ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in California

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Strong experience in Linux Kernel development , especially in areas such as virtualization (KVM), schedulers, and memory management and device trees. * Solid knowledge of ARMv8 and ARMv9 architecture ...

Qualcomm

Senior Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Strong experience in Linux Kernel development , especially in areas such as virtualization (KVM), schedulers, and memory management and device trees. * Solid knowledge of ARMv8 and ARMv9 architecture ...

Qualcomm

Staff Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Strong experience in Linux Kernel development , especially in areas such as virtualization (KVM), schedulers, and memory management and device trees. * Solid knowledge of ARMv8 and ARMv9 architecture ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

Qualcomm

Staff Engineer, Linux Device Drivers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Kernel Development JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Development JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in California

Freelance Linux Kernel Development information

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Linux Kernel developers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance Linux Kernel developers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex codebases without in-house support, aligning with clients’ specific kernel customization requirements, and ensuring thorough testing across diverse hardware environments. Effective communication is essential, as misunderstandings about project scope or technical specifications can arise without face-to-face interactions. Building strong documentation habits and using collaborative tools can help streamline workflows and maintain clarity throughout the development process.

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 in-depth knowledge of C programming, operating system concepts, and Linux kernel architecture, often demonstrated by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, debugging tools such as GDB, and open-source collaboration platforms is typically necessary. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective communication are crucial for managing independent projects and collaborating with distributed teams. These skills ensure you can deliver robust kernel code, troubleshoot complex issues, and contribute meaningfully to open-source projects or client requirements.

What is freelance Linux kernel development?

Freelance Linux kernel development involves independently working on the Linux operating system's core, either by contributing to the mainline kernel, developing custom modules, or supporting companies with kernel-level issues. Freelancers in this field often tackle tasks such as writing device drivers, optimizing system performance, or integrating hardware with Linux. The work requires deep expertise in C programming and an understanding of operating system concepts. Freelancers may collaborate with open-source communities or work directly with clients needing specialized Linux solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in California? For Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Linux Kernel Development job openings:
Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Linux Kernel Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Principal Software Developer - 4 (Linux Kernel Engineer)

Principal Software Developer - 4 (Linux Kernel Engineer)

Oracle

Santa Clara, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 217 rated software companies

Job description

The Oracle Cloud Linux team is seeking experienced Linux Kernel Developers to help advance the Linux operating system for large-scale cloud environments. This role involves contributing to Linux kernel and working on innovative projects across multiple kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, security, performance optimization, virtual memory management, architecture enablement, and live patching technologies.

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $114,600 to $234,600 per annum. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize kernel features across areas such as:

o Networking (Ethernet, InfiniBand, OFED, RoCE, DPDK, and related technologies)

o Storage and Filesystems (iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NFS, ZFS, Btrfs, block layer, and filesystem layer)

o Virtual Memory Management and Performance Optimization, including large page management and container workload performance

o Security technologies such as encryption, TPM integration, signed kernels/modules, Secure Boot, and bootloader security

Contribute to the upstream Linux kernel and drive enhancements for cloud-scale deployments.

Collaborate closely with hardware design teams on processor bring-up and architecture enablement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Strong background in operating systems development.

Several years of hands-on Unix/Linux kernel development experience preferred.

Proficiency in C programming and kernel-level debugging.

Expertise in one or more Linux kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, memory management, security, or processor architecture.

Experience with open-source development practices and upstream kernel contributions is highly desirable.

Familiarity with Python and Bash scripting for development and automation tasks.

Preferred Experience

High-performance networking technologies such as RoCE, advanced Ethernet networking.

Filesystem and storage technologies including XFS, ZFS, NFS, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and Linux block layer development.

Virtual memory management, performance tuning, and container optimization.

Security technologies including TPM, Secure Boot, kernel signing, and encryption frameworks.

Live patching technologies and kernel maintenance.

What Oracle employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Oracle logo

About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Oracle Jobs

Apply