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Kernel Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Nightwing

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

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 ...

Nwis

Windows Kernel Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

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

Android CNO Developer

Chantilly, VA

$57.50 - $75.75/hr

Debug at kernel and user-space layers (gdb, LLDB, JNI, V8, Mojo) * Reverse engineer native binaries and Android system components * Work with kernel subsystems, OS internals, and mobile security ...

Legato, LLC

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

REDLattice

Android CNO Developer

Chantilly, VA

$57 - $75/hr

Debug at kernel and user-space layers (gdb, LLDB, JNI, V8, Mojo) * Reverse engineer native binaries and Android system components * Work with kernel subsystems, OS internals, and mobile security ...

Legato, LLC

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

REDLattice

Android CNO Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$57.50 - $75.75/hr

Debug at kernel and user-space layers (gdb, LLDB, JNI, V8, Mojo) * Reverse engineer native binaries and Android system components * Work with kernel subsystems, OS internals, and mobile security ...

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Kernel information

See Washington salary details

$98.8K

$166.9K

$246.4K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% 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

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.
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 strong expertise in kernel-level development, Windows internals, and advanced debugging techniques to deliver high-performance, reliable solutions.
Key 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
Required Qualifications
  • 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
Desired Skills (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

Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
At Nightwing, we value collaboration and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals who are passionate about what they do. Together, we'll leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation, solve complex problems, and deliver exceptional results for our clients.
Thank you for considering joining us as we embark on this new journey and shape the future of cybersecurity and intelligence together as part of the Nightwing team.
Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

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