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Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to support the design, development, testing, and debugging of low-level Windows operating system software. The ideal candidates will bring ...

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to support the design, development, testing, and debugging of low-level Windows operating system software. The ideal candidates will bring ...

Linux kernel development experience with emphasis on the network stack and its interfaces is highly desirable e.g. * Programming experience at the sockets layer, protocol layer, device layer and ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Senior Kernel Software Developer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this ...

POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this ...

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 ...

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

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Kernel Developer information

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How much do kernel developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for kernel developer in the United States is $63.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.88 and $66.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Kernel Developer, you need deep expertise in operating systems, C or C++ programming, computer architecture, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Linux kernel development environments, version control systems (like Git), and debugging tools such as GDB is highly valued, as are certifications like LFCE or RHCE. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting complex issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are critical to ensuring the stability, security, and performance of the core systems underpinning a wide variety of software applications.

What is a Kernel Developer job?

A Kernel Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining operating system kernels, which serve as the core interface between hardware and software. They work on low-level programming, typically in languages like C and assembly, to optimize system performance, implement new features, and fix bugs. Kernel Developers often work on Linux, Windows, or embedded system kernels, contributing to stability and security. Their role may also involve writing device drivers, memory management, and process scheduling improvements.

How much do kernel developers make?

Kernel developers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in low-level programming and Linux kernel development can command higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or large organizations.

What is the role of a kernel developer?

A kernel developer designs, implements, and maintains the core components of an operating system's kernel, such as process management, memory management, and device drivers. They work with low-level programming languages like C and often use tools like version control systems and debugging utilities to ensure system stability and performance.

What's the salary of kernel?

The salary of a kernel developer varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually in many regions. Skilled developers with expertise in C, Linux, and real-time systems can earn higher salaries, especially in specialized or high-demand areas.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities a Kernel Developer might handle on a daily basis?

As a Kernel Developer, you might spend your days designing and implementing new kernel features, fixing and optimizing kernel code, and debugging low-level issues that affect overall system performance or stability. You will frequently collaborate with other developers, hardware engineers, and QA teams to integrate your changes and ensure compatibility. Reviewing code, managing patch submissions, and staying up-to-date with community or project standards are also common tasks. These responsibilities require attention to both detail and security, as your work directly impacts the operating system’s core functionality.

Are kernel engineers in demand?

Kernel engineers are in high demand due to the critical role they play in developing and maintaining operating system kernels, especially in areas like embedded systems, cybersecurity, and hardware integration. Employers seek professionals with strong programming skills in C and C++, experience with Linux or other OS kernels, and knowledge of system architecture, making these roles competitive and often well-compensated.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kernel Developer jobs? The most popular types of Kernel Developer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Kernel Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kernel Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,222 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Linux Kernel Developer

VAST Data

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job 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 organization that is in the center of the hurricane being created by the revolution in artificial intelligence.


"VAST's data management vision is the future of the market."- Forbes


VAST Data is the data platform company for the AI era. We are building the enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and protect massive datasets and make them available for real-time data analysis and AI training and inference. Designed from the ground up to make AI simple to deploy and manage, VAST takes the cost and complexity out of deploying enterprise and AI infrastructure across data center, edge, and cloud.


Our success has been built through intense innovation, a customer-first mentality and a team of fearless VASTronauts who leverage their skills & experiences to make real market impact. This is an opportunity to be a key contributor at a pivotal time in our company’s growth and at a pivotal point in computing history.



Requirements:

VAST is building the highest-performing file system in the world. This requires innovating all the way into the Linux operating systems that require accessing data at unlimited bandwidth and low latency.

We are forming a new team focused solely on Kernel development, collaborating with the upstream community, and setting new industry standards for fast file systems.

Requirements

Linux Kernel Development Experience

System programming in C/C++.

Solid networking knowledge (OSI network layers, TCP/IP)

Python/Git- advantage

Knowledge block-level Storage/file systems — advantage

BSc/MSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent