ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Uvation

Red Hat Linux Systems Administrator -AIML

Manage, monitor, and maintain Ubuntu and Red Hat Linux servers (production and staging). * Perform ... Collaborate with DevOps and Cloud teams for environment provisioning (AWS, Azure, or on-prem)

Lereta

Linux Systems Engineer

Pomona, CA · On-site

$959K/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 ...

Samprasoft

Linux Engineer - UHG

Linux Engineer Where is the work to be performed? Open for location - MCNA office locations or ... and maintaining CentOS and Ubuntu Linux servers in a corporate environment * Experienced at ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux Jobs

Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux information

See salary details

$11K

$114.5K

$129.5K

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:
Kernel Maintenance Engineer Ubuntu Linux jobs near you
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 Engineer

Rubix Recruiting

Longmont, CO

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Required Skills:
  • Embedded Linux - including the build system, kernel configuration, device drivers, boot loader, device tree and filesystem, core application development, network configuration, testing
  • C, Python
  • Linux shell scripting
  • Bitbake build management - creation and maintenance of recipes
  • uBoot bootloader/bootstrap
  • Fluency in IP networking
  • Ability to clearly document work and cross train related areas such as manufacturing and technical support.

General Qualifications:
  • Speak, read, write English fluently
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • Interest in constant learning - a self-learner, a skill builder
  • Can work well as part of team and independently
  • The ability to understand the product end to end product scope and identify and initiate work to realize the required product functionality and performance
  • Tenacity in troubleshooting and root cause investigation/analysis

Desired Skills:
  • WIFI, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE wireless data experience
  • HTML/HTML5, PHP, SQL
  • RS232 Serial experience
  • Understanding of the underlying system hardware/circuitry
  • Experience integrating embedded devices with cloud/device management systems
  • REST APIs

Apply