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Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Onyx Point, Inc.

Reverse Engineer 2

Hanover, MD · On-site

$78K - $250K/yr

Reverse Engineering Experience : Highly Valued as a Foundational Skill (5-years) * Windows SW RE is ... Linux * Kernel Development / Driver Development * 75% focus SW RE * Malware Analysis

Ignite IT

Senior Linux Administrator

Suitland, MD · On-site

... Engineer or Administrator. * Strong experience in Linux performance tuning , kernel parameter analysis (sysctl), and troubleshooting with tools like vmstat, iostat, sar, and perf. * Expert-level ...

Ignite IT

Senior Linux Administrator

Suitland, MD

... Engineer or Administrator. * Strong experience in Linux performance tuning , kernel parameter analysis (sysctl), and troubleshooting with tools like vmstat, iostat, sar, and perf. * Expert-level ...

T-Rex Solutions

Linux Administrator

Washington, DC

Perform regular system updates, patch management, and kernel upgrades. * Cloud Management: * Deploy ... Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps practices. * Experience with IaC (Infrastructure As Code ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ... Experience with Embedded linux, RTOS, and Linux kernel or Petalinux * Support the Space and Ground ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ... Experience with Embedded linux, RTOS, and Linux kernel or Petalinux * Support the Space and Ground ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ... Experience with Embedded linux, RTOS, and Linux kernel or Petalinux * Support the Space and Ground ...

TCOM, L.P.

Staff Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

Aerostar, a business unit of TCOM , is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to be responsible for ... Proficient in C, C++, and Linux kernel development, applicable in complex, large-scale systems.

TCOM, L.P.

Staff Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Aerostar, a business unit of TCOM , is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to be responsible for ... Proficient in C, C++, and Linux kernel development, applicable in complex, large-scale systems.

NewGen

Enterprise Linux 9 Sr. Consultant

Jessup, MD · On-site

... kernel, tcpdump) * Knowledge of common AddOns or third party tools. (Aria/vRealize Suite, SRM ... Applied knowledge and experience working in agile, scrum, and DevOps teams * Excellent written ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Washington, DC

Freelance Linux Kernel Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$114.4K

$168.8K

$199.3K

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

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel developer in Washington, DC is $168,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,600.00 and $186,900.00 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, 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 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 most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC? For Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Freelance Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Senior CNO Software Engineer [$308k/year] TS/SCI FS-Poly with Security Clearance

Senior CNO Software Engineer [$308k/year] TS/SCI FS-Poly with Security Clearance

SYSTOLIC

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$308K/yr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Candidates must already possess an active Top Secret/SCI w. Full Scope Polygraph to be considered for this position. SYSTOLIC needs software engineers who are experienced with embedded system development for numerous contract positions. Key skillsets include: - Virtualization: Experience with configuring, administering, and developing in virtual environments like VMWare/ESXi, Open Stack, Open vSwitch, and QEMU. - Embedded Systems: Development experience on embedded platforms such as Linux, Unix, Android, and VxWorks. - Reverse Engineering: Proficiency with software reverse engineering and debugging tools (IDAPro, OllyDbg, gdb, Ghidra, Binary Ninja) and hardware reverse engineering of embedded devices. - Assembly Language: Familiarity with assembly languages for development and reversing. - Vulnerability Analysis and Exploit Development: Experience identifying vulnerabilities and developing exploits, including user-mode stack-based and heap-based overflows. - Programming: Strong programming skills in Assembly, C, C#, C++, Perl, or Python, with a focus on understanding system interactions and APIs rather than just production environments. - System-Level Understanding: Knowledge of Unix/Windows system APIs, C++ virtual function tables, and heap allocation strategies. - Kernel Programming: Kernel programming experience (WDK / Unix||Linux) is highly desirable. - Large-Scale Projects: Experience working with very large software projects is a plus. Compensation varies per contract position. One representative example would be yearly compensation of $308,320 for 1880 hours billed for a candidate with this skillset. a technical Bachelor's degree, and 12 years of software engineering experience. About SYSTOLIC: SYSTOLIC is dedicated to giving our employees the best possible company experience so that they can focus on providing outstanding support to their customer’s mission. Our company is founded on integrity, enthusiasm, and a relentless commitment to supporting the Intelligence Community. You can learn more about us and submit an application to be considered against our current and future openings at https://systolic.com. To learn about our compensation ranges, visit our Pay Transparency page at: https://systolic.com/pay-transparency

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