1

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs in California

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

... Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora). The position bridges silicon and firmware enablement with modern open-source ... Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

What is a junior Linux kernel engineer Ubuntu?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job involves working on the Linux kernel, specifically for Ubuntu and related Canonical projects. Responsibilities typically include debugging kernel issues, maintaining patches, optimizing performance, and contributing to upstream kernel development. Junior engineers collaborate with senior developers, test new kernel features, and ensure hardware compatibility. Strong knowledge of C programming, kernel internals, and debugging tools like GDB and perf is essential. This role provides a foundation for growth in open-source development and low-level system engineering.

What are some common challenges faced by junior Linux kernel engineers working with Ubuntu?

One common challenge for Junior Linux Kernel Engineers on Ubuntu is quickly understanding the complex and evolving codebase while adhering to Ubuntu's specific kernel customization and integration practices. New engineers often spend significant time learning to troubleshoot bugs, navigate documentation, and contribute effectively within established development workflows. Collaboration with senior engineers, participation in code reviews, and clear communication are integral to overcoming these hurdles and growing technically. Over time, junior engineers build deeper expertise and can take on larger projects and increased responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the junior Linux kernel engineer Ubuntu position?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu should possess a solid understanding of C programming, Linux operating systems, and basic kernel architecture, often backed by a relevant computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, building and debugging tools, and certifications such as LFCS or CompTIA Linux+ are advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication skills help junior engineers excel in collaborative environments. These capabilities are essential for contributing safely and efficiently to kernel development and troubleshooting in a fast-evolving ecosystem like Ubuntu.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in California? For Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$213K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Waymo Onboard Infrastructure is responsible for low-level software and infrastructure on various components of the Waymo self-driving system. The team's scope covers everything from low-level system software to high-bandwidth data logging, IPC (low-latency and high-throughput), performance analysis, and full-system debugging. We work with the Hardware, Compute, Sensor, Perception, Behavior and Machine Learning teams to build the most performant and low-latency self-driving solution in the industry.
In this role, you will work on the System Software Team. The System Software team owns the primary compute node of Waymo's on-vehicle compute platform - an integrated embedded system. You will write Linux Kernel drivers (including creating appropriate user-space APIs) to communicate with custom hardware (e.g. custom ASICs and FPGAs). If you enjoy building embedded systems using novel compute hardware and working with engineering teams that will be direct consumers of your work, you'll be a great fit for this role.
In this hybrid role, you will report to the Technical Lead Manager.
You will:
  • Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to develop system software components from early prototyping to production launch of driverless vehicles
  • Develop and test Linux Kernel device drivers and other components for high-performance embedded systems including custom ASICs and accelerators.
  • Work with a variety of engineering teams and SoC partners to take on ambiguous problems.

You have:
  • BA/BS degree in Computer Science, or relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience
  • Proficiency in C and C++
  • 5+ years of programming experience in an asynchronous environment with multiple processes, threads, timers, and interrupts
  • Experience with Linux kernel and device driver development
  • Working knowledge of hardware bring-up and debugging, including the ability to read schematics/datasheets and use common tools (oscilloscopes, multimeter, logic analyzers)

We prefer:
  • Experience with early-silicon development tools, e.g. emulators, simulators and FPGAs
  • Experience with common hardware protocols/interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or I2C)
  • Experience working with multiple types of industry partners (CM, ODM, OEM, or ISV)
  • Working knowledge of complex hardware-accelerated compute pipelines (GPUs, ML accelerators, image/data processors)
  • Experience with bootloaders or programming in a BIOS
  • Experience with building and maintaining testing infrastructure for OS and other low level code.
  • Experience with performing safe and robust software and firmware updates.

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$213,000-$263,000 USD