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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 ...

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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 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 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 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

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
** This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship. **
Drive Linux innovation for Qualcomm's next-generation server-class CPUs Join our Linux Platform team to build and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers and test teams, while preparing upstream readiness for major data center and enterprise environments. This role focuses on platform support, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions, bridging internal enablement with open-source community standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
  • Strong background in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles.
  • Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling, working knowledge of C/C++
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Mature interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
  • Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace.
  • Ability to quickly learn new tools and workflows in a fast-evolving environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in non-linear, dynamic environments.
  • Proficiency with Git and experience in GitHub-based workflows (or similar), including integration with modern CI/CD systems for open-source or large-scale projects.
  • Deep experience with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian) and build frameworks, including packaging, update mechanisms, and upstream integration, and data center deployment practices.
  • Familiarity with Linux packaging systems (Debian, RPM) and CI/CD automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
  • Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig).
  • Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects is a strong plus.
  • Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and orchestration tools (QEMU, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes) is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality and stability.
  • Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within the team's CI/CD infrastructure.
  • Assist in developing internal Linux distribution integration
  • Debug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
  • Work with hardware and firmware engineers to resolve platform-specific issues (e.g., bootloader, ACPI, secure boot).
  • Support upstream readiness efforts by testing and validating changes needed for major Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
  • Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team members.
  • Document processes and share knowledge to enable other internal developers.

Level of Responsibility:
  • Works under supervision with moderate autonomy.
  • Decision-making may affect work beyond immediate work group.
  • Requires strong communication skills and ability to influence and negotiate across teams.
  • Tasks require planning, prioritization, and creative problem-solving.

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:
$111,300.00 - $166,900.00
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.

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About Qualcomm

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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