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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Engineering. Central to the mission is a high quality research and educational program that ... Ubuntu Linux. * Deploy, configure, and maintain Linux-based operating systems and applications.

... Ubuntu, and SUSE). Apply OS patches, kernel updates, and security fixes in accordance with ... Maintain documentation and provide remediation status updates to stakeholders. Required Skills ...

Senior Engineer - Linux Kernel Location: Austin, TX (Remote) About The Opportunity The Senior ... Maintain Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems * Address CVE vulnerabilities and ...

New

Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...

VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...

Apply Early

Job Title Linux Specialist / SME/ L3 - Ubuntu and Red Hat Administrator Required Skills Good knowledge on Red Hat and Ubuntu Linux Administration Install, configure and maintain Linux servers (RHEL ...

We are seeking a Linux Image Engineer to design, build, and maintain secure, minimal Linux ... Build images using Yocto, Ubuntu, or similar frameworks. * Configure kernel, drivers, and system ...

New

Perform custom Linux kernel patching, configuration, compilation, and lifecycle maintenance across ... Enterprise distributions (Ubuntu, Debian) System Diagnostics & Development Tools * Proficiency with ...

How you will make an impact: • Develop, enhance, and maintain Linux kernel components supporting ... systems programming • Strong C/C++ programming skills • Experience with device driver ...

How you will make an impact: • Develop, enhance, and maintain Linux kernel components supporting ... systems programming • Strong C/C++ programming skills • Experience with device driver ...

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.

Apply Early

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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux information

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$11K

$114.5K

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How much do kernel maintenance engineer ubuntu linux jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel maintenance engineer ubuntu linux in the United States is $114,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectKernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu LinuxLinux System Administrator
Primary FocusKernel development, maintenance, and troubleshooting specific to Ubuntu LinuxManaging overall Linux system operations, user support, and system configuration
Skills & CertificationsLinux kernel expertise, C programming, Linux certifications (e.g., LPIC-3, RHCE)System administration, network management, scripting, Linux certifications
Work EnvironmentDevelopment labs, technical support, kernel debugging environmentsData centers, enterprise IT environments, server rooms
Employer & Industry UsageOpen-source projects, Linux distributions, hardware vendorsIT departments, hosting providers, enterprise companies

While both roles require Linux knowledge, Kernel Maintenance Engineers focus on the Linux kernel itself, especially within Ubuntu Linux, whereas Linux System Administrators handle broader system management tasks across Linux environments.

What is a Kernel Maintenance Engineer in Ubuntu Linux?

A Kernel Maintenance Engineer in Ubuntu Linux is responsible for maintaining, updating, and improving the Linux kernel used in Ubuntu distributions. Their duties include backporting security fixes, optimizing kernel performance, ensuring compatibility with new hardware, and collaborating with the open-source community. They also work on troubleshooting kernel-related issues, preparing kernel updates, and supporting Ubuntu's release cycles. This role is vital to keeping Ubuntu stable, secure, and efficient for all users.

What are some common challenges faced by Kernel Maintenance Engineers working with Ubuntu Linux, and how can they be addressed?

Kernel Maintenance Engineers for Ubuntu Linux often encounter complex challenges such as resolving compatibility issues between kernel updates and different hardware or software configurations. Additionally, keeping up with upstream kernel changes while maintaining Ubuntu-specific patches requires strong attention to detail and effective communication with both internal teams and the open-source community. Collaboration across distributed teams and responding quickly to security vulnerabilities are also vital aspects of the role. Building robust testing infrastructures and actively participating in code reviews and community discussions help address these challenges and ensure kernel reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Kernel Maintenance Engineer for Ubuntu Linux, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kernel Maintenance Engineer for Ubuntu Linux, you need a deep understanding of Linux kernel internals, C programming, debugging, and patch management, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like Git, build systems (e.g., Make), continuous integration platforms, and experience with Ubuntu packaging and kernel development processes is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with global teams and manage complex issues. These technical and soft skills ensure the stability, security, and performance of Ubuntu Linux distributions relied upon by users worldwide.
More about Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux jobs
What job categories do people searching Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux jobs are:
Infographic showing various Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.
Linux Kernel SW Engineer

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 141 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



THE ROLE: 

AMD’s server software and solutions engineering team is seeking a senior engineer to join the Linux Kernel and Virtualization development team. This role requires good understanding x86 architecture as well as experience with open-source engagement and upstreaming. You will work on enabling AMD x86-64 architecture features in Linux, designing and developing core CPU and SoC features for the Linux kernel and related open-source projects. The role spans all phases of software development, with a focus on feature/roadmap related to ACPI, PCIe, RAS, CXL and few other sub systems in the Linux Kernel. This position is based in Austin.

THE PERSON: 

A highly motivated and passionate professional with deep technical expertise and a proven track record, eager to work with cutting-edge technologies in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate thrives in collaboration and innovation, playing a crucial role in optimizing and showcasing the full capabilities of AMD products through advanced software and solutions, while actively influencing the next generation of product development.

Key Responsibilities:
Drive features and functionality to our partner technical teams both internal and external including the Linux kernel community. Support the solutions offered by our partner companies. Review code, build unit tests, and write detailed documentation. Collaborate!

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

  • Extensive expertise in x86 computing architecture
  • Proven experience across the entire software development lifecycle
  • In-depth knowledge of kernels, virtualization, and security
  • Advanced Linux Kernel debugging skills across kernel subsystems, virtualization.
  • Advanced understanding and experience with the Linux kernel and related upstream development workflow
  • Advanced programming skills in C for operating system kernel & systems development
  • Exposure to KVM/QEMU (including x86-64 virtualization extensions) is a plus
  • Experience with the GNU toolchain
  • Proficient use of git
  • Experience with open source software development, building and submitting patches on a mailing list, and working with external software partners
  • Deep understanding of operating systems concepts, data structures, x86-64 architecture, ACPI, and PCIE
  • Experience with low-level debug tools as well as emulators and simulators
  • Background in IO, core kernel preferred 
  • Successful track record in contributions to open-source projects

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS: 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field
  • 4+ years experience 

Location: 

Austin, TX

Santa Clara, CA

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

#LI-LM1

#LI-HYBRID 



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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