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Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Everforth ECS is seeking a Junior Software Engineer Intern to work in our Fairfax, VA office for ... Familiarity with Linux operating systems (Redhat or Ubuntu) * Demonstrated cross-functional team ...

Learn more at We are looking for a Senior OS Development Engineer with expertise in Linux and ... Ubuntu x86 x64, Yocto, and QNX platforms * Work at the kernel and system level including ...

Software Engineer, ASIC

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$199K/yr

As a Software Engineer, ASIC, you will integrate tightly with teams across the company, and span ... Systems administration experience on RHEL and Ubuntu, kernel tuning for compute workloads

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Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior kernel engineer ubuntu jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior kernel engineer ubuntu in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu, you need a solid understanding of Linux operating systems, C programming, and computer architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Git, kernel debugging tools, and build systems like Make, as well as experience with Ubuntu or Debian package management, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies enable efficient troubleshooting, robust code contributions, and smooth collaboration within the open-source community and engineering teams.

What are the main responsibilities and typical challenges faced by a Junior Kernel Engineer working on Ubuntu?

As a Junior Kernel Engineer on the Ubuntu team, you'll primarily assist in maintaining, debugging, and improving the Linux kernel to ensure compatibility and performance for Ubuntu releases. Daily tasks often include patch review, hardware compatibility testing, and collaborating with senior engineers to resolve kernel bugs. Common challenges involve understanding the complexities of kernel code, keeping up with upstream kernel changes, and ensuring stability across diverse hardware platforms. You’ll also participate in code reviews and work closely with both the wider Ubuntu community and other Canonical engineering teams.

What does a Junior Kernel Engineer do at Ubuntu?

A Junior Kernel Engineer at Ubuntu works on maintaining and improving the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the Ubuntu operating system. Their tasks often include debugging kernel issues, developing new features, collaborating with senior engineers, and contributing to kernel updates and security patches. They may also review code, test kernel builds, and interact with the open-source community to ensure compatibility and performance. This role is ideal for those with a strong understanding of C programming, Linux internals, and a passion for open-source development.

What is the difference between Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu vs Junior Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectJunior Kernel Engineer UbuntuJunior Linux Kernel Developer
Required CredentialsComputer Science degree, Linux certifications (e.g., Linux Foundation Certified Engineer)Similar credentials, often Linux certifications and programming skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in Linux-based environments, focusing on Ubuntu OSLinux kernel development, often in open-source projects
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, open-source projects, hardware firms using UbuntuOpen-source communities, Linux distributions, hardware vendors
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched for by those working with Ubuntu-specific kernel tasksMore focused on kernel development across Linux distributions

Both roles involve Linux kernel work, but Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu emphasizes Ubuntu-specific kernel tasks, while Junior Linux Kernel Developer focuses on broader Linux kernel development across distributions.

More about Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs? Cities with the most Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings:
What states have the most Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784 -OJO

Right Talent Right Now

Chicago, IL

$178K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784


Job Ref.: 2784

Job Title: System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development

Role: Information Technology

Relocation Available: Yes

Industry: I.T.

Location: South Carolina

Town / City: Greer

Job Type: Permanent full-time



Job description:

Company develops custom system level software, including device drivers, firmware, embedded applications, protocol stacks, board support packages, and custom interfaces. They specialize in wireless communications for military and embedded systems.


They are seeking a talented Software Development professional who specializes in system-level development (device drivers, firmware, embedded systems) to serve as a key member of the engineering team. This individual will be responsible for developing and supporting user mode applications, device drivers, and firmware for a wide variety of systems, including networking and communication hardware and software products. These responsibilities include the design and development of protocols and algorithms for a variety of technologies, including USB, PCI, 802. WLAN, Ethernet, VoIP, Bluetooth, cellular, and broadband communications. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with clients and be attentive to customer satisfaction.

Windows Kernel and/or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

6-8+ years of application development experience

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Strong debugging skills

Superior problem solving abilities 

Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Required Education: Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. 



Desired Skills (not required)

WinDBG

embedded Linux

Experience with multiple Linux distributions (Montavista, Ubuntu, OpenEmbedded, Red Hat, Buildroot, etc.) 

Embedded Linux development for a variety of platforms (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC, etc.) and board support packages.

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems).

Experience with real time and multithreaded applications

Experience performing architectural definition, documentation, and development at the system level

Reverse Engineering (IDA Pro, Ollydbg, etc.) 

Communication protocol experience (designing, implementing)

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems)

Clearance Required: Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen in order to meet the minimum requirement to obtain the required clearance.



Bottom Line Requirements:

1. Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related.

2. Windows Kernel or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

3. 6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

4. 6-8+ years of application development experience.

5. US Citizen able to obtain clearance.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.