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Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Seattle, WA

$139K - $258K/yr

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 ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise ...

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 ...

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Bellevue, WA · On-site

They are seeking a highly skilled Systems Kernel Engineer to contribute to the stability and performance of their Linux-based infrastructure, focusing on debugging kernel-level issues and improving ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$110K - $270K/yr

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$110K - $270K/yr

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

They are seeking a highly skilled Systems Kernel Engineer to contribute to the stability and performance of their Linux-based infrastructure, focusing on debugging kernel-level issues and ...

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

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

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 ...

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Kernel Engineer information

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or hardware engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries like technology or finance. Roles often require expertise in programming languages, system design, or cloud platforms, along with relevant certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in high-demand fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and specialized roles like kernel engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and stock options. These roles often require expertise in systems programming, performance optimization, and sometimes leadership responsibilities in tech companies or startups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kernel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kernel Engineer, you need deep expertise in C programming, operating system concepts, and low-level hardware interactions, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), debugging tools (such as GDB), and kernel development frameworks is crucial. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills enable the creation of reliable, efficient, and secure kernels that form the backbone of computing systems.

What is the difference between Kernel Engineer vs Device Driver Developer?

AspectKernel EngineerDevice Driver Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Linux/Unix knowledge, programming skills in C/C++Similar credentials, often with specialized knowledge in hardware and driver development
Work EnvironmentSystem-level development, kernel code, Linux/Unix environmentsHardware interaction, driver coding, embedded or OS-specific environments
Industry UsageOperating system development, open-source projects, hardware manufacturersHardware companies, embedded systems, OS vendors
Common Search/ComparisonKernel EngineerDevice Driver Developer

Kernel Engineers focus on developing and maintaining the core kernel of operating systems, ensuring system stability and performance. Device Driver Developers specialize in creating software that allows hardware components to communicate with the OS. While both roles require similar technical skills and often overlap, Kernel Engineers work on the entire kernel infrastructure, whereas Device Driver Developers concentrate on specific hardware interfaces.

What is a Kernel Engineer?

A Kernel Engineer is a software engineer who specializes in the development, maintenance, and optimization of operating system kernels, such as Linux or Windows. Their primary responsibilities include designing new kernel features, fixing bugs, improving performance, and ensuring compatibility with hardware. They often work closely with hardware manufacturers and other software developers to build stable and secure system foundations. Kernel Engineers must have a deep understanding of operating system internals, low-level programming (typically in C or C++), and computer architecture. This role is critical for maintaining and advancing the core components that allow computers and devices to function efficiently.

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 this a competitive and growing field.

What are some typical challenges Kernel Engineers face when working on operating system updates?

Kernel Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining system stability and compatibility when implementing updates or new features. Ensuring that changes do not introduce regressions or security vulnerabilities requires thorough testing and collaboration with QA and other engineering teams. Additionally, Kernel Engineers need to keep up-to-date with hardware advancements and support a wide range of devices, which can add complexity to their work. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are essential for navigating these challenges and delivering high-quality code.

What does a kernel engineer do?

A kernel engineer designs, develops, and maintains the core part of an operating system known as the kernel. They work on low-level system components, optimize performance, and troubleshoot hardware and software interactions, often using programming languages like C and tools such as debugging utilities. Their work ensures the stability, security, and efficiency of the operating system environment.
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What job categories do people searching Kernel Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kernel Engineer jobs are:
Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution.
Linux Kernel Engineer

Linux Kernel Engineer

Intel

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Intel rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 143 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

Job Description

Come join our team of collaborative Linux kernel developers and maintainers. The Linux System Engineering team is responsible for enabling the Intel roadmap by leveraging our Linux kernel expertise to drive Intel optimized system software for the Linux ecosystem. The Linux System Engineering team is looking for a Linux Kernel 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 technical expertise or interest in system software development, OS internals, and excellent collaboration skills. We value diverse perspectives and believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen our technical solutions. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all team members can contribute their best work. If you're passionate about Linux kernel development and meet most of our qualifications, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer:

Inclusive team culture with employee resource groups

Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance support

Opportunities to expand expertise across different kernel subsystems

Support for conference attendance, training, and skill development

Mentorship opportunities both as a mentor and mentee

Career growth support and clear advancement paths

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Collaborative environment which contributes directly to the improvement of the upstream Linux kernel project

Key Responsibilities

Development and Engineering:

Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel features, subsystems and device drivers

Optimize kernel performance for specific hardware platforms and use cases

Independently debug kernel issues including crashes, deadlocks, and performance bottlenecks

Port and adapt kernel code for new hardware architectures and platforms

Collaborate internally and externally to drive upstream able system software solutions for our Linux

Technical Collaboration

Participate in code reviews both internally and on public mailing lists

Provide input for architectural decisions for system-level software design

Collaborate with software and hardware teams on specifications and requirements

Contribute to technical documentation and knowledge sharing

The candidate should exhibit the following behavioral traits:

Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications


Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with minimum 4 years of experience in the following:

Experience with system software, OS development experience.
Experience contributing to an open-source project

Experience in C programming and/or debugging tools

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Linux kernel development experience

5+ years of Linux kernel or systems programming experience

Demonstrated upstream Linux kernel contributions

Track record of delivering complex technical projects independently

Experience with kernel debugging tools (GDB, ftrace, perf, etc.)

Experience in the areas of Intel Architecture, memory management, virtualization, performance and scalability, I/O or device drivers.

Experience collaborating with a diverse, distributed team

Detail-oriented with strong debugging and troubleshooting skills

Strong commitment to improving the Linux kernel project and healthy open-source development environments

Experience developing in an open-source environment

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, Oregon, HillsboroAdditional Locations:Business group:The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $128,880.00-211,200.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968

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