1

Internship Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

What job categories do people searching Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Internship Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Internship Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

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 Peripheral Software Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and integrate peripheral subsystems on Qualcomm platforms, focusing on USB, I2C, I3C, SPI, and MIPI interfaces.

  • Work closely with customers to review peripheral bus requirements, analyze system-level use cases, and translate those into software design and implementation.

  • Perform hands-on kernel and driver development, debugging, and optimization in Linux and Android environments, including on-site customer support to resolve peripheral-related issues.


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications Engineering
General Summary:
As a Linux Peripheral Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and customer support of peripheral subsystems on Qualcomm platforms. This role focuses on USB and low-speed peripheral interfaces such as I2C, I3C, SPI, as well as MIPI-based protocols, enabling robust connectivity and functionality across customer products.
You will work closely with customers to review peripheral bus requirements, analyze system-level use cases, and translate those requirements into software design and implementation. The role involves hands-on kernel and driver development, debugging, and optimization in Linux and Android environments, as well as on-site customer support to bring-up, validate, and resolve peripheral-related issues on development platforms.
You will be involved in customizing, enabling, and optimizing Qualcomm software for customer programs, supporting new hardware bring-up, and troubleshooting complex protocol-level issues across USB, QUP-based peripherals, and MIPI interfaces. Strong collaboration with hardware, architecture, validation, and customer engineering teams is expected.
The ideal candidate has strong C/C++ programming skills, solid experience with Linux kernel and device driver development, and deep familiarity with peripheral protocols and buses. The candidate should be self-driven, capable of owning customer issues end-to-end, and comfortable working across global teams while delivering documentation, training, and technical guidance to customers.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with debugging techniques.
  • Proven experience as a Linux Kernel Engineer or similar role.
  • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel architecture and build tools.
  • Strong understanding of Computer Architecture - Caches, Bus, Memory is required.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • The preferred candidate should have knowledge in the following areas:
  • Camera, Display, AR/VR, Video, Graphics, BSP software
  • Strong understanding of system performance tuning and optimization.
  • Extensive experience with Linux kernel development, debugging, and profiling tools.
  • Proficiency in programming with real-time operating systems or microkernels, particularly on ARM architectures or Qualcomm's Hexagon microprocessor.
  • Advanced C/C++ programming skills with a minimum of 3 years of experience in embedded software systems. Experience in creating or managing software build environments using tools such as Make, CMake, and Git.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python).
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Familiarity with specific Linux distributions and their kernel customization processes (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky Linux).

Physical Requirements
  • Frequently transports between offices, buildings, and campuses up to ½ mile.
  • Frequently transports and installs equipment up to 5 lbs.
  • Performs required tasks at various heights (e.g., standing or sitting).
  • Monitors and utilizes computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day.
  • Continuous communication which includes the comprehension of information with colleagues, customers, and vendors both in person and remotely.

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:
$104,000.00 - $156,000.00
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.

What Qualcomm employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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