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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ghost Robotics

Linux Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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

Ghost Robotics

Linux Systems Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

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

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

New York, NY · 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.

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

LERETA, LLC

Linux Systems Engineer

Pomona, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $127K/yr

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

Lereta

Linux Systems Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

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

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Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux information

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

As of Aug 18, 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 a kernel maintenance engineer?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a kernel maintenance engineer?

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.

What are common challenges faced by kernel maintenance engineers, 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 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.

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:

Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.

Linux Kernel Developer (Mid-to-Senior Level)

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We're a successful, fast-growing startup building complex systems that run on custom Linux platforms in demanding, real-world environments. We're looking for a Linux Kernel Developer who's comfortable working deep in the stack - from drivers and subsystems to boot and memory management - and who wants to own kernel-level quality as our products scale.
 
In this role, you'll design, develop, and debug kernel code and low-level Linux components that power our hardware platforms. You'll work closely with embedded software engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure our platforms are stable, performant, and production-ready.
 
This is a hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys solving hard problems close to the metal in a lean engineering organization.
What you will do:
* Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
* Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
* Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
* Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures
* Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
* Work with bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and board bring-up for new hardware revisions
* Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration
* Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
* Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), and CI integration
* Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that's practical and reusable
What you bring to this role:
* 5+ years of experience developing in C, with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals
* Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules
* Solid understanding of:
   * Kernel subsystems (memory management, scheduling, filesystems, networking)
   * Linux boot process and bootloaders
   * Concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space
* Experience with embedded Linux build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
* Comfort working directly with hardware during bring-up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers
* Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis
* Comfortable working independently and taking ownership in a lean startup environment
 
Bonus points for the following:
*Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience
* Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real-time operating systems
* Familiarity with security-hardening practices for embedded Linux (secure boot, kernel hardening)
* Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send-email)
* Exposure to multiple CPU architectures (ARM, RISC-V, x86)
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system-level software
 
$150,000 - $225,000 a year

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 
 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.  

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference
Sustainability at our core
Fair and honest workplace
Innovative thinking is encouraged
Competitive salaries
Continuous learning and development
Health and wellness care options
Financial solutions for the future
Optional legal services (US only)
Paid holidays
Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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