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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Staff C++ Software Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Deep knowledge of system internals (Linux kernel, OS-level scheduling) or network programming (TCP/UDP, sockets) * Open Source / Ecosystem : Significant experience leveraging or contributing to ...

New

Senior AI Full stack Software Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$118K - $156K/yr

They are seeking a Senior AI Full Stack Software Engineer to design, develop, and deploy AI-powered ... Kernel, LangChain, LlamaIndex, and vector databases. • Experienced in creating custom AI agents ...

Deep knowledge of system internals (Linux kernel, OS-level scheduling) or network programming (TCP/UDP, sockets) * Open Source / Ecosystem : Significant experience leveraging or contributing to ...

New

Strands, LangChain, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel, CrewAI, or equivalent frameworks * AWS Bedrock ... Internal Platform Engineering * Build, maintain the internal AWS, and Azure environments used for A ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Develop low-level C/C++ drivers, Linux kernel modules, and APIs to connect FPGA logic with embedded ... Strong programming skills in C, C++, and scripting languages like Python or Tcl for automation.

Senior FPGA Engineer

Dayton, OH · Hybrid

$116K - $153K/yr

Develop low-level C/C++ drivers, Linux kernel modules, and APIs to connect FPGA logic with embedded ... Strong programming skills in C, C++, and scripting languages like Python or Tcl for automation.

We're looking for a hands-on AI Engineer to ship on that platform: building agent harnesses ... or Semantic Kernel * Experience with LLM observability tools: Amazon CloudWatch, LangSmith ...

Lead AI/ML Solutions Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Experience with LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, MCP, or similar AI frameworks * Experience ... Strong understanding of software engineering fundamentals, design patterns, algorithms, data ...

Staff C++ Software Engineer

Fairborn, OH · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Deep knowledge of system internals (Linux kernel, OS-level scheduling) or network programming (TCP/UDP, sockets) * Open Source / Ecosystem : Significant experience leveraging or contributing to ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Kernel Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Kernel Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Kernel Engineer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Kernel Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Kernel Engineer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Staff Cyber Software Engineer

Staff Cyber Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$177K - $265K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Join Northrop Grumman - Cincinnati (aka Xetron), part of Mission Systems sector, focused on the development of new capabilities for our military and intelligence customers around the globe. Our Northrop Grumman Cincinnati, Ohio small business culture operates collaboratively within a larger corporation providing the benefits of both. This unique relationship offers employees the ability to know everyone at the site while working on technologies and products that are beyond state-of-the-art. You and your team will wrestle with the next big problems in an atmosphere of collaboration and cooperation, sharing your expertise while learning from the expert next to you. Remember when you were excited about getting to work because the challenge of the problem, the importance of the solution and the fun you had with your team? It's that kind of place! But don't take my word for it. See for yourself! See why we receive comments on our YouTube Videos like "This company is insanely advanced" and "Wow. This is mind blowing." See some of our recent Awards and Recognition and read about some of the reasons to live in Cincinnati.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Senior level Vulnerability Research Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals at our Cincinnati, Ohio location. The NGMS Cincinnati team solves complex problems developing cyber hardware and software solutions with learning opportunities in Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO).
Essential Functions:
  • Research vulnerabilities and perform reverse engineering on embedded systems.
  • Plan and Conduct vulnerability analysis on user and kernel mode drivers and interfaces.
  • Develop, design, and implement proof of concepts on based research findings and documents.

Basic Qualification for Staff Cyber Software Engineer:
  • B.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field and 12 years of programming experience OR M.S. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field and 10 years of programming experience OR Ph.D. and 7 years of of programming experience.
  • Experience with a disassembler for vulnerability research (IDA Pro, Ghidra, BinaryNinja, radare2, etc.).
  • Experience programming in C or C++.
  • Experience with fuzzing research techniques (AFL++, taint analysis, PIN, Dynamic Memory Instrumentation, etc.).
  • US Citizenship is required
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance to start.

Preferred Qualification:
  • Active Top-Secret clearance.
  • Experience finding and developing exploits
  • Experience with one or more assembly languages (x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, etc.).
  • Development of disassembler extensions for tools such as IDA pro or Ghidra.
  • Low level debug tools such as gdb, WinDbg, or OllyDbg.
  • Experience with vulnerability research on one or more operating systems (Android, IOS, Windows, Linux, etc.).
  • Experience with emulation (Renode, QEMU, etc.)
  • Reverse engineering hardware and software such as embedded systems (IoT), mobile devices/phones.
  • Development of software to run in user mode or kernel mode.
  • Apply creativity and vision for the future that require integration of related disciplines.
  • Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA).

Northrop Grumman has 401k matching and personal growth opportunities. In addition, we offer a flexible work arrangement and the option of a 9/80 or 4/10 work schedule. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work nine-hour days Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off. The 4/10 schedule allows employees to work four ten-hour days Monday through Thursday and take off every Friday.
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939