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Kernel Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

... kernel configuration, system management, feature enablement, use case testing, debugging, and ... Networking Solutions Engineering. Preferred Qualifications: * Knowledge of Ethernet products and ...

Company Description Thanks & Regards Rajesh KRG Technologies, Inc., 661 367 8000 Ext :514 Linux Embedded development Kernel driver GIT YOCTO - added advantage. Not a must have Additional Information ...

Atleast 7-8 years of C/C++ development experience in embedded Linux environment low level kernel OS ... software engineering methodologies Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's Degree is Required ...

Atleast 7-8 years of C/C++ development experience in embedded Linux environment low level kernel OS ... software engineering methodologies Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's Degree is Required ...

Atleast 7-8 years of C/C++ development experience in embedded Linux environment low level kernel OS ... software engineering methodologies Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's Degree is Required ...

... kernel OS subsystems Multi-threaded environment such as Linux* and ThreadX* or other RTOS ... Knowledge in Firmware Engineering environment Experience with Intel architecture and/or micro ...

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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 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:
Senior Software Engineer, CUTLASS Kernels

Senior Software Engineer, CUTLASS Kernels

Nvidia

Hillsboro, OR • On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 209 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA's high-performance computing platforms are powering the AI revolution across many applications and industries. Within our software stack, CUTLASS stands out as a popular open-source ecosystem dedicated to high-performance linear algebra and Tensor Core primitives. Since 2017, it has provided the community with C++ and Python abstractions to implement custom matrix multiply (GEMM) and related math and deep learning computations on NVIDIA GPUs.

If you are passionate about developing and optimizing math kernels to extract the highest performance out of the hardware architecture, apply to join the CUTLASS team today!

What you'll get to do:

  • Write Tensor Core-based deep learning kernels such as grouped-GEMM, attention, and convolution using CUTLASS CUDA C++ and Python DSL for Blackwell, Rubin, and future architectures.

  • Optimize kernels for peak throughput on both silicon and software performance simulators.

  • Collaborate with teams across NVIDIA including the GPU architecture, NVVM/PTX compiler, CUDA library, and DL frameworks teams to ensure fast, functional, and timely kernel delivery to customers.

What we need to see:

  • Masters or PhD degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

  • 3+ years of relevant industry experience.

  • Strong proficiency in C++ programming and software design, including debugging, performance evaluation, and testing.

  • Experience with CUDA, OpenCL, HIP, SYCL, Mojo, Pallas, Triton, Mosaic, Halide, or any general-purpose or domain-specific programming language targeting highly parallel accelerators.

  • Deep understanding of computer architecture and some experience working at the assembly level.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience writing code specifically targeting NVIDIA Tensor Cores, particularly through PTX or CUDA/cuTile.

  • Open-source contributions to math kernel libraries or frameworks.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hard working people in the world working for us. If you're creative, autonomous, and love a challenge, consider joining our Deep Learning Library team and help us build the real-time, cost-effective computing platform driving our success in this exciting and quickly growing field.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3, and 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 5, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993