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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in National City, CA

Qualcomm

Staff Engineer, Linux Device Drivers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134.80 - $202.20/hr

The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers. Familiarity with SoC systems including ...

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA · On-site

Responsibilities : • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new ... Required : • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related ...

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111 - $167/hr

Job Area Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary This position ... Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace. * Ability to quickly ...

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize software solutions for ... Responsibilities : • Develop and enhance features in the Linux Kernel, particularly in areas such ...

Insilico

Linux Automotive Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Linux Automotive Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6+ Months You will be joining ... Experience in bootloaders,Linux kernel and driver architecture is a plus * Experience in Multimedia ...

Insilico

Linux Automotive Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Linux Automotive Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6+ Months You will be joining ... Experience in bootloaders,Linux kernel and driver architecture is a plus * Experience in Multimedia ...

Qualcomm

Embedded Systems Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122.50 - $183.70/hr

Engineering Group > Modem Software Engineering Qualcomm is looking for a highly motivated Embedded ... You will work at the intersection of Linux kernel / QNX networking stacks, Ethernet device drivers ...

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$111.30 - $166.90/hr

Job Area Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary This position is not eligible for ... Develop and enhance features in the Linux Kernel, particularly in areas such as virtualization (KVM ...

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: ** This position is ... Develop and enhance features in the Linux Kernel , particularly in areas such as virtualization ...

Qualcomm

Senior Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: As a leading ... Develop and enhance features in the Linux Kernel , particularly in areas such as virtualization ...

Qualcomm

Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering General Summary: As a leading ... Develop and enhance features in the Linux Kernel , particularly in areas such as virtualization ...

Qualcomm

Staff Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135 - $202/hr

Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and ... PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in National City, CA

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See National City, CA salary details

$103.5K

$152.8K

$180.4K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in National City, CA is $152,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,900.00 and $169,100.00 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.

What cities near National City, CA are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near National City, CA with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you

Staff Engineer, Linux Device Drivers

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$134.80 - $202.20/hr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

General Summary

The Qualcomm Cloud AI team is looking for a Linux device driver engineer for QCR-100 and related accelerators. These products accelerate image reprocessing and AI workloads. The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers. Familiarity with SoC systems including bus subsystems, DMA, PCIe and peripherals, synchronization mechanisms, as well as low speed peripherals will be beneficial.

Required Skills and Aptitudes
  • Experience with Linux kernel driver development, kernel modules, sysfs and debugging techniques
  • Experience with development in C
  • Experience with git
  • Willingness to work in a structured software development environment
  • Ability to work on low-level implementation (code & test)
Desirable Skills and Aptitudes
  • 4+ years of relevant experience
  • Experience with Linux kernel PCIe stack
  • DKMS-based management of kernel modules
  • DEB or RPM packaging
  • TCP/IP understanding (MTU, IP addressing, DHCP, kernel networking/netdev)
  • Strong understanding of DMA, IOMMU
  • Experience with 'SoC-as-a-Device' architectures or embedded Linux systems connected via PCIe
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
EEO Statement

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).

EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.

Pay Range and Benefits

$134,800.00 - $202,200.00. The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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