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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 · 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 ...

Jobgether

Our partner is looking for a Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer - Silicon Enablement based in Netherlands. This role focuses on enabling and optimizing Ubuntu Linux across a wide range of modern System-on ...

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How much do kernel developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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.

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.

More about Kernel Developer jobs
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:
Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% 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 • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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.

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