ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Rubix Recruiting

Linux Kernel Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

Embedded Linux - including the build system, kernel configuration, device drivers, boot loader, device tree and filesystem, core application development, network configuration, testing * C, Python

Catch Talent

Linux Kernel Developer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

Linux Kernel Developer Are you a seasoned Linux kernel developer ready to apply your expertise at one of the world's top quantitative trading firms? This is a rare opportunity to work on cutting-edge ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsJunior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs

Junior Linux Kernel Engineer information

See salary details

$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

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

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior linux kernel engineer 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 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 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.
More about Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,799 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Linux Kernel Engineer (Device Driver Developer)

HELLBENDER Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Company Name: Hellbender Inc.
Job Title: Linux Kernel Engineer (Device Driver Developer)
Department: Software
Report to: VP of Software
Who we are:
Hellbender Inc. is a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation who partners with innovators to mature their Artificial Intelligence enabled computing sensors and produce their solutions onshore at prototype to high volumes.
Hellbender is intentionally forming an inclusive work environment and is committed to uplifting the historically marginalized identities including veterans, women, trans and non-white races in our community and industry.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is "hardware enablement"-taking raw silicon and datasheets and transforming them into functional, stable components within the Linux kernel.
The ideal candidate is a low-level expert who is comfortable navigating complex hardware registers, interpreting timing diagrams, and writing efficient, high-performance C code that operates within the constraints of kernel space. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a driver, from initial bring-up to integration into our custom Linux distributions using Yocto or Buildroot.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Driver Development: Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers (e.g., I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, or custom SoC peripherals) within the Linux kernel space.
  • Hardware Bring-up: Lead the initial software bring-up of new hardware components, ensuring that all peripheral interfaces are communicating correctly with the CPU.
  • Datasheet Analysis: Perform deep-dive analysis of hardware datasheets, register maps, and electrical specifications to implement correct register-level logic and timing sequences.
  • Embedded Linux Integration: Integrate newly developed drivers into custom Linux distributions using build systems such as Yocto Project or Buildroot, including the management of Device Tree (DTS) modifications.
  • Kernel Debugging: Use advanced kernel debugging techniques to resolve issues related to interrupts, DMA (Direct Memory Access), concurrency/locking, and memory corruption.
  • Hardware Interfacing: Work closely with hardware engineers to validate electrical signals against software behavior using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, or protocol analyzers.

Required Qualifications:
  • Low-Level C Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C, specifically regarding kernel-space constraints (no standard libraries, manual memory management, interrupt context awareness).
  • Linux Kernel Internals: Deep understanding of the Linux kernel subsystem architecture, including Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs), Concurrency/Spinlocks, DMA, and the Linux Device Model.
  • Hardware Protocol Expertise: Strong experience working with low-level communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, or Ethernet).
  • Datasheet Fluency: Proven ability to read and interpret complex hardware datasheets, register maps, and timing diagrams to drive software implementation.
  • Embedded Build Systems: Hands-on experience with Yocto Project (BitBake, recipes, layers) or Buildroot for creating custom Linux images.
  • Device Tree Knowledge: Proficiency in writing and maintaining Device Tree Source (DTS) and Device Tree Overlay (DTBO) files.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hardware Debugging Tools: Experience using hardware debugging tools such as Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, or JTAG debuggers.
  • Architecture Specifics: Experience with specific processor architectures (e.g., ARM, RISC-V, or x86).
  • Linux Kernel Subsystem Expertise: Previous experience contributing to the upstream Linux kernel or working on specific subsystems (e.g., Industrial I/O (IIO), Network, or Input subsystems).
  • Scripting: Proficiency in Python for automating hardware testing and data parsing.
  • Camera drivers:experience with imaging sensors is also a plus for this job.

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 5% Safe Harbor Contribution to 401k by Hellbender
  • Dental insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Health insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Vision insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Flexible spending account
  • 7.5 weeks total Paid time off
  • Hellbender Inc. options through our Equity Incentive Plan
  • Profit Sharing (through 401k)
  • Hybrid work environment & flexible work schedule

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5-7 years of experience specifically in Linux kernel-space development and driver writing.

Work Location: UPARC Pittsburgh
Opportunity for advancement:
Hellbender is a growing business and follows a policy that prioritizes internal promotions. As new positions are created new opportunities for advancement will be created as well.

Apply