ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kernel Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

They are seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to design, develop, test, and debug low-level Windows operating system software, ensuring high-performance and reliable solutions.

Nightwing

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

They are seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to design, develop, test, and debug low-level Windows operating system software, ensuring high-performance and reliable solutions.

Nwis

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA

$122K - $253K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to support the design, development, testing, and debugging of low-level Windows operating system software. The ideal candidates will bring ...

Nightwing

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to support the design, development, testing, and debugging of low-level Windows operating system software. The ideal candidates will bring ...

REDLattice

Linux Developer

Dulles, VA · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Linux platforms. * Perform reverse engineering of Linux binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

REDLattice

Linux Developer

Sterling, VA

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Linux platforms. * Perform reverse engineering of Linux binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

REDLattice

Linux Developer

Dulles, VA · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Linux platforms. * Perform reverse engineering of Linux binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

Cohere Technology Group

Windows Developer

Herndon, VA · On-site

Cohere Technology Group is seeking a highly skilled Windows Developer with expertise in kernel-level development and reverse engineering to join their advanced technology team. This role is critical ...

Moyer's Hatchery

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

Legato, LLC

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsKernel JobsKernel Jobs in Washington

Kernel information

See Washington salary details

$98.8K

$166.9K

$246.4K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel in Washington is $166,915.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $139,576.00 and $181,986.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kernel?

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 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 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 Washington are hiring for Kernel jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Kernel job openings:

Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,915 per year, or $80.2 per hour.

Windows Kernel Developer

Nightwing

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Nightwing is a company that provides advanced cyber, data operations, and intelligence mission support services. They are seeking experienced Windows Kernel Developers to design, develop, test, and debug low-level Windows operating system software, ensuring high-performance and reliable solutions.
Responsibilities:
• Design, develop, test, and debug kernel-level software for the Windows operating system
• Develop low-level system components and interfaces using Windows APIs
• Perform kernel-level diagnostics, troubleshooting, and performance analysis
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to integrate and validate system components
• Ensure software reliability, security, and maintainability through rigorous testing and debugging practices
Qualifications:
Required:
• Current TS/SCI with Poly Clearance
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience developing, testing, and debugging software using C, C++, and Python
• Minimum of three (3) years of in-depth experience developing, testing, and debugging Windows-based software using Visual Studio IDE and the Windows SDK
• Demonstrated in-depth understanding of Windows low-level systems development and Windows APIs
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience developing and testing Windows kernel-level software
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience performing Windows kernel-level debugging and diagnostics using tools such as Windows DDK, WinDBG, or equivalent
Preferred:
• Strong understanding of operating system architecture and device drivers
• Experience with system performance optimization and root-cause analysis
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, technically complex environment
Company:
Nightwing provides cyber, data operations, systems integration, and intelligence services for government and commercial customers. Founded in 2024, the company is headquartered in Sterling, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

Apply