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Internship Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in California

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers. Familiarity with SoC systems including ...

Showing results 21-40

Internship Linux Kernel Developer information

What does an internship Linux Kernel Developer do?

An Internship Linux Kernel Developer assists in developing, testing, and maintaining components of the Linux kernel under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns typically work on bug fixes, feature enhancements, or kernel module development while learning about low-level programming, operating systems, and open-source collaboration. This role provides hands-on experience with kernel code, debugging tools, and version control systems like Git, making it ideal for students interested in systems programming. Interns also contribute to documentation and may interact with the broader Linux development community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship Linux Kernel Developer?

To thrive as an Internship Linux Kernel Developer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, operating systems concepts, and familiarity with Linux internals, often backed by coursework or personal projects. Experience with version control systems like Git and build tools such as Make, as well as knowledge of debugging tools like GDB, is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving and communication skills help interns stand out in collaborative kernel development environments. These skills are crucial for contributing reliable code, troubleshooting complex issues, and working effectively within the open-source community.

What kinds of projects or tasks can an internship Linux Kernel Developer expect to work on?

As an Internship Linux Kernel Developer, you can expect to work on tasks such as debugging kernel modules, contributing to open-source patches, and writing test cases for new kernel features. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced kernel developers to address real-world issues, review code, and participate in discussions about architectural improvements. These contributions help the team maintain the stability and performance of the Linux kernel, while also giving you practical experience with version control systems like Git and exposure to industry-standard development workflows.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California?

For Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Internship Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Linux Kernel Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Hypervisor/Linux Kernel Developer - Software Platform

NIO USA, INC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$63.75 - $84.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

About NIO

NIO Inc. is a pioneer and a leading company in the global smart electric vehicle market. Founded in November 2014, NIO aspires to shape a sustainable and brighter future with the mission of “Blue Sky Coming”.

NIO envisions itself as a user enterprise where innovative technology meets experience excellence. NIO designs, develops, manufactures and sells smart electric vehicles, driving innovations in next-generation core technologies. NIO distinguishes itself through continuous technological breakthroughs and innovations, exceptional products and services, and a community for shared growth.

NIO provides premium smart electric vehicles under the NIO brand, premium smart electric vehicles for families through the ONVO brand, and small smart high-end electric cars with the FIREFLY brand.


About the Position
 
This role is ideal for an experienced kernel or hypervisor engineer who wants to work hands-on with the foundations of NIO’s in-vehicle compute platform. You will join the core system software team behind SkyOS-H, NIO’s in-house hypervisor, and other SkyOS variants — contributing from architecture design to production deployment in next-generation intelligent vehicles.
  • Hypervisor & Kernel Performance at Scale
You’ll work on low-level system software designed for real-time, high-efficiency, and safety-critical automotive environments. This includes optimizing latency and throughput, refining vIRQ handling, improving cache and memory subsystem efficiency (SMMU, coherency, and paging), and leveraging Arm V8 virtualization extensions (VHE). You will contribute to hypervisor scheduling, partition isolation, and secure domain management to achieve automotive-grade determinism and performance on modern SoCs.
  • End-to-End Impact & Intelligent Vehicle Systems
From early architecture exploration to kernel integration, driver development, validation, and production rollout — your work will directly power live vehicle systems. You’ll enable mission-critical domains such as AD/ADAS compute, sensor fusion, and secure boot/trusted execution (TrustZone, OP-TEE).
In collaboration with AI and cloud teams, you’ll also support emerging LLM-based intelligent copilots and in-vehicle assistants, where hypervisor-level performance and scheduling directly enhance on-vehicle AI responsiveness. This role offers a rare opportunity to build real products that blend operating systems, virtualization, and intelligence at the edge — all within a fast-moving automotive environment.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute a microkernel-based operating system and hypervisor tailored for diverse on-vehicle applications in autonomous driving vehicles.
  • Analyze and enhance operating system functionalities for real-time performance, high efficiency, security, and functional safety.
  • Collaborate with the team to discuss and refine designs and implementations.
  • Lead through demonstration, serving as both a mentor and a mentee to foster team growth and knowledge sharing.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
  • 1+ years of experience in embedded systems or low-level system software development.
  • Strong coding skills in CARM assembly, and in-line assembly.
  • Deep understanding of Arm V8 architecture: GIC, SMMU, cache hierarchy, and Arm Virtualization Host Extensions (VHE).
  • Proficiency in GitC/C++Python, and object-oriented programming.
  • Experience with Linux kernel development or driver subsystems.
  • Knowledge of embedded system security: Arm TrustZone, OP-TEE, Secure Boot.
  • Ability to thrive and contribute effectively within a global, cross-functional engineering team.
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time NIO employee, you are eligible for the following benefits on the first day you join NIO:

  • Anthem PPO, HSA, and Kaiser HMO medical plans with $0 for Employee Only Coverage.  

  • Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plan.  Both provide options with a $0 paycheck contribution covering you and your eligible dependents.

  • Company Paid HSA (Health Savings Account) Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible CIGNA medical plan

  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

  • 401(k) with Brokerage Link option

  • Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Sick and Vacation time

  • 13 Paid Holidays a year

  • Paid Parental Leave for first 8 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

  • Paid Disability Leave for first 6 weeks at full pay (eligible after 90 days of employment with NIO)

  • Voluntary benefits including: Voluntary Life and AD&D options for you, your spouse/domestic partner and dependent child(ren), pet insurance

  • Commuter benefits

  • Mobile Cell Phone Credit

  • Healthjoy mobile benefit app supporting you and your dependents with benefit questions on the go & support with benefit billing questions

  • Free lunch and snacks

  • Onsite gym

  • Employee discounts and perks program

Compensation
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $163,500.00 - $212,400.00.
  • Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

  • Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only. It does not include discretionary bonus, equity, or benefits.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.