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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

C++ Developers

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$47 - $63.50/hr

SOC Base Software Developer - Cyber Security Solid experience in C++ for embedded systems Hands-on work in Yocto/BitBake, including recipe development and securing Yocto-based distributions (e.g ...

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 ...

Solutions Architect

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$61 - $80.25/hr

... engineers, and DevOps across program workstreams • Coordinate with customer''s technical ... Embedded Linux (Yocto, kernel-level Linux,systemd), MQTT message brokers, Core microservices, REST ...

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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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Senior Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer

Senior Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer

Clarity Innovations, Inc.

Columbus, OH • On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Clarity Innovations, Inc. is a trusted national security partner dedicated to safeguarding national interests and delivering innovative solutions for the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. They are seeking a Senior Reverse Engineering/Vulnerability Research Engineer to perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering, communicate findings, and mentor fellow researchers.
Responsibilities:
• Perform vulnerability research and reverse engineering for customer tasks
• Perform static and dynamic analysis by applying research tools such as disassemblers, debuggers, and fuzzers
• Perform exploit development leveraging discovered vulnerabilities
• Communicate security research findings internally and, when and where appropriate, externally
• Mentor fellow security researchers
Qualifications:
Required:
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance (note, only US Citizens are eligible for security clearances)
• Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Degree requirement can be met with four years of hands on experience in a software engineer or similar full time position
• Experience participating in CTFs, hackathons, or other cyber competitions
• Experience with Ghidra, Binary Ninja, IDA or other reverse engineering/disassembler tools
• Experience working in Linux fundamentals (understanding sockets, file descriptors, networking, iptables, file systems, kernel, etc.)
• Ability to read and write C and assembly languages as needed (ARM, MIPS, x86_64)
• Programming fundamentals; particularly with networking, data structures, and data models
• Understanding of exploitation techniques such as leveraging arbitrary read-write primitives, shellcoding, and return-oriented programming / jump-oriented programming
Preferred:
• Currently possess a Top Secret security clearance
• OS and kernel reverse engineering
• Understanding of fuzzers such as AFL++ or libfuzzer
• Understanding of common exploit mitigation mechanisms such as SELinux, Seccomp, ASLR, and CFI.
• Strong understanding of dynamic analysis with gdb/gdbserver and similar tools
• Basic understanding of processor tool chains and the Android NDK
• Understanding of emulation using Qemu or Unicorn for running code in a non-native environment
• Experience identifying 0-days and vulnerabilities
Company:
We focus on the future: identifying and delivering solutions that transform the process and practice of teaching in a global society. Founded in 1996, the company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, US, , with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.