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Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

CoreWeave is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Kernel Engineer to join our HAVOCK Team, reporting into the Manager of Systems Engineering. In this role, you will be a key contributor to ...

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

New York, NY

$165K - $242K/yr

CoreWeave is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Systems Kernel Engineer to join our HAVOCK Team, reporting into the Manager of Systems Engineering. In this role, you will be a key contributor to ...

Cerebras Systems

Kernel Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

About The Role As a Kernel Engineer on our team, you will develop high-performance software solutions at the intersection of hardware and software, developing high-performance software for cutting ...

Apple

Kernel Scheduler Engineer, Core OS

Cupertino, CA · On-site

As a Kernel Engineer on the Scheduler team, you will drive the evolution of the XNU kernel to support the expanding capabilities of Apple Silicon. You will work on the heart of the operating system ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$110K - $270K/yr

Provide technical support and documents to customers and developer community Requirements ... kernel development and optimization * experience with model and kernel inference performance ...

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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.
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Kernel Developer jobs near you
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 Engineer (Device Driver Developer)

HELLBENDER Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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.