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Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Washington, DC

Linux CNO Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $184K/yr

US citizenship is required Desired skills - Demonstrated in-depth experience in Linux tool development and kernel architecture - Software development experience including design, implementation ...

Proficient in C, C++, and Linux kernel development, applicable in complex, large-scale systems. * Strong skills in Linux shell scripting and command-line tools for automation, troubleshooting, and ...

Proficient in C, C++, and Linux kernel development, applicable in complex, large-scale systems. * Strong skills in Linux shell scripting and command-line tools for automation, troubleshooting, and ...

CNO Reverse Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site

$185K - $190K/yr

Experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module analysis, device driver development, and low-level operating system internals. * Demonstrated experience performing software reverse ...

Showing results 21-40

Freelance Linux Kernel Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$114.4K

$168.8K

$199.3K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance linux kernel development in Washington, DC is $168,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,600.00 and $186,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 popular job titles related to Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Washington, DC? For Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Linux Kernel Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,827 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Linux CNO Software Engineer

Lockheed Martin

Herndon, VA • On-site

$104K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description


As a leader in defense technology cybersecurity. Lockheed Martin designs innovative, custom fit capabilities that strengthen both offensive and defensive cyber operations for customer missions. We are seeking Cyber Network Operations (CNO) Linux Developers who want to solve technical challenges and build tools used in real-world applications.
Why the CNO Developer role at Lockheed Martin Space:
  • Mission critical impact: Develop state-of-the-art tools and platforms that help our customers to gather intelligence, protect critical infrastructure and outpace evolving threats.
  • Technical expertise: Apply your deep knowledge in traditional computing (Windows/Linux/MacOS), mobile technology (Android/iOS), wireless technology, IoT, ICS/SCADA, enterprise technologies, and special-purpose embedded and real-time systems.
  • Innovation lab environment: Work closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team and have direct access to senior cyber strategy leaders.
  • Professional growth: Expand your technical depth through mentorship from senior CNO developers, attend specialized cyber training, and earn certifications while contributing to patented solutions.

If you are passionate about building resilient, high impact cyber tools that help our customers to keep the nation's customer assets safe, join our team.
Basic Qualifications
- Experience performing Software Development and writing in software languages such as: C, python, Assembly
- Demonstrated experience developing, testing and debugging drivers or system level software for Linux (kernel development experience is desired)
- Demonstrated understanding of network devices, protocols and data flows
- Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility; US citizenship is required
Desired skills
- Demonstrated in-depth experience in Linux tool development and kernel architecture
- Software development experience including design, implementation, testing, analysis and debugging supporting CNO/CNE.
- Experience in advanced embedded assembly and RTOS development
- Experience in reverse engineering in various architectures (i.e. x86, ARM)
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of Linux low level systems development and API
- Experience with writing effective OS level code and extensions (such as device drivers for networking, storage, audio, video, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience performing Software Configuration Management
#LMSpaceSoftwareEng #SpaceNSS #LMSpaceCyberEng #SpaceCYBPrograms
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $104,900 - $184,920. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $120,600 - $209,070. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912