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Internship Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in California

Senior Linux Developer - Networking

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$64 - $84.50/hr

Craft and implement kernel drivers for our state or art network devices as well as userspace ... of programming experience. * C experience and extensive knowledge. * Experience in Linux ...

Staff Engineer, Linux Device Drivers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134.80K - $202.20K/yr

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 ...

MTS III, Software

Irvine, CA · On-site

$97K - $162K/yr

... Embedded Linux Kernel Developer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for architecting, developing, and maintaining the core software stack for embedded platforms ...

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Internship Linux Kernel Developer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Linux Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

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, and how do these contribute to team goals?

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 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.
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Infographic showing various Internship Linux Kernel Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Staff Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Staff Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$134.80K - $202.20K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
As a Staff Software Engineer, you will design, develop, and optimize secure virtualization solutions for next-generation SoCs across Mobile, Automotive, IoT, and XR/VR platforms.
You will work on cutting-edge technologies such as KVM, Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), and secure hypervisors, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance, secure, and scalable solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and enhance Linux Kernel features related to virtualization, including KVM and memory isolation.
  • Implement and optimize secure execution environments for Android and embedded platforms.
  • Work on ARM-based virtualization technologies, including hardware-assisted virtualization (ARM VHE, TrustZone).
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate KVM onto Qualcomm SoCs.
  • Debug and resolve complex virtualization and kernel issues using tools like GDB, ftrace, and JTAG debuggers.
  • Contribute to open-source projects (Linux Kernel, KVM) and Qualcomm's virtualization stack.
  • Perform pre-silicon development on FPGA and QEMU-based platforms for virtualization features.
  • Analyze system requirements and propose secure virtualization architectures.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation for virtualization architecture and development processes.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 6+ years of experience in system software development.
  • Proficiency in C/C++, and RUST with scripting skills in Python/Bash.
  • Strong experience in Linux Kernel development, especially in KVM and memory management.
  • Familiarity with virtualization technologies like virtio, VFIO, and IOMMU.
  • Working knowledge on commercial VMMs like QEMU or crosVM.
  • Solid understanding of ARMv8/ARMv9 architecture, including virtualization extensions.
  • Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environment (TEE), and confidential computing is advantageous.
  • Prior contributions to open-source projects (Linux Kernel, KVM).
  • Strong debugging skills and practical experience with ARM-based platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with Android OS internals and AVF integration is a plus.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985