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Freelance Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL

$40 - $55/hr

Systems & Infrastructure Engineer (Freelance / Contract) * Time Commitment: ~100 hours per month ... Windows Ecosystem: Strong expertise in Windows Operating Systems for both workstations and servers.

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Systems & Infrastructure Engineer (Freelance / Contract) * Time Commitment: ~100 hours per month ... Windows Ecosystem: Strong expertise in Windows Operating Systems for both workstations and servers.

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Systems & Infrastructure Engineer (Freelance / Contract) * Time Commitment: ~100 hours per month ... Windows Ecosystem: Strong expertise in Windows Operating Systems for both workstations and servers.

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Naperville, IL

... kernel upgrades, and OSS note implementation. * Configure and manage Solution Manager technical ... Proficiency in operating systems including SUSE Linux and Windows for SAP deployments * Experience ...

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Freelance Windows Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$23

$71

How much do freelance windows kernel developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance windows kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $23.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Windows Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

A Freelance Windows Kernel Developer must possess deep knowledge of C/C++ programming, operating system internals, and Windows kernel architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like WinDbg, Visual Studio, and experience with kernel debugging, driver development, and Windows Driver Kit (WDK) are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective independent communication set standout freelancers apart. These capabilities ensure the developer can deliver secure, high-performance kernel modules and troubleshoot complex system-level issues for clients.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Windows Kernel Developers when working with clients remotely?

Freelance Windows Kernel Developers often encounter challenges such as obtaining sufficient access to client environments for debugging, ensuring confidentiality when handling sensitive code, and aligning with the client’s internal development workflows. Effective communication is crucial, as kernel development frequently involves troubleshooting low-level issues that may require detailed logs or real-time collaboration with other developers. Setting clear expectations around deliverables, timelines, and security protocols helps address these challenges and fosters a productive remote working relationship.

What is a Freelance Windows Kernel Developer?

A Freelance Windows Kernel Developer is an independent software engineer who specializes in developing, debugging, and maintaining software that operates at the Windows operating system kernel level. These professionals design drivers, system utilities, or security modules that require deep integration with Windows internals. Working as freelancers, they typically handle short-term contracts or projects for various clients, providing expertise in areas like kernel-mode driver development, kernel debugging, and performance optimization. Their work is crucial for hardware compatibility, system stability, and advanced software functionalities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs near you

Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer

Hudson Manpower

Skokie, IL • On-site

$160 - $170/day

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Hello,
We're hiring a Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer to work on low-level Windows OS customization for embedded wireless devices (e.g., cameras, USB) supporting Microsoft Teams.
Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer
Skokie, IL | Full-Time | On-Site (No Remote)
US Citizens/Green Card holders only | Relocation assistance available
Must Haves:
• Must have low level (kernal) Windows OS development experience
• Can you customize and configure the Windows OS platform to integrate with embedded devices ?
• Do you have an understanding in device driver development as well as OS image creation and deployment to a w/less device; ?
• C++ for windows experience ? is used for development.
• Have you done low level OS development ?
• Experience w/ Typescript of GraphQl ?
Responsibilities:
• Will customize and configure the Windows OS Platform to integrate with wireless
• embedded devices such as cameras, USB, etc to support the Windows TEAMS video
• p Platform
• The ideal candidate should have an understanding in device driver development as well
• as OS image creation and deployment to a wireless device; C++ for windows is used for
• development. Will not be tasked with driver development but must understand the
• process.
• Must have an understanding of Operating System internals and Windows kernel/module
• development
• Designs software and author code elements such as drivers, algorithms, middleware,
• and applications specifically for the Windows Platform
• Creates scripts to automate code generating tools, data processing, and verification of
• design
• Works with other functional team members to integrate technologies with company
• Platform and products
• Keeps abreast of new technologies, the state of the art, and communicate to the
• appropriate levels
• Writes so0ware networking components based on existing embedded software Platform and operating systems
• Applies OO/SOLID and secure coding design principles
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering or
• equivalent experience
• Experience performing low level Windows OS software development
• Understanding of Operating System internals
• Windows kernel/module development
• Knowledge of image creation
• Minimum of 2 years industry experience developing specifically for Windows
• Experience implemen7ng applica7ons, device drivers and/or frameworks for Windows
• Experience implementing client to server network communications, TCP/IP, sockets
• Experience working Visual Studio
• • Experience working with CMAKE and other cross Platform build tools.
• Experience with software development tools such as Integrated Development
• Environments, compilers/linkers, and debugging tools (emulator, profiler, etc.) required
• Experience solving problems following SOLID and OO design principles
• Must be proficient in Windows development with C++.
• Working knowledge of Windows Driver Kit (WDK) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microso0 Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
• is a plus.
• Development experience in TypeScript and NodeJS is a plus
• Developer experience with GraphQL is a plus
• Ability to integrate technologies to provide proof of concept demonstrations
• Experience in secure coding practice

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