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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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Anthropic

TPU Kernel Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 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.
Kernel Scheduler Engineer, Core OS

Kernel Scheduler Engineer, Core OS

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 hours ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Darwin Scheduler team within Apple's Core OS organization is responsible for the delivery of a high-quality and performant kernel for every Apple product. Our software runs on your wrist in watchOS; in your pocket with iOS; on your desk in macOS; and on the high-performance systems driving the creative industry. The team focuses on key kernel technology areas such as CPU scheduling, power management, and threading models which are central to delivering industry-leading performance and battery life.
We are looking for a highly skilled Systems Engineer to join us in designing the next generation of Apple's kernel scheduler. As one of the few vertically integrated systems shops remaining, our engineers have the unique opportunity to influence the entire stack-from silicon design to the behavior of the world's most advanced applications.
Description
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, designing scheduling policies that balance extreme performance with aggressive power efficiency.
We are looking for a self-driven engineer who thrives on navigating complex system interactions. You will be responsible for identifying bottlenecks in highly parallel workflows, optimizing the interaction between hardware and software, and ensuring our OS scales gracefully from low-power embedded devices to massive high-performance workstation architectures.
Minimum Qualifications
BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Technical Proficiency: Fluency in C and C++
Problem Solving: Proven track record of debugging complex system issues (deadlocks, race conditions, performance regressions) and driving ambiguous problems to resolution.
Preferred Qualifications
Systems Expertise: 2+ years of experience in Operating Systems development, with deep knowledge of kernel internals, and process/thread scheduling.
Concurrency: Strong understanding of SMP/AMP architectures, synchronization primitives, lock-free algorithms, and cache coherency.

What Apple employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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