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Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$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 ...

Sciforium

GPU Kernel Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

About the role We are seeking a highly skilled GPU Kernel Engineer who is passionate about pushing the limits of performance on modern accelerators. In this role, you will design and optimize custom ...

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 ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

... engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high ...

Anthropic

TPU Kernel Engineer

San Francisco, CA

About the Role As a TPU Kernel Engineer, you'll be responsible for identifying and addressing performance issues across many different ML systems, including research, training, and inference. A ...

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 ...

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

Arista Networks is looking for world-class Linux Kernel and BIOS software engineers to join our Dublin Kernel software team. Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

... engineers, Etched is redefining the infrastructure layer for the fastest growing industry in history. Key Responsibilities * Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high ...

Arista Networks

Arista Networks is looking for world-class Linux Kernel and BIOS software engineers to join our Dublin Kernel software team. Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest ...

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How much do kernel developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 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.
Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

LaBine and Associates

Miami Gardens, FL • On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Senior Kernel Software Developer

Our cybersecurity client builds advanced technologies that form the foundation of digital resilience. Their platform empowers enterprises to defend critical infrastructure against sophisticated adversaries by engineering protection at the deepest levels of the operating system. Through kernel-level innovations, they ensure stability, performance and security without compromise.

They are looking for a SENIOR KERNEL SOFTWARE DEVELOPER with deep expertise in Windows internals and driver engineering and cybersecurity experience. This individual will architect and maintain low-level system components that serve as the cornerstone of their security platform. You will be at the forefront of creating advanced defense capabilities that operate where attackers least expect resistance - the kernel.

Core Responsibilities

  • Architect and implement Windows kernel-mode drivers (file system, registry, network, and related filter technologies) to enable monitoring, policy enforcement, and defensive controls.
  • Research and leverage Windows operating system internals to design robust, bypass-resistant protections.
  • Collaborate with research teams, user-space developers, and product engineers to integrate kernel-level modules into broader security workflows.
  • Perform advanced debugging and crash analysis, using tools such as WinDbg, ETW, and custom diagnostics to identify root causes and performance bottlenecks.

Required Qualifications:

  • Prior exposure to the cybersecurity sector
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Windows kernel development, with a focus on driver and filter driver design.
  • Expert-level understanding of Windows internals (memory management, I/O processing, process and thread management, object manager, etc.).
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++, Windows Driver Kit (WDK), and modern kernel debugging methodologies.
  • Proven experience within the security space—such as EDR, anti-malware, intrusion detection, or kernel-based monitoring solutions.
  • Familiarity with exploitation techniques, hooking, and rootkit behaviors, combined with strategies to counter them.
  • Demonstrated ability to engineer secure, reliable, and high-performance kernel modules.

Preferred Expertise

  • Background in reverse engineering, malware research, or kernel exploit analysis.
  • Experience with Microsoft WHQL testing, driver signing, and kernel submission pipelines.
  • Contributions to security research communities, open-source kernel projects, or technical publications.
  • Knowledge of secure development lifecycle practices and defensive coding strategies for low-level software.

Why is This a Great Opportunity

  • Cutting-Edge Technical Mission - You get to work at kernel level, deep in the OS, designing low-level security infrastructure and solving hard engineering problems, doing “real” technical work rather than just surface-level features.
  • Strong Growth Potential & Learning Curve
  • High Impact Role
  • Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration
LaBine and Associates logo

About LaBine and Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LaBine and Associates is a full service talent acquisition firm specializing in executive search for a myriad of industries. Through our partnerships with experienced associates, we can also provide staffing support, expert consultants, and interim executives for your company’s needs. We have deep industry knowledge with understanding in multiple industries. Our specialists include experts in banking/finance, HR/Legal, Technology, Health Care, Life Sciences, Engineering, Energy, Supply Chain, Mining, Agribusiness and manufacturing.

Industry

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Mateo, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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