at one of the world's largest and most influential companies.
As a Lead Infrastructure Engineer at JPMorganChase within the Enterprise Technology, Infrastructure Platforms team, you apply deep knowledge of software, applications, and technical processes within the infrastructure engineering discipline. Continue to evolve your technical and cross-functional knowledge outside of your aligned domain of expertise.

Job responsibilities

  • Uses enterprise-authorized AI capabilities within the work environment to accelerate infrastructure analysis and design documentation, validating outputs and handling operational data according to sensitivity and security requirements. 
  • Applies reuse-first, AI-assisted practices within delivery and automation routines to identify recurring issues and validate remediation options, ensuring changes are traceable/auditable and aligned to resiliency and security expectations.
  • Own and continuously improve SLOs/SLIs, error budgets, on-call readiness, and operational excellence for storage services.
  • Lead incident response for storage outages/performance degradations; drive RCAs and implement preventative actions.
  • Create and maintain runbooks, escalation paths, and standardized operational procedures.
  • Operate and enhance block/file/object storage platforms across on-prem and/or cloud environments.
  • Perform performance tuning, capacity planning, lifecycle management, and resiliency testing (failover/DR validation).
  • Partner with infrastructure, network, OS, database, and application teams to meet workload requirements and reliability targets.
  • Build automation for provisioning, patching, upgrades, replication, backup/restore, and compliance checks.
  • Implement AI-driven observability/AIOps (telemetry correlation, anomaly/regression detection, LLM-assisted incident/runbook workflows) with accuracy, auditability, and safe rollout.

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills

  • Formal training or certification on infrastructure engineering concepts and 5+ years applied experience
  • Demonstrated experience using enterprise-authorized AI capabilities within the work environment to support infrastructure engineering workflows with strong validation habits and awareness of data sensitivity.
  • Ability to review and validate AI-assisted recommendations before implementation, escalating when uncertain and ensuring outcomes align to resiliency, security, and auditability expectations.
  • Strong knowledge of storage fundamentals (RAID/erasure coding, replication, snapshots, tiering/caching, IOPS/latency, multipathing, SAN/NAS, object semantics).
  • Hands-on experience with at least one major storage ecosystem (e.g., NetApp, Dell EMC PowerStore/Isilon, Pure, Hitachi, Ceph, IBM, or cloud storage services).
  • 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 observability stacks (e.g., Prometheus/Grafana, ELK/OpenSearch, Splunk, Datadog, OpenTelemetry).
  • Proven incident management skills and ability to operate effectively in an on-call rotation.
  • Practical AI/data skills for operations (anomaly detection/forecasting/correlation/classification; feature extraction and evaluation; integrating AI into production tooling/CI/CD; safe LLM use with guardrails and human-in-the-loop review).

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills 

  • Kubernetes storage (CSI), stateful workloads, and container platform operations.
  • Infrastructure as Code (Terraform/CloudFormation) and configuration management (Ansible/Chef/Puppet).
  • Streaming/queue tooling for telemetry and event pipelines (e.g., Kafka).
  • Experience with ITSM/event management platforms (e.g., ServiceNow).
  • Backup/DR products and strategy design, including RPO/RTO tradeoffs.
  • Security controls for data platforms (KMS/HSM, secrets management, key rotation).
  • Experience building/operating controlled self-service platforms with guardrails to reduce toil at scale.

ABOUT US

JPMorganChase, one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management.

We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. 

We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans

ABOUT THE TEAM

Our Global Technology Infrastructure group is a team of innovators who love technology as much as you do. Together, you'll use a disciplined, innovative and a business focused approach to develop a wide variety of high-quality products and solutions. You'll work in a stable, resilient and secure operating environment where you - and the products you deliver - will thrive.

High Risk Roles (HRR) are sensitive roles within the technology organization that require high assurance of the integrity of staff by virtue of 1) sensitive cybersecurity and technology functions they perform within systems or 2) information they receive regarding sensitive cybersecurity or technology matters. Users in these roles are subject to enhanced pre-hire screening which includes both criminal and credit background checks (as allowed by law). The enhanced screening will need to be successfully completed prior to commencing employment or assignment.