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Internship Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Crusoe

Senior Staff Linux Kernel Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals -- memory management, scheduler, networking, storage subsystems and/or device drivers * Strong C programming skills; fluency in kernel development workflow ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsInternship Linux Kernel Developer JobsInternship Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Internship Linux Kernel Developer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$118.4K

$174.7K

$206.3K

How much do internship linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship linux kernel developer in San Jose, CA is $174,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,000.00 and $193,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 San Jose, CA?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

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Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Linux Kernel Developer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 62% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,699 per year, or $84 per hour.

Linux Kernel Developer (Mid-to-Senior Level)

E-Space

Saratoga, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We're a successful, fast-growing startup building complex systems that run on custom Linux platforms in demanding, real-world environments. We're looking for a Linux Kernel Developer who's comfortable working deep in the stack — from drivers and subsystems to boot and memory management — and who wants to own kernel-level quality as our products scale.
 
In this role, you'll design, develop, and debug kernel code and low-level Linux components that power our hardware platforms. You'll work closely with embedded software engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure our platforms are stable, performant, and production-ready.
 
This is a hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys solving hard problems close to the metal in a lean engineering organization.
What you will do:
* Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
* Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
* Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
* Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures
* Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
* Work with bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and board bring-up for new hardware revisions
* Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration
* Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
* Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), and CI integration
* Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that's practical and reusable
What you bring to this role:
* 5+ years of experience developing in C, with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals
* Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules
* Solid understanding of:
   * Kernel subsystems (memory management, scheduling, filesystems, networking)
   * Linux boot process and bootloaders
   * Concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space
* Experience with embedded Linux build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
* Comfort working directly with hardware during bring-up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers
* Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis
* Comfortable working independently and taking ownership in a lean startup environment
 
Bonus points for the following:
*Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience
* Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real-time operating systems
* Familiarity with security-hardening practices for embedded Linux (secure boot, kernel hardening)
* Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send-email)
* Exposure to multiple CPU architectures (ARM, RISC-V, x86)
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system-level software
 
Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

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.