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Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Kent, WA

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 ...

Socket.dev

Staff Software Engineer - Compute

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

You will provide hands‑on technical leadership that will guide development of a resilient compute ... Knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and virtualization technologies (KVM, QEMU ...

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 ...

Blue Origin

Sr. Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$248K - $348K/yr

Deep Linux kernel knowledge, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging. * Experience with system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF. * Experience with ...

Blue Origin, LLC

Sr. Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$248K - $348K/yr

Deep Linux kernel knowledge, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging. * Experience with system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF. * Experience with ...

Blue Origin LLC

Sr. Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$248.83 - $348.36/hr

Deep Linux kernel knowledge, including driver development, memory management, and system-level debugging.Experience with system-level debugging tools such as GDB, perf, and eBPF.Experience with ...

Maania Consultancy Services

Sr. Mobile Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $188K/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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLinux Kernel Development JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Development JobsFreelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Kent, WA

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 Aug 28, 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Kent, WA?

For Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Kent, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Linux Kernel Development job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,274 per year, or $80.9 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer II Virtualization

Linuxcareers

Seattle, WA • On-site

$167 - $209/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

DigitalOcean seeks a Senior Software Engineer II to work on the virtualization stack that powers their Droplet virtual machine product. You will design, develop, and maintain low-level software systems that host every DigitalOcean droplet at extreme scale, collaborating across hardware, kernel, performance, and observability teams.

What You’ll Do
  • Design, develop, test, and implement the IT systems underlying DigitalOcean's core virtual machine (Droplet) product
  • Maintain and evolve the low-level virtual machine stack while preparing it to support future software updates and new hardware
  • Collaborate with open source Linux, QEMU, and libvirt communities to drive the evolution of Linux virtualization technologies and incorporate them into the DigitalOcean fleet
  • Accelerate the virtualization of next-generation GPU-enabled platforms that power AI/ML workloads
  • Backport, build, and deploy software patches to support new features, fix bugs, and resolve security issues; contribute to on-call rotation
What You Need
  • Strong understanding of Linux-based operating systems with comfortable development and operation experience on Linux
  • Deep experience with the internals of QEMU, KVM, Linux kernel, and libvirt
  • Strong proficiency in C
  • Proven track record of solving problems at scale
  • Strong security mindset and proactive approach to identifying and implementing security best practices; excellent cross-team collaboration skills
Nice to Have
  • Experience with Debian packaging
  • Experience with Go, Python, and/or Ruby
  • Experience with Chef, AWX, and/or Kubernetes
  • Experience with GPU virtualization and Firecracker microVMs

Salary range $167,000-209,000 plus potential bonus and equity compensation; competitive benefits including professional development reimbursement, LinkedIn Learning access, flexible time off, and Employee Stock Purchase Program eligibility

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