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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

$120 - $180/hr

Embedded Linux BSP engineering background with hands‑on Yocto / OpenEmbedded experience on production hardware. * Hands‑on real‑time Linux kernel patching and tuning experience, with practical ...

$180 - $240/hr

The Person An experienced kernel engineering leader with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who delivers responsive and efficient solutions that help bring new AMD processors to market. You ...

$120 - $160/hr

You will sit between the kernel and BSP layer (where the RT & Kernel engineer owns OS scheduling and the kernel network path) and the Robot Abstraction Layer (which consumes the bus through a stable ...

Cyber Software Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Kernel Mode (Windows, Linux) programming (C/C++, Assembly) Reverse Engineering (x86, x64, MIPS, PPC, or ARM) Vulnerability Analysis Communications Engineer: Network Programming (C/C++) Network ...

Cyber Software Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$91K - $137K/yr

Kernel Mode (Windows, Linux) programming (C/C++, Assembly) Reverse Engineering (x86, x64, MIPS, PPC, or ARM) Vulnerability Analysis Communications Engineer: Network Programming (C/C++) Network ...

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Kernel Engineer information

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 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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Kernel Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

$120 - $180/hr

Other

PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Your mission & challenges

We are scaling our real-time embedded Linux capability across NEURA's current and next-generation robot platforms — cobots, mobile manipulators, humanoids, quadrupeds, and the shared Compute Unit. This role owns the operating system, kernel, and board-support layer that every control and communication stack on these platforms depends on.

You will collaborate closely with the RT Communication Bus engineer, hardware, simulation, and safety / certification stakeholders to deliver platforms that are deterministic, maintainable, and suitable for a controlled product lifecycle.

  • Real-time Linux platforms — both co-kernel and kernel-preemption approaches — including RT scheduling policy and interrupt-latency budgeting to meet the timing requirements of the control and estimation loops running on the platform (kHz-class whole-body control and high-rate state estimation).

  • SOM board bring-up and the Yocto BSP for each robot platform hardware revision: boot flow, kernel configuration, device trees, and driver work at the C/C++ boundary, with hands‑on debugging on real hardware.

  • Yocto layers, recipes, and images for development, validation, and release; structured evaluations and migrations across multiple SoCs and board variants as hardware evolves.

  • WCET analysis across RT loop configurations, and RT memory management practice (memory locking, huge pages, NUMA‑aware allocation, priority inversion avoidance).

  • Co‑review of WCET budgets and cycle timing with the RT Communication Bus engineer at the OS / fieldbus boundary, ensuring scheduling, interrupt, and synchronisation assumptions hold under load.

  • Safety integration at the kernel level (e.g. E‑stop chain wiring, ISO 10218 safety PLC integration); design participation, documentation, and traceability for controlled change practices.

  • Build, flash, and test automation; technical documentation kept current for the wider engineering organisation.

What we can look forward to
  • Embedded Linux BSP engineering background with hands‑on Yocto / OpenEmbedded experience on production hardware.

  • Hands‑on real‑time Linux kernel patching and tuning experience, with practical scheduling‑oriented reasoning (SCHED_FIFO/RR, priorities, affinity, interrupt path).

  • Working knowledge of WCET analysis methodology and tooling (e.g. OTAWA, Chronos, or vendor equivalents).

  • Solid C and C++ at the kernel/driver boundary; device tree authoring; practical scripting for engineering workflows.

  • Experience on ARM SoCs with multi‑cluster configurations (e.g. Cortex‑A + Cortex‑R), or comparable platforms.

  • A collaborative working style: shared design, constructive code review, proactive communication, and reliable coordination across hardware, communications, and safety disciplines. Strong teamwork is essential for this role.

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Have
  • EtherCAT familiarity sufficient for OS / fieldbus‑boundary co‑review (WCET budgets and cycle timing).

  • Exposure to functional safety engineering practices (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, or ISO 10218) — documentation, evidence, review cycles. Certification sign‑off is not required for this role.

  • Experience with PTP / IEEE 1588 hardware timestamping at the kernel network driver level.

  • Background in robotics, motion control, or industrial automation with strict timing expectations.

  • Interest in growing scope as the platform team expands.

What you can look forward to
  • Become part of an agile company, actively shape topics and benefit from flat hierarchies in a highly motivated team.

  • Enjoy an attractive salary, flexible working hours and 30 days of vacation.

  • The freedom to contribute your own ideas and drive them forward.

  • Celebrate successes together with company events.

  • Take advantage of our corporate benefits program.

  • And even more fun with great colleagues.

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