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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

... maintenance of Linux-based embedded platforms supporting mission-critical environments. This is a ... Build, configure, and support Linux-based systems using Red Hat and Ubuntu environments, with a ...

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

New

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 ...

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.

... maintenance of Linux-based embedded platforms supporting mission-critical environments. This is a ... Build, configure, and support Linux-based systems using Red Hat and Ubuntu environments, with a ...

... maintenance of Linux-based embedded platforms supporting mission-critical environments. This is a ... Build, configure, and support Linux-based systems using Red Hat and Ubuntu environments, with a ...

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.

Key Responsibilities * Linux engineering: Design, harden, and maintain RHEL/Ubuntu systems ... Implement metrics/logging; profile and tune kernel/app performance; root‑cause analysis for ...

Embedded Linux - including the build system, kernel configuration, device drivers, boot loader ... Bitbake build management - creation and maintenance of recipes * uBoot bootloader/bootstrap

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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux information

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$11K

$114.5K

$129.5K

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

As of Jun 12, 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 61% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.
Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer), Staff

Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer), Staff

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 188 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
This position offers hands-on system embedded Linux software design and development to bring the next generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon products in Automotive ADAS and Infotainment working with multiple technology teams, Tier1s, OEMs and industry partners. The engineer will be involved in the next generation of embedded automotive software for Linux-based automotive solutions. In this role, there will be opportunities across the software stack including application boot loaders, kernel, user spaces such as Android and realtime Linux enabling full capabilities of Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware.
The job will involve optimizing and improving the performance of linux systems, understanding the core of linux design principles and design to be adaptible to the Linux open source community standards, while also designing with safety and security to meet Automotive requirements. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams across multiple locations to define and implement complete solutions. Work assignments involve theoretical and practical knowledge in the areas of C/C++ programming and real-time operating systems, along with power and performance expertise on embedded systems.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with software development in Linux Kernel and/or userspace such as Yocto/Android/Ubuntu.
  • Experience in Kernel drivers, Memory management, Hypervisor, Virtualization, OS and Hardware platform knowledge
  • ARM processors and/or embedded software development on mobile devices or Automotive platforms
  • Linux Automotive (Linux & Kernel Platform Engineer) 5+ Years professional work experience in embedded/automotive software and/or driver development on ARM SoCs on Linux/Android etc.
  • 5+ years experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Rust, Python, etc.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
  • Independent and motivated problem solver

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Leverages advanced Software knowledge and experience to design, develop, create, modify, and validate embedded and cloud edge software, applications, and/or specialized utility programs.
• Analyzes user needs, software requirements, and time and cost constraints to design and customize software for optimal operational efficiency.
• Designs and implements software modules for large-scale products and systems.
• Participates in and leads design, coding, unit testing, debugging, and integration efforts to ensure projects are completed to specifications and schedules.
• Performs complex code reviews and regression tests as well as triages and fixes issues to ensure the quality of code.
• Collaborates with individuals outside the software function (e.g., Hardware, Systems, and Test engineers) to ensure solutions work with other components of a specific project.
• Writes detailed technical documentation for complex Software projects.
Level of Responsibility:
• Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Provides supervision/guidance to other team members.
• Decision-making is significant in nature and affects work beyond immediate work group.
• Requires verbal and written communication skills to convey information. May require basic negotiation, influence, tact, etc.
• Has a moderate amount of influence over key organizational decisions (e.g., is consulted by senior leadership to make key decisions).
• Tasks often require multiple steps which can be performed in various orders; extensive planning, problem-solving, and prioritization must occur to complete the tasks effectively.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$134,800.00 - $202,200.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985