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Internship Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Denken Solutions, Inc.

Software Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$100.70/hr

Strong C++ development skills focused on low-latency, high-performance code in user (and ideally kernel) space. * Extensive Linux development experience, including networking and system-level ...

Horizontal Talent

Software Engineer

Foster City, CA · On-site

Experience with Linux kernel development and device driver implementation * Background developing embedded software for ARM cores using Xilinx SDK and MPSoC platforms * Familiarity with Yocto or ...

Nvidia

Senior Networking Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer to join the Linux networking drivers R&D team. The work environment is versatile, informative, dynamic and challenging as our employees are ...

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Internship Linux Kernel Development information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$10

$20

$28

How much do internship linux kernel development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship linux kernel development in Santa Clara, CA is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Linux Kernel Development vs Linux Kernel Engineer?

AspectInternship Linux Kernel DevelopmentLinux Kernel Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree; basic knowledge of LinuxAdvanced degree or extensive experience in Linux kernel development
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, collaborative teamsFull-time professional roles, complex kernel development tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, open-source projects, research institutionsTech firms, hardware companies, enterprise software providers
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level opportunities, career explorationProfessional growth, specialized skills, career advancement

In summary, Internship Linux Kernel Development offers an entry-level experience focused on learning and gaining practical skills, while a Linux Kernel Engineer is a full-time professional role requiring advanced expertise and responsible for complex kernel development tasks.

What does an internship in Linux kernel development involve?

An internship in Linux Kernel Development typically involves working on the core of the Linux operating system, contributing to the kernel codebase, fixing bugs, developing new features, and collaborating with experienced kernel developers. Interns often work with languages like C and use tools such as Git for version control. The experience provides hands-on exposure to open-source development practices, deepens your understanding of operating system internals, and helps build valuable skills for a career in systems programming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship in Linux kernel development, and why are they important?

To excel as an intern in Linux Kernel Development, you need a solid understanding of C programming, operating system concepts, and preferably some coursework or experience with low-level systems programming. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, Linux command line tools, and knowledge of kernel debugging tools is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective written communication help interns collaborate with mentors and contribute to open-source projects. These skills are crucial for navigating complex kernel code, efficiently resolving issues, and making meaningful contributions to the Linux community.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect during an internship in Linux kernel development?

As an intern in Linux Kernel Development, you can expect to work on a range of tasks such as fixing bugs, writing and testing patches, contributing to kernel modules, and improving documentation. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced kernel developers, participate in code reviews, and may be assigned small features or performance enhancements to implement. This role typically involves working with version control systems like Git, engaging with the open-source community, and learning best practices for writing and debugging kernel code.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Internship Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Internship Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Internship Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Linux Kernel Development jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
Internship Linux Kernel Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Linux Kernel Development job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,617 per year, or $20 per hour.

Principal System Software Engineer - AV Platform

NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 242 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
NVIDIA is seeking a highly motivated Principal System Software Engineer to drive next-generation innovations in automotive platform software, system architecture, and performance engineering. In this highly visible technical leadership role, you will contribute directly to the architecture, development, optimization, and scaling of foundational software technologies powering NVIDIA automotive compute platforms.
Responsibilities:
• Drive system software architecture and technical direction for next-generation automotive compute platforms.
• Lead performance optimization initiatives across CPU, GPU, memory, storage, networking, and platform subsystems.
• Design, develop, debug, and optimize low-level system software including kernel, drivers, middleware, runtime frameworks, and platform services.
• Collaborate closely with silicon, firmware, AI, and platform architecture teams to deliver optimized end-to-end solutions.
• Analyze complex system bottlenecks and develop scalable solutions to improve performance, reliability, determinism, and efficiency.
• Drive software bring-up, profiling, debugging, and performance tuning for new automotive platforms.
• Contribute hands-on to critical software development, architecture reviews, debugging, and system optimization efforts.
• Mentor engineers and help drive a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and execution.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 15+ years of substantial hands-on experience in systems software, embedded systems, platform software, kernel development, or performance engineering.
• Deep expertise in Linux system internals, kernel architecture, device drivers, and low-level system software development.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ with experience in Python or scripting languages.
• Proven experience debugging and optimizing complex distributed or heterogeneous computing systems.
• Strong background in performance analysis and optimization across CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and interconnect subsystems.
• Experience with embedded Linux, RTOS, virtualization technologies, or multi-core system architectures.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technically while remaining deeply hands-on in development, debugging, and architecture activities.
• Experience collaborating across hardware and software organizations in highly matrixed environments.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and technical leadership skills.
Preferred:
• Experience with automotive software platforms, ADAS, or autonomous driving systems.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, ASPICE, or automotive cybersecurity frameworks.
• Experience with GPU-accelerated computing and AI/ML software platforms.
• Contributions to Linux kernel, open-source systems software, or performance tooling.
• Experience building scalable software architectures for centralized vehicle compute platforms.
Company:
NVIDIA is a computing platform company operating at the intersection of graphics, HPC, and AI. Founded in 1993, the company is headquartered in Santa Clara, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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