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Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Kent, WA

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Seattle, WA

$139.50K - $258.10K/yr

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure ... releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you. Preferred ...

Apex Informatics

Software Engineer V

Redmond, WA · On-site

... layers from kernel to application • Profile performance problems and drive optimizations that ... Must-Have Skills: • 2+ years of experience with AOSP or Embedded Linux development • Experience ...

Witekio

Embedded Linux SW Engineer (Sr)

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

$130/hr

Embedded C++ development experience. * Proficiency with Linux kernel and middleware development on ARM architecture. * Experience with embedded design, development, and debugging. * Ability to ...

Witekio

Embedded Linux SW Engineer (Sr)

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

$130/hr

Embedded C++ development experience. * Proficiency with Linux kernel and middleware development on ARM architecture. * Experience with embedded design, development, and debugging. * Ability to ...

Maania Consultancy Services

Sr. Mobile Engineer

Bellevue, WA

$150.70K - $188.50K/yr

Must have Excellent software development and debugging skills * Must have Experience with Java and JNI * Must have Experience with Android and iOS * Should haveExperience with Linux kernel-space a ...

CoreWeave

HPC Performance Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$165K - $242K/yr

... development, and optimization of our bare-metal systems from POST through joining a Kubernetes cluster. The team's primary responsibilities include maintaining a custom Linux kernel, various OS ...

CoreWeave

HPC Performance Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

... development, and optimization of our bare-metal systems from POST through joining a Kubernetes cluster. The team's primary responsibilities include maintaining a custom Linux kernel, various OS ...

Amazon

Software Dev Engineer, EC2 Nitro

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Linux kernel - Scripting (Ruby/Python/Rust) - Strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in object-oriented design, data structures, algorithm design, problem solving, and complexity analysis ...

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Freelance Linux Kernel Development information

See Kent, WA salary details

$114K

$168.3K

$198.7K

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

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel development in Kent, WA is $168,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,100.00 and $186,300.00 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Kent, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Kent, WA are:
Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs near you
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Apple

Seattle, WA

$139.50K - $258.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we craft experiences that have transformed entire industries. The diversity of our people and ideas fuels innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could build here.
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple’s platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases.
You will partner closely with platform, infrastructure, and SRE teams to ensure every kernel we ship is stable, observable, and ready for real world workloads at scale.
Description
In this role, you will design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer. You will collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline. Your work will have direct impact on the stability, performance, and debuggability of systems that power critical Apple services.
If you enjoy deep kernel debugging, building robust CI systems, and owning kernel releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $139,500 and $258,100, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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