... kernel-mode and user-mode drivers. * + Research attack surfaces across WDDM display drivers ... engineering and exploit development skills. * + Proficiency with WinDbg, IDA/Ghidra, and driver ...
... kernel-mode and user-mode drivers. * + Research attack surfaces across WDDM display drivers ... engineering and exploit development skills. * + Proficiency with WinDbg, IDA/Ghidra, and driver ...
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
CNE Developer - Windows Kernel Vulnerability Research Are you a passionate cybersecurity engineer with deep Windows kernel expertise and a strong offensive cyber mindset? Signature Federal Systems is ...
CNE Developer - Windows Kernel Vulnerability Research Are you a passionate cybersecurity engineer with deep Windows kernel expertise and a strong offensive cyber mindset? Signature Federal Systems is ...
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Quick apply
Windows CNO Developer
Dulles, VA · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer
Virginia, MN · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer
Virginia, MN · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Ring0 Technologies ("Ring Zero") is hiring a Windows developer with kernel and reverse engineering experience. The developer will be working supporting CNO development of Cyber solutions to real ...
Ring0 Technologies ("Ring Zero") is hiring a Windows developer with kernel and reverse engineering experience. The developer will be working supporting CNO development of Cyber solutions to real ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
CloudZero is seeking a Windows systems engineer to own the kernel-mode driver and related components for our Windows agent. You will sign, package, and ship a robust endpoint product that runs with ...
CloudZero is seeking a Windows systems engineer to own the kernel-mode driver and related components for our Windows agent. You will sign, package, and ship a robust endpoint product that runs with ...
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Virginia, MN · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Virginia, MN · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
You'll set the technical direction for kernel-mode enforcement on Windows and own it end to end ... Peer engineers own the macOS and Linux enforcement surfaces. You share one policy language, one ...
You'll set the technical direction for kernel-mode enforcement on Windows and own it end to end ... Peer engineers own the macOS and Linux enforcement surfaces. You share one policy language, one ...
CloudZero is seeking a Windows systems engineer to own the kernel-mode driver and related components for our Windows agent. You will sign, package, and ship a robust endpoint product that runs with ...
CloudZero is seeking a Windows systems engineer to own the kernel-mode driver and related components for our Windows agent. You will sign, package, and ship a robust endpoint product that runs with ...
... Windows kernel concepts, memory management, and process/thread handling • Experience working in secure or regulated environments • Strong documentation and communication skills Company
... Windows kernel concepts, memory management, and process/thread handling • Experience working in secure or regulated environments • Strong documentation and communication skills Company
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Quick apply
Windows CNO Developer (BZ)
Washington, DC · On-site
Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/ Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer ... Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF), debugging, dumps, and lab bring up Device ...
Quick apply
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/ Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer ... Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF), debugging, dumps, and lab bring up Device ...
You'll set the technical direction for kernel-mode enforcement on Windows and own it end to end ... Peer engineers own the macOS and Linux enforcement surfaces. You share one policy language, one ...
You'll set the technical direction for kernel-mode enforcement on Windows and own it end to end ... Peer engineers own the macOS and Linux enforcement surfaces. You share one policy language, one ...
Windows Kernal Driver
Bellevue, WA · On-site
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer role Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF), debugging, dumps, and lab bring up Device interaction debugging across ...
Windows Kernal Driver
Bellevue, WA · On-site
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer role Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF), debugging, dumps, and lab bring up Device interaction debugging across ...
Windows Kernal Driver
Redmond, WA · On-site
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF ...
Windows Kernal Driver
Redmond, WA · On-site
Windows Kernal Driver Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Onsite/Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Best fit signals to look for on resumes: Experience with kernel mode driver work (WDM/KMDF ...
Freelance Windows Kernel Developer information
See salary details
$9.38 - $14.79
1% of jobs
$16.15 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.79 - $20.21
96% of jobs
$20.21 - $25.63
2% of jobs
$25.63 - $31.05
0% of jobs
$31.05 - $36.47
1% of jobs
$36.47 - $41.89
0% of jobs
$41.89 - $47.31
0% of jobs
$47.31 - $52.73
0% of jobs
$52.73 - $58.15
0% of jobs
$58.15 - $63.57
0% of jobs
$63.57 - $68.99
0% of jobs
$9
$22
$68
How much do freelance windows kernel developer jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance windows kernel developer in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance Windows kernel developer?
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.
More about Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs?
Cities with the most Freelance Windows Kernel Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs?
The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs?
States with the most job openings for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs include:
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For Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Windows Driver Exploitation Engineer APPLIED AI VR WINDOWS New York, NY / On Site →
On-site
Zealot Labs, Inc.
Other
Posted 16 days ago
Job description
Zealot is deploying AI systems at the center of western cyber operations , backed by tier-1 US VCs and industry leaders. Our team includes alumni of Anthropic, xAI, and Anduril. Soon live with close U.S. allies abroad.
APPLIED AI VR WINDOWS
Compensation 100K-195K + skin in the game equity
Location New York, NY On Site
Stage Early-stage startup backed by tier 1 investors. Small, growing team with exceptionally high ownership.
- + Discover and exploit vulnerabilities in Windows kernel-mode and user-mode drivers.
- + Research attack surfaces across WDDM display drivers, network miniport drivers, filesystem filter drivers, and third-party kernel extensions.
- + Develop exploit primitives for privilege escalation, sandbox escape, and kernel code execution.
- + Build automated tooling for Windows driver analysis, fuzzing, and vulnerability triage.
- + Deep experience with Windows kernel internals: I/O manager, object manager, memory manager.
- + Proven track record of driver vulnerability research (CVEs, ZDI submissions, or offensive work).
- + Strong x86/x64 reverse engineering and exploit development skills.
- + Proficiency with WinDbg, IDA/Ghidra, and driver analysis frameworks.
- + Strong C/C++ skills for kernel-level development and exploitation.
- + Experience with Hyper-V and virtualization-based security (VBS) attack surfaces.
- + Familiarity with Windows driver fuzzing (kAFL, what the fuzz, custom harnesses).
- + Experience with BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attack techniques.
- + Knowledge of Windows Defender / EDR kernel-mode components.
- + Experience building with LLMs and AI agents.
- + Published research or conference talks on Windows kernel security.
- + Deeply technical and motivated to find the bugs that matter at the kernel level.
- + Clearly interested in stepping away from purely manual research and moving toward the development of AI systems.
- + Building something massive matters more to you than comfort, titles, or predictability.
- + You want to be early at a company that will change an industry, and you're ready to do what that actually takes.
Note to recruiting firms: Windows driver vulnerability research is the core requirement. Kernel exploitation experience is essential. Familiarity with modern Windows security mitigations is a strong plus.
Ready?