Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Kentucky

• Design, implement, and maintain low-level platform software for Linux-based embedded systems.
• Work directly with hardware prototypes, chip-level interfaces, and lab equipment to support bring-up, integration, debugging, and system validation.
• Develop robust, efficient, and maintainable software in C for performance-sensitive embedded environments.
• Own complex platform components, services, and interfaces used by higher-level software layers and other engineering teams.
• Debug and resolve system-level issues spanning application software, operating system behavior, drivers, hardware interfaces, and platform integration.
• Support board bring-up, peripheral integration, multithreaded processing, networking functionality, and hardware/software interaction as required.
• Contribute to low-level Linux platform integration, including kernel-adjacent software, device interfaces, boot flow, and system configuration as applicable.
• Develop, build, and debug platform software using Linux-based development environments, including Ubuntu, and associated embedded toolchains.
• Optimize software for performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Create and execute test strategies to verify functionality, performance, and regression stability.
• Participate in and contribute to code reviews, design reviews, root-cause analysis, and technical problem solving across the team.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, FPGA, systems, test, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Take ownership of technical tasks from definition through implementation, verification, and issue resolution.
• Help improve engineering practices, software quality, and development discipline through strong technical example and peer mentoring.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of relevant embedded or platform software development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong C programming skills in Linux or Unix-based environments.
• Experience developing software in Linux-based environments such as Ubuntu.
• Experience developing software for embedded Linux targets, not just using Linux as a development host.
• Experience with multithreaded software design, debugging, and performance analysis.
• Experience with low-level software interacting with hardware interfaces and peripherals.
• Experience with networking at the programming level.
• Familiarity with chip-level buses and interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO, USB, PCIe, or similar.
• Experience with ARM-based development environments or comparable embedded processor platforms.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, Shell, AWK, or Lua for automation, testing, or tooling.
• Experience using source code control tools in a collaborative development environment.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills across software and hardware integration boundaries.
• Demonstrated ability to independently own complex technical tasks and drive them to closure.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small, highly collaborative teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

• Experience with Linux kernel internals, driver integration, or kernel-adjacent debugging.
• Experience with bootloaders, board support packages, device-tree-based configuration, or embedded Linux platform bring-up.
• Experience with PetaLinux, including platform configuration, image builds, and software integration for embedded targets.
• Experience with AMD/Xilinx SoC-based platforms and hardware/software bring-up.
• Experience interfacing with FPGA-based systems and supporting associated software integration.
• Experience with build systems and cross-compilation toolchains for embedded targets.
• Familiarity with lab debug tools such as serial consoles, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, JTAG, or similar equipment.
• Experience with performance analysis and optimization tools.
• Experience supporting wireless, satellite, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular technologies.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, communications, or other mission-critical environments.
• Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.

• Demonstrates strong ownership and accountability for technical work and outcomes.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with engineers and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Works well independently while also contributing positively to team success.
• Approaches complex problems methodically and drives issues to closure.
• Exercises sound engineering judgment in balancing performance, quality, schedule, and risk.
• Contributes to a culture of collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Provides technical guidance and peer mentorship without requiring formal supervisory responsibility.

Primarily office and lab environment. Requires extended periods of sitting, standing, and computer use. Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, and test equipment. Frequent verbal communication and hearing in office and lab settings. May occasionally lift or move equipment consistent with standard engineering lab activities. Travel Limited travel may be required, up to 25%.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Clearance Level No Clearance

The salary range for this role is: $91,000 - $138,750. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.

For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.

Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

Careers at AeroVironment