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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Senior Kernel Software Developer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this ...

POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this ...

Senior Platform Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

Kernel Understanding: A solid understanding of the kernel, its components, and how it interacts ... Platform Engineering Principles: Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) Expertise: Extensive experience with ...

Senior Platform Engineer

Orlando, FL

$94K - $128K/yr

Kernel Understanding: A solid understanding of the kernel, its components, and how it interacts ... Platform Engineering Principles: Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) Expertise: Extensive experience with ...

Linux kernel driver development/modifications * Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device ... Bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field * US citizenship and an active SECRET ...

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Kernel Engineer information

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.

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 job categories do people searching Kernel Engineer jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Kernel Engineer jobs in Florida are:
Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

LaBine and Associates

Miami Gardens, FL

$113K - $149K/yr

Other

Posted 17 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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