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Kernel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Build kernel drivers fundamentally designed to support and maintain security across host processes, physical memory spaces, and device attestation. * Diagnose and resolve complex driver-related ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Build kernel drivers fundamentally designed to support and maintain security across host processes, physical memory spaces, and device attestation. * Diagnose and resolve complex driver-related ...

Cerebras Systems

Kernel Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

About The Role As a Kernel Engineer on our team, you will develop high-performance software solutions at the intersection of hardware and software, developing high-performance software for cutting ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$110K - $270K/yr

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$110K - $270K/yr

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

quadric, Inc

AI Kernel Engineer

Burlingame, CA

$110K - $270K/yr

Role The AI Kernel Engineer in Quadric plays the key role to enable a large number of AI kernels/operators to run efficiently on the Quadric platform. The AI Kernel Engineer at Quadric will [1] ...

Sciforium

GPU Kernel Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$190K - $250K/yr

About the role We are seeking a highly skilled GPU Kernel Engineer who is passionate about pushing the limits of performance on modern accelerators. In this role, you will design and optimize custom ...

Apple

Kernel Scheduler Engineer, Core OS

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team focuses on key kernel technology areas such as CPU scheduling, power management, and threading models which are central to delivering industry-leading performance and battery life...We are ...

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All JobsKernel JobsKernel Jobs in California

Kernel information

See California salary details

$90.1K

$152.2K

$224.7K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel in California is $152,233.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,299.00 and $165,979.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Kernel Engineer?

Kernel Engineers typically spend their days designing, implementing, and maintaining low-level components of an operating system’s kernel, such as device drivers, process schedulers, or memory management subsystems. They often review and refactor code, troubleshoot and resolve bugs, and collaborate closely with hardware engineers, application developers, and QA teams. Participation in code reviews and contributing to open source communities or internal repositories are also common activities. This role requires staying up to date with the latest kernel developments and ensuring code changes are performant and stable, directly impacting the reliability and efficiency of the broader system.

What is a Kernel job?

A Kernel job typically refers to a role focused on developing, maintaining, or optimizing an operating system's kernel—the core component that manages system resources, hardware interaction, and process scheduling. Kernel developers work with low-level programming languages like C and Assembly to improve system performance, security, and stability. These roles often involve debugging kernel crashes, implementing new features, and collaborating with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Kernel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kernel Engineer, you need strong expertise in operating system fundamentals, C/C++ programming, and kernel module development, often supported by a degree in computer science or equivalent experience. Familiarity with Linux kernel source code, debugging tools like GDB, and version control systems such as Git is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication distinguish outstanding professionals in this field. These skills are crucial for maintaining system stability, ensuring high performance, and collaborating on complex, low-level software projects.

What cities in California are hiring for Kernel jobs? Cities in California with the most Kernel job openings:
Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,233 per year, or $73.2 per hour.
Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Arista Networks

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$123K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS. This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base.
Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.
Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.
What You'll Do
  • Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
  • Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
  • Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
  • Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
  • Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
  • Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
  • Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
  • Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
  • Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.

Qualifications
  • BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 years experience, or equivalent work experience
  • Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable.
  • Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures.
  • Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
  • Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong software design and implementation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
  • Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

Compensation Information
The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $123,000 to $191,000.
Arista offers different pay ranges based on work location, so that we can offer consistent and competitive pay appropriate to the market. The actual base pay offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location.
The pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista's Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. US-based employees are also entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, tax savings and income protection. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.
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Additional Information
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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