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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Embedded SW Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Embedded SW Engineer Work location: Portland, OR Background and Meet and Greet: MANDATORY ... Port and configure kernel/device-tree for new boards. Platform Enablement Support integration of ...

C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

... kernel and device drivers. The engineer will work on low-level software that enables hardware functionality, system stability, and performance across a variety of platforms and applications. * Key ...

C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

... kernel and device drivers. The engineer will work on low-level software that enables hardware functionality, system stability, and performance across a variety of platforms and applications. * Key ...

C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

Strong experience in Linux kernel development and device driver programming (C, C++) - 5+ yrs * Deep understanding of operating system internals, hardware-software interaction, and low-level ...

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

... engineer to own the build, test, and deployment pipeline for our distributed computer vision ... Demonstrated ownership of Linux fleets at scale - kernel, systemd, networking, package management

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$103 - $117/hr

... engineer to own the build, test, and deployment pipeline for our distributed computer vision ... Demonstrated ownership of Linux fleets at scale -- kernel, systemd, networking, package management

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

... engineer to own the build, test, and deployment pipeline for our distributed computer vision ... Demonstrated ownership of Linux fleets at scale -- kernel, systemd, networking, package management

C/C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

... kernel development Excellent programming skills Must have strong problem solving skills and communication skills Work well in a team environment C/C++ Developer Nice to Have Skills Debug and ...

211774 / C/C++ Developer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$53.25 - $72/hr

Experience in Linux/Android based kernel development * Excellent programming skills * Must have strong problem solving skills and communication skills * Work well in a team environment C/C ...

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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.

What are popular job titles related to Kernel Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Kernel Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kernel Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Kernel Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Kernel Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Embedded Software Engineer - Kernel

Sightline Intelligence

Portland, OR • On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Embedded Software Engineer - Kernel

Department: Software Engineering

Reports To: Team Lead Engineer and Director of Software Engineering 

FLSA Status: Exempt, Salary, Full-Time

Travel: No

Shift: Monday – Friday, standard day schedule.

Supervisory Level: None

The Embedded Software Engineer on our Kernel team will collaborate with Software Engineering, Customer Support, and Sales to develop and maintain low-level software. This role works across the Linux kernel, new hardware bring-up, encoder/decoder, networking and software libraries to support new capabilities, software releases, and customer needs.

  • Design, develop, and maintain embedded software in C/C++ for video processing systems.
  • Contribute to software development in some of the following areas:
  • Develop and maintain embedded software solutions using Linux build systems, including Yocto, for various hardware platforms.
  • Optimize and maintain software library support for existing and future platforms and customers.
  • Build, configure and debug Linux kernels across a variety of hardware platforms.
  • Develop Linux drivers for videos, communication, memory, network, and other electrical subsystems. 
  • Manage configuration and release of library to existing and future customers.
  • Collaborate with Customer Support and Sales teams to ensure seamless integration and deployment of customer-requested changes.
  • Work directly with customers to collect requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
  • Rapidly learn new technologies and adapt to evolving hardware/software environments. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:          

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in C/C++ development for embedded systems.
  • Strong expertise in building, packaging, and deployment workflows for embedded platforms, such as Nvidia systems. 
  • Understanding cross-compilation and runtime environments for performance-sensitive libraries on embedded platforms.
  • Knowledge of multimedia encoding/decoding, video and image preferred.
  • Familiar with Linux build systems, kernel development, and device driver debugging.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

 Apply Expertise in Technology

Complies with policies on acceptable use of technology; Applies knowledge of computer skills to perform the job successfully; Displays the ability to learn new computer skills.

Strategic Thinking

Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals. Understands organizations’ strengths and weaknesses. Analyzes market and competition to identify external threats and opportunities. Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

Planning/Organizing

Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Business Acumen

Ability to connect people with strategies for operational and financial outcomes.

Learn & Research

Demonstrates the understanding of newly presented information and retention for future applications.

Math Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reliability

Good attendance; Balances professional and personal commitments effectively; Delivers work product on time and within the assigned parameters of the task.

Cultural Awareness

Awareness to think and act in intercultural environments appropriately; Respecting the diverse backgrounds of the people around them.

Gives & Receives Feedback

Articulates positive and constructive feedback appropriately; Gives recognition to a job well done; Upholds accountability; Accepts feedback from all employees.

Communication & Collaboration

Works effectively within a team; Shares information and acknowledges others’ efforts; Helps others when workloads are high; Keeps team and supervisor information of tasks.

Analytical

Synthetizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data

Innovation

Generates creative and original ideas of approaches; Seeks to improve performance; Proactive to identify and create new opportunities.

Physical Demands: 

This role requires standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods; communicating in person and by phone; using hands to operate objects or controls; and reaching with hands and arms. Occasional stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, and lifting up to 25 pounds may be required. Close and distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and focus adjustment are also needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment 

Work is performed primarily at a desk using standard office equipment in a quiet, casual environment that encourages open communication, teamwork, mutual respect, and alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and goals.

This job description may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required to do this job.