ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in New York, NY

Elliot Partnership

Senior Linux Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

* Senior Linux Systems Engineer - (Kernel & Performance) * New York, NY (Hybrid, 3 days in office) * Highly competitive compensation package Join an elite technology and research group at the forefront ...

Carnegie Affiliates

Sr Linux Engineers

New York, NY

... kernel panics and system hangs Analyzing performance issues Fine-tuning processes to run with the ... Hat Linux systems Taking a role in researching, testing, recommending, implementing, and ...

Samsung

Senior Linux/Unix Engineer

Moonachie, NJ

Knowledge of the Linux kernel and kernel modules Familiarity with open source tools, monitoring systems Experience with Web server administration (Apache) Experience configuring Tomcat/JBoss ...

Samsung

Senior Linux/Unix Engineer

Moonachie, NJ · On-site

... Linux kernel and kernel modules • Familiarity with open source tools, monitoring systems • Experience with Web server administration (Apache) • Experience configuring Tomcat/JBoss • ...

Persistent Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

You will be responsible for working with a team of engineers in the development and implementation ... Experience with Linux kernel and kernel module development and Linux driver development (wireless ...

Persistent Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

You will be responsible for working with a team of engineers in the development and implementation ... Experience with Linux kernel and kernel module development and Linux driver development (wireless ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in New York, NY

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See New York, NY salary details

$110.5K

$163.1K

$192.6K

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

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in New York, NY is $163,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,300.00 and $180,500.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY?

For Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in New York, NY are:

What cities near New York, NY are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near New York, NY with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you

Senior Systems Developer - Linux Kernel & Performance

New York, NY • On-site

Elliot Partnership
See more jobs at Elliot Partnershipexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

  • Senior Linux Systems Developer - Quant Systems (Kernel & Performance)
  • New York, NY (Hybrid, 3 days in office)
  • Highly competitive compensation package

Join an elite technology and research group at the forefront of global finance, where world-class engineering and quantitative research converge to solve some of the most complex problems in any industry. Their teams are composed of passionate problem-solvers who operate in a dynamic, large-scale, low-latency IT environment. We are seeking a visionary engineer to drive deep optimization and development within the Linux operating system, ensuring the firm's complex trading and research platforms operate with maximum performance and efficiency.
The Role
We are seeking a deeply experienced Senior Linux Systems Developer for our Quant Systems team. This is a crucial, hands-on role for a true low-level systems expert who thrives on optimizing performance at the operating system level. You will be a key technical leader responsible for tuning, analyzing, and developing components within the Linux kernel and user space to support our most demanding HPC and low-latency workloads. You will act as a force multiplier by solving the most challenging performance bottlenecks, mentoring other engineers, and setting the standard for deep systems expertise.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design and execution of high-impact projects focused on optimizing the performance and reducing the latency of our core Linux-based HPC and trading infrastructure.
  • Develop, debug, and maintain low-level systems software, potentially including kernel modules, eBPF programs, or performance analysis tools, primarily using C, Go, or Python.
  • Serve as a senior escalation point for the most complex Linux systems issues, diagnosing and resolving deep technical challenges related to kernel behavior, performance anomalies, and hardware/OS interactions.
  • Drive the architecture for ultra-performant Linux environments, making key design decisions for production systems based on deep OS-level knowledge.
  • Mentor and guide other engineers, championing best practices in low-level systems development, performance tuning, and diagnostics.

Your experience:
  • 11+ years of experience in a senior systems development or performance engineering role with a track record of success in complex, performance-critical Linux environments.
  • Expert-level proficiency in C or Go, with significant experience in Python also valued; proven track record of developing systems-level software (not just scripting).
  • Deep, hands-on expertise with the Linux operating system internals, including kernel tuning, debugging (gdb, perf, strace), eBPF, and systems administration in a large-scale, performance-sensitive environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical projects, driving deep architectural decisions, and mentoring other engineers in systems programming or performance analysis.
  • Strong knowledge of configuration management tools (e.g. Ansible, Salt) and CI/CD concepts.
  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex low-level concepts to a variety of audiences.

Apply