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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Stem Xpert

JrNetwork Engineer

Philadelphia, PA

Junior Linux Engineer Location: Philadelphia, PA Duration: 6 months+ We are looking for following skill set for this position Experience on STB Sound knowledge in Linux and its debugging Quick ...

Burlington

Manager, Linux Platform

Edgewater Park, NJ · On-site

$142K/yr

This leader will manage a team of System Engineers and Administrators, set operational and project ... Experience troubleshooting Linux kernel, authentication, storage, networking, services, and ...

Burlington Stores

Manager, Linux Platform

Beverly, NJ · On-site

$141K/yr

This leader will manage a team of System Engineers and Administrators, set operational and project ... Experience troubleshooting Linux kernel, authentication, storage, networking, services, and ...

SmartIPlace

Software Engineer

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

This role is a strong fit for application support engineers, QA engineers, or junior .NET developers who enjoy methodical validation work in Windows/Linux environments. Required Skills: * Windows ...

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Junior Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$33.8K

$72.5K

$110.5K

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior linux kernel engineer in Philadelphia, PA is $72,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $80,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior Linux kernel engineer do?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer assists in developing, maintaining, and debugging the Linux kernel, which is the core part of the Linux operating system. Their responsibilities often include writing and testing kernel modules, fixing bugs, and contributing to kernel updates under the guidance of senior engineers. They may also help in troubleshooting hardware compatibility and optimizing system performance. This role often requires strong programming skills in C and familiarity with Linux systems and tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior Linux kernel engineer, and why are they important?

A Junior Linux Kernel Engineer should have a solid understanding of C programming, operating system fundamentals, and computer architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with Linux kernel development tools like Git, GCC, GDB, and patch submission processes, as well as knowledge of version control and debugging tools, is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in diagnosing issues and collaborating with senior engineers and open-source communities. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable kernel contributions, learning from experienced developers, and maintaining code quality in a complex technical environment.

What are some typical challenges a junior Linux kernel engineer might face in their first year on the job?

As a Junior Linux Kernel Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as understanding the vast and complex architecture of the Linux kernel, navigating extensive codebases, and adhering to strict coding and documentation standards. Collaborating with more experienced engineers and participating in open-source communities can be both rewarding and daunting, as it often requires clear communication and constructive feedback. Additionally, you'll likely spend time debugging low-level system issues and learning to use specialized development tools, all of which are essential for building your expertise and confidence in the role.
What are popular job titles related to Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,452 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Linux Systems Engineer

Ghost Robotics

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to join our engineering department. In this role, you will be responsible for the architecture, development, optimization, and maintenance of Linux environments that power our hardware infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Linux kernel development, embedded systems, system diagnostics, and infrastructure automation.
You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and QA teams to ensure seamless integration between applications and underlying operating system platforms, particularly within embedded Linux environments.
Key Responsibilities
Linux Kernel & Operating System Administration
  • Perform custom Linux kernel patching, configuration, compilation, and lifecycle maintenance across multiple hardware platforms.
  • Configure and maintain Linux operating systems for stability, performance, and scalability.
Embedded Systems Integration
  • Deploy, manage, and optimize Linux distributions for embedded hardware architectures.
  • Support and maintain NVIDIA Jetson modules and associated embedded platforms.
Build System Architecture
  • Develop and maintain sophisticated Linux build environments.
  • Manage software dependencies, cross-compilation toolchains, and package management systems.
Network Engineering
  • Design, configure, and troubleshoot complex Linux networking environments.
  • Manage routing protocols, firewalls (iptables, nftables), custom network bridges, and network interfaces.
System Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
  • Perform advanced debugging and root-cause analysis of Linux system issues.
  • Diagnose kernel panics, configuration inconsistencies, and performance bottlenecks.
Infrastructure Automation
  • Design and implement automation scripts for:
    • Software deployment
    • System validation testing
    • Operational maintenance tasks
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with hardware engineering, software development, and QA teams.
  • Ensure successful integration of software applications with embedded Linux operating systems.

Requirements
Technical Skills
  • Strong programming experience in:
    • C++
    • Python
    • Advanced Bash scripting
  • Extensive experience administering and troubleshooting headless Linux systems through the command-line interface.
  • Deep familiarity with a variety of Linux distributions, including:
    • Custom/source-based distributions (Yocto Project, Gentoo, Arch Linux)
    • Enterprise distributions (Ubuntu, Debian)
System Diagnostics & Development Tools
  • Proficiency with Linux debugging and diagnostic utilities, including:
    • gdb
    • strace
    • dmesg
    • journalctl
    • perf
    • Valgrind
  • Advanced experience using version control systems such as Git.
  • Familiarity with industry-standard development tools and editors, including:
    • VS Code
    • Vim
    • nano
Professional Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to create clear and detailed technical documentation for complex system architectures.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with:
    • NVIDIA Jetson architectures
    • JetPack SDKs
    • Board Support Packages (BSPs)
  • Experience with build systems and utilities such as:
    • CMake
    • Make
    • Ninja
  • Experience integrating embedded Linux systems into CI/CD pipelines using:
    • GitLab CI
    • GitHub Actions
    • Jenkins
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies for embedded environments, including:
    • Docker
    • systemd-nspawn
  • Knowledge of hardware communication interfaces and low-level system integration:
    • I2C
    • SPI
    • UART
    • GPIO
    • Device Tree Source (DTS) modification

Location
Philadelphia, PA. This is a full-time, on-site role. No remote candidates will be considered at this time.
Travel
None required, though domestic and international opportunities exist for engineers who want field exposure.
Compensation
Competitive base salary, full benefits, and a highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time off policy. We focus on output, impact, and the ability to work alongside a stellar interdisciplinary team.
Additional Information
Clear standard background checks are required pre-hire, post-hire, and at any time during employment. Permanent U.S. residency is required.

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