1

Internship Linux Kernel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer - Product Debug Team

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Tech in Electronics, Computer Science, or related field. • 1-4 years in semiconductor or embedded systems domain (internship or academic projects in Linux kernel development or debugging preferred ...

Tech in Electronics, Computer Science, or related field. • 1-4 years in semiconductor or embedded systems domain (internship or academic projects in Linux kernel development or debugging preferred ...

New

Data Networking Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$103.60 - $155.40/hr

Coursework, academic projects, internship experience, or hands on experience with data networking ... Basic understanding of the Linux kernel, system calls, or kernel-userspace interfaces. * Strong ...

As a Linux Kernel and Board Support Package (BSP) Development Engineer, you will be responsible for ... BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience - 2+ ...

... with strong project or internship experience are welcome to apply) * Strong programming ... Linux kernel or embedded systems experience * Exposure to build and test infrastructure: Bazel, Nix ...

HPC Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136.30 - $231.70/hr

Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals ... Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level ...

New

HPC Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals ... Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level ...

HPC Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals ... Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level ...

Strong knowledge of Linux kernel configuration, performance tuning, and system internals ... Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Internship Linux Kernel information

What is an internship in Linux Kernel?

An Internship in Linux Kernel is a temporary position where students or recent graduates work on projects related to the Linux operating system’s core, known as the kernel. Interns typically contribute to open-source code, assist with bug fixes, develop new features, and collaborate with experienced kernel developers. This role provides hands-on experience with low-level programming, operating systems concepts, and the open-source development process. It is ideal for those interested in systems programming and looking to build a career in software or kernel development.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a Linux Kernel internship, and how much guidance will I receive?

As a Linux Kernel intern, you'll typically work on tasks such as fixing bugs, developing new features, or improving kernel modules under the supervision of experienced kernel developers. Projects often align with your interests and the organization's needs, ranging from device driver improvements to performance optimizations. You'll receive mentorship through code reviews, pair programming, and regular check-ins, but you are also encouraged to research and solve problems independently. This collaborative environment helps interns gain both technical skills and a deeper understanding of open-source development processes.

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

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Intern, you need a solid understanding of C programming, data structures, operating system concepts, and ideally some coursework or experience related to Linux environments. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, basic debugging tools such as GDB, and exposure to kernel development workflows are highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, willingness to learn, and effective communication skills set outstanding interns apart in collaborative open-source projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing meaningful code, troubleshooting complex issues, and engaging with the global Linux kernel community.

What is the difference between Internship Linux Kernel vs Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectInternship Linux KernelLinux Kernel Developer
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of Linux, coursework, or related certificationsAdvanced Linux knowledge, certifications, or degrees in computer science
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-level projectsFull-time professional role, complex kernel development tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research labs, internships in open-source projectsTech firms, open-source communities, enterprise environments
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level opportunities, career explorationAdvanced skills, career progression, specialized development

In summary, an Internship Linux Kernel provides hands-on learning and entry-level experience in Linux kernel development, while a Linux Kernel Developer role involves advanced expertise and professional responsibilities in kernel programming and maintenance.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Internship Linux Kernel job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% Internship, 81% Full Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

NVIDIA 2027 Internships: Systems Software Engineering

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

By submitting your resume, you acknowledge that your 2027 Systems Software Engineering internship application will be processed in accordance with NVIDIA's Applicant Privacy Policy and you agree to our Terms of Service. We'll review resumes on an ongoing basis, and a recruiter may reach out if your experience fits one of our many internship opportunities.
NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing to tackle challenges no one else can solve. Our work in AI and digital twins is transforming the world's largest industries and profoundly impacting society - from gaming to robotics, self-driving cars to life-saving healthcare, climate change to virtual worlds where we can all connect and create. Our internships offer an excellent opportunity to expand your career and get hands on experience with one of our industry leading Systems Software teams. We're seeking strategic, ambitious, hard-working, and creative individuals who are passionate about helping us tackle challenges no one else can solve.
Throughout the 12-week full-time internship, students will work on projects that have a measurable impact on our business. We're looking for students pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree within a relevant or related field.
Potential Internships in this field include:
Systems Software
  • Defining, designing, and developing integrated (e.g., Jetson Orin) and discrete (e.g., Hopper H100) GPU system software components (e.g., runtime, math libraries) with focus on power and performance, as well as creating architecture and design specifications
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Multithreaded Debugging, Linux Kernel Development, RTOS Development on Embedded Platforms, Data Structures & Algorithms (time/space complexity), Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Low-Level Programming

Software Security
  • Hardening and developing secure solutions across the software stack, spanning multi-node supercomputers down to microcontrollers and security co-processors
  • Building tools and infrastructure to scale security efforts across large organizations and codebases with millions of lines of code
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Network Security, Cryptography, Computer Systems Architecture, Microcontroller and Microprocessor fundamentals (Caches, Buses, Memory Controllers, DMA, etc.)

Graphics Systems Software
  • Designing and implementing of OpenGL, OpenGL ES, and Vulkan graphics drivers, platform support, and conformance tests to support new hardware features in collaboration with other software, hardware, architecture, and support teams
  • Training and debugging various issues within the Tegra graphics software stack
  • Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Real-Time Systems Development, Device Driver Programming, Game Console Middleware, or other Low-Level Library Development
  • 3D/2D Graphics Theory, Implementation & Optimizations, Simulation or Emulation (writing & debugging tests)

Compiler
  • Working at the center of deep-learning compiler technology, spanning architecture design and support through functional languages
  • Investigating problems or optimization opportunities within the Compiler backend by working with global compiler, hardware, and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions
  • Operating Systems Compiler, Compiler Construction, Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, Computer Architecture, Compiler Development, Open Source Programming, High-Performance Computing (HPC), Automation Tools (XLA, TVM, Halide), Open Source Tools (CLANG, LLBM, gcc)

Firmware & Embedded Software
  • Supporting development of firmware run on embedded microcontrollers within GPUs, while optimizing software to improve system robustness, performance, and security
  • Participating in testing new and existing firmware, and developing tools and infrastructure to improve our front-end design and verification process
  • Course or internship experience related to the following areas could be required: Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Embedded Systems (Processors, Firmware, Input/Output Devices and Memory), Real-Time Performance, Low-Level Development, Data Structures & Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Computer Systems Software, Linux Kernel Development, Multi-Threaded or Multi-Process Programming, RTOS Development on Embedded Platforms

What we need to see:
  • Must be actively enrolled in a university pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, for the full duration of the internship; anticipated graduation date (month and year) must be clearly indicated on a resume or CV to be considered.

Depending on the internship role, prior experience or knowledge requirements could include the following programming skills and technologies:
  • C, C++, C++17, CUDA, x86, Perl, ARM CPU, GPU, Embedded C, Linux, Linux Kernel Development, Bash/Shell Scripting, Graphics (2D, 3D, Render, Shaders)
  • Operating Systems (Threads, Process Control, Memory/Resource Management, Virtual Memory), Formal Verification Tools (Spark, Frama-C), Linux Kernel Development, Multi-Threaded or Multi-Process Programming, Computer Networking (TPC/IP, OSI Model, Sockets), Open Source Tools (CLANG, LLBM, gcc), Testing Production/Automation Tools (XLA, TVM, Halide), Microprocessor Fundamentals (Caches, Buses, Memory Controllers, DMA, etc.)

Click hereto learn more about NVIDIA, our early talent programs, benefits offered to students and other helpful student resources related to our latest technologies and endeavors.
Our internship hourly rates are a standard pay based on the position, your location, year in school, degree, and experience. The hourly rate for our interns is 20 USD - 71 USD.
You will also be eligible for Intern benefits.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

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