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Kernel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Seattle, WA

$139K - $258K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Build kernel drivers fundamentally designed to support and maintain security across host processes, physical memory spaces, and device attestation. * Diagnose and resolve complex driver-related ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Build kernel drivers fundamentally designed to support and maintain security across host processes, physical memory spaces, and device attestation. * Diagnose and resolve complex driver-related ...

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 ...

Wipro Limited

GPU Kernel Software Engineer

Redmond, UT · On-site

$60K - $148K/yr

GPU Kernel Software Engineer City: Redmond State/Province: Washington Posting Start Date: 5/14/26 Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting ...

Arista Networks

Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest developments in the Linux Kernel and integrating them for our internal use, both for development and as a base for Arista EOS to run on.

Wipro Limited

GPU Kernel Software Engineer

Redmond, UT · On-site

$60K - $148K/yr

GPU Kernel Software Engineer City: Redmond State/Province: Washington Posting Start Date: 5/14/26 Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and consulting ...

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All JobsKernel Jobs

Kernel information

See salary details

$92K

$155.5K

$229.5K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel in the United States is $155,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $169,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Kernel Engineer?

Kernel Engineers typically spend their days designing, implementing, and maintaining low-level components of an operating system’s kernel, such as device drivers, process schedulers, or memory management subsystems. They often review and refactor code, troubleshoot and resolve bugs, and collaborate closely with hardware engineers, application developers, and QA teams. Participation in code reviews and contributing to open source communities or internal repositories are also common activities. This role requires staying up to date with the latest kernel developments and ensuring code changes are performant and stable, directly impacting the reliability and efficiency of the broader system.

What is a Kernel job?

A Kernel job typically refers to a role focused on developing, maintaining, or optimizing an operating system's kernel—the core component that manages system resources, hardware interaction, and process scheduling. Kernel developers work with low-level programming languages like C and Assembly to improve system performance, security, and stability. These roles often involve debugging kernel crashes, implementing new features, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Kernel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kernel Engineer, you need strong expertise in operating system fundamentals, C/C++ programming, and kernel module development, often supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Linux kernel source code, debugging tools like GDB, and version control systems such as Git is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring high performance, and collaborating on complex, low-level software projects.

More about Kernel jobs
What cities are hiring for Kernel jobs? Cities with the most Kernel job openings:
What states have the most Kernel jobs? States with the most job openings for Kernel jobs include:
Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,462 per year, or $74.7 per hour.
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Intel

Hillsboro, OR

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Intel rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

Job Description

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise to drive Intel optimized system software for the Linux ecosystem. The Linux System Engineering team is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the core Linux kernel, device drivers, and low-level system software for bare metal and virtualized use cases. This role requires technical expertise or interest in system software development, OS internals, and excellent collaboration skills. We value diverse perspectives and believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen our technical solutions. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all team members can contribute their best work. If you're passionate about Linux kernel development and meet most of our qualifications, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

Inclusive team culture with employee resource groups

Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance support

Opportunities to expand expertise across different kernel subsystems

Support for conference attendance, training, and skill development

Mentorship opportunities both as a mentor and mentee

Career growth support and clear advancement paths

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Collaborative environment which contributes directly to the improvement of the upstream Linux kernel project

Key Responsibilities

Development and Engineering:

Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel features, subsystems and device drivers

Optimize kernel performance for specific hardware platforms and use cases

Independently debug kernel issues including crashes, deadlocks, and performance bottlenecks

Port and adapt kernel code for new hardware architectures and platforms

Collaborate internally and externally to drive upstream able system software solutions for our Linux

Technical Collaboration

Participate in code reviews both internally and on public mailing lists

Provide input for architectural decisions for system-level software design

Collaborate with software and hardware teams on specifications and requirements

Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing

The candidate should exhibit the following behavioral traits:

Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications


Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with minimum 4 years of experience in the following:

Experience with system software, OS development experience.
Experience contributing to an open-source project

Experience in C programming and/or debugging tools

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Linux kernel development experience

5+ years of Linux kernel or systems programming experience

Demonstrated upstream Linux kernel contributions

Track record of delivering complex technical projects independently

Experience with kernel debugging tools (GDB, ftrace, perf, etc.)

Experience in the areas of Intel Architecture, memory management, virtualization, performance and scalability, I/O or device drivers.

Experience collaborating with a diverse, distributed team

Detail-oriented with strong debugging and troubleshooting skills

Strong commitment to improving the Linux kernel project and healthy open-source development environments

Experience developing in an open-source environment

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, Oregon, HillsboroAdditional Locations:Business group:The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $128,880.00-211,200.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

What Intel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968

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