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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Orem, UT

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Orem, UT salary details

$87.8K

$129.6K

$153K

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

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Orem, UT is $129,590.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,700.00 and $143,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Linux Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 Orem, UT? For Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Orem, UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Orem, UT look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Orem, UT are:

Senior Firmware Engineer, Opengear (Sandy, UT - Hybrid)

Digi

Sandy, UT โ€ข On-site

$113.60K - $150.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Opengear keeps networks running smoothly with our Network Resilience Platform. Leveraging our Smart Out of Band solution and automation capabilities, users gain unparalleled presence and proximity to devices. By providing an independent management plane, the Network Resilience Platform ensures secure remote access, enabling connectivity from anywhere. This allows for the effortless deployment, management, and remediation of networks-on the First Day, Worst Day, and Every Day. It's why over 75% of Fortune 500 companies trust us for their networks, whether on- or off-premises or in the cloud. Opengear is a global company with offices in Brisbane, Australia and Sandy, Utah.
Locations: Sandy, UT (Hybrid, three days per week).
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced Sr Firmware Engineer with a passion for continuous improvement, who is eager to lead and mentor a team of engineers and ensure that our company's DevOps practices are world-class. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of software development and deployment processes, experience in managing large-scale, highly available systems, and expertise in automating and streamlining development, testing, and deployment workflows.
Opengear designs and manufactures products for data center and remote site management. We are a rapidly growing supplier of sophisticated data center, network and remote site management products. Our customers include tech unicorns and Fortune 100 companies. We are the leading supplier of out-of-band solutions for IT infrastructure management and are actively exploring new solutions for hyper-scale data center deployment and management. We are a global company with offices in Brisbane, Australia and Sandy, Utah.
What We Offer
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Firmware Engineer to work at the intersection of hardware and software - bringing up new platforms, developing bootloaders and Linux BSPs, and contributing to FPGA gateware for Opengear's next-generation console server products. You will work hands-on with ARM and FPGA-based SoC platforms (Xilinx Zynq, Marvell Armada), developing the low-level firmware that makes our hardware work - from the first boot instruction through to a fully functional Linux system. This is not application-level development; this is bare-metal, bootloader, kernel, and FPGA territory. This is a hands-on, high-impact role requiring strong technical depth in embedded Linux systems, cross-functional collaboration with hardware and manufacturing teams, and the ability to work independently across multiple platform architectures.
What You Will Do
  • Bring up new hardware platforms from scratch - from bootloader porting through to a bootable Linux system with validated peripherals.
  • Develop, port, and maintain bootloaders (U-Boot, Coreboot, or equivalent) including device tree authoring, flash layout design, and boot chain configuration.
  • Build and maintain Yocto/BitBake BSP layers - machine configurations, kernel recipes, device driver recipes, and rootfs image definitions.
  • Configure, patch, and debug Linux kernels for embedded platforms - including device tree, driver enablement, and kernel module development.
  • Write and maintain Linux device drivers and platform drivers for custom hardware (serial controllers, network switches, SPI/I2C devices, LEDs, sensors, TPM).
  • Develop embedded firmware in Rust for platform tools and bootloader components.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing self-test software to validate hardware during production.
  • Implement and maintain secure boot chains including TPM integration, boot signing, and firmware verification.
  • Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and manufacturing teams on PCB bring-up, schematic review, and hardware validation.
  • Participate in design reviews, code reviews, and contribute to technical documentation.

Who You Are and What You Bring
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux firmware development - specifically at the kernel, BSP, and bootloader level (not application-level Linux).
  • Strong C programming skills applied at the bootloader and kernel level (U-Boot patches, kernel driver modifications, Coreboot, bare-metal). Production experience with U-Boot or equivalent bootloader - porting to new platforms, device tree authoring, flash layout, boot chain bring-up.
  • Production experience with Yocto Project / BitBake / OpenEmbedded - writing recipes, managing BSP layers, machine configurations, cross-compilation.
  • Hands-on Linux kernel work - kernel configuration, device tree authoring and modification, enabling/patching drivers, udev rules.
  • Experience with ARM SoC platforms (e.g., Marvell Armada, NXP i.MX, Xilinx Zynq, TI Sitara).
  • Board bring-up experience - taking a new PCB from first power-on through to a booting Linux system.
  • Familiarity with hardware interfaces: PCIe, SPI, I2C, UART, USB, network switches (DSA), SFP modules.
  • Experience with hardware debugging tools - serial console, JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers.
  • Proficiency with Git version control and CI/CD systems.
  • BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.

Highly Desired:
  • Rust programming experience - particularly applied to embedded or systems-level problems (professional, open source, or substantial personal projects).
  • FPGA development experience - VHDL or Verilog gateware design, simulation (GHDL, ModelSim), synthesis tools (Xilinx Vivado, Quartus).
  • Develop and maintain FPGA gateware (VHDL) for serial port multiplexing and peripheral interfaces, including simulation and test.
  • Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins) for automated firmware builds, tests, and release management.
  • Linux device driver development - writing or significantly modifying character, platform, or network drivers.
  • TPM and secure boot experience - PCR measurement, provisioning, boot signing, Intel BootGuard or ARM TrustZone/TF-A.
  • Embedded Controller (EC) or auxiliary microcontroller firmware development.
  • Experience with Coreboot or other x86 firmware (UEFI/BIOS alternative).
  • Manufacturing test software development - hardware self-tests, production validation.
  • Jenkins pipeline development or equivalent CI/CD automation experience.
  • Python scripting for build tools, test automation, or hardware validation.

Nice to Have:
  • Familiarity with cellular modem integration (ModemManager, QMI, AT commands).
  • Familiarity with RAUC or similar OTA update frameworks.
  • Contribution to open-source bootloader or kernel projects.
  • Experience working with contract manufacturers and production test environments.
  • Experience with network switch configuration (DSA framework, switchdev).

*Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, work visas, employment-based visas, or residency sponsorship. Candidates must have valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application. Visa applications of any kind will not be considered.
Digi International offers a distinctive Total Rewards package including a short-term incentive program, new hire stock award, paid parental leave, open (uncapped) PTO, and hybrid work environment in addition to our competitive medical, health & wellbeing and compensation offerings.
The anticipated base pay range for this position is $95,000- $149,000. Pay ranges are determined by role, job level and primary job location. The range displayed reflects the reasonable range we anticipate paying for this position and reflects the cost of labor within several U.S. geographic markets. The specific salary offered within the range will depend on various factors including, but not limited to the candidate's relevant and prior experience, education, skills, and primary work location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each position. Pay ranges are typically reviewed and updated annually.
At Digi, we embrace diversity and inclusion among our teammates. It is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are committed to providing an environment of respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

About Digi

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Software development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US