Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Missouri

• Set technical direction and lead the delivery of a team of junior and mid-career engineers working on key areas of the Linux kernel and distribution.
• Lead architecture, implementation, and ongoing delivery initiatives across kernel performance, correctness, security, packaging, and large-scale distribution.
• Drive technical engagements with silicon and cloud partners to develop and deliver optimal solutions for their platforms.
• Lead efforts to mitigate common vulnerabilities and exposures while driving proactive kernel hardening and security improvements.
• Architect and implement enhancements that improve Linux kernel performance, reliability, scalability, and correctness.
• Develop and improve approaches for packaging and distributing complex third-party components to provide a reliable experience for end users.
• Investigate and develop new methods for delivering Linux systems at scale while maintaining demanding quality standards and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate closely with senior technical leaders, management, external teams, and engineering stakeholders to coordinate initiatives and ensure successful delivery.
• Coach and guide engineers through technical challenges, knowledge sharing, and professional development, providing leadership without formal people-management responsibilities.
• Represent technical initiatives and coordinate adoption across internal teams, external partners, and broader engineering organizations.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated expertise in operating system kernel development, Linux systems, or low-level systems engineering, with a technical background comparable to 15+ years of industry experience.
• Expert-level knowledge of the C programming language.
• Extensive experience working with a Unix-like operating system kernel and distribution; direct Linux experience is highly valuable but equivalent kernel expertise may also be relevant.
• Strong experience with Python and Bash scripting.
• Deep understanding of Git and its capabilities for complex software development and collaboration workflows.
• Experience developing with software packaging formats, with Ubuntu, Debian, or Snap experience highly regarded.
• Strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to influence engineers, coordinate technical initiatives, and drive projects through to completion.
• Experience working with customer, partner, or other external technical engagements.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• Highly organized, motivated, and capable of working independently in a distributed environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, accountability, curiosity, and a results-oriented mindset.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and clearly connect technology decisions to business and customer outcomes.
• Strong background in RTOS and real-time performance analysis is an advantage.
• Experience with kernel patching and debugging is desirable.
• Expertise in device drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and other low-level systems engineering is a plus.
• Experience with Rust, particularly in relation to Linux kernel development, is advantageous.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally at least twice a year for team events lasting up to two weeks.

Benefits:

• Globally distributed work environment with opportunities to collaborate across international engineering teams.
• Twice-yearly in-person team sprints and opportunities to meet colleagues in different locations.
• Compensation determined according to geographic location, experience, and performance.
• Annual compensation review, with additional reviews where appropriate to recognize exceptional performance.
• Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Recognition rewards.
• Annual holiday leave.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program and Wellness Platform.
• Opportunities to travel internationally and meet colleagues across the organization.
• Priority Pass access and long-haul travel upgrades for qualifying company events.