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Kernel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL

$110K - $145K/yr

Thorough understanding of Linux (kernel, modules, filesystems) with special emphasis on the network stack, especially multicast, and OpenOnload * Experience working with Linux and standard tools ...

eTeam

AI Lead/Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$57 - $78/hr

Responsibilities : • Build and orchestrate autonomous AI agents with multi-step reasoning, tool usage, and workflow chaining using frameworks like LangChain, CrewAI, AutoGen, Semantic Kernel, or ...

Geneva Trading

Junior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

This role is for the curious mind-the engineer who doesn't just want to write a strategy but wants to understand exactly how the Linux kernel handles every packet that strategy sends. Core ...

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Thorough understanding of Linux (kernel, modules, filesystems) with special emphasis on the network stack, especially multicast, and OpenOnload * Experience working with Linux and standard tools ...

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Naperville, IL

Lead and support SAP Basis system administration activities including performance monitoring, tuning, support package application, kernel upgrades, and OSS note implementation. * Configure and manage ...

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Kernel information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$94.4K

$159.6K

$235.6K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for kernel in Chicago, IL is $159,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,434.00 and $173,978.00 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.

Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,570 per year, or $76.7 per hour.

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784 -OJO

Right Talent Right Now

Chicago, IL

$178K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784


Job Ref.: 2784

Job Title: System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development

Role: Information Technology

Relocation Available: Yes

Industry: I.T.

Location: South Carolina

Town / City: Greer

Job Type: Permanent full-time



Job description:

Company develops custom system level software, including device drivers, firmware, embedded applications, protocol stacks, board support packages, and custom interfaces. They specialize in wireless communications for military and embedded systems.


They are seeking a talented Software Development professional who specializes in system-level development (device drivers, firmware, embedded systems) to serve as a key member of the engineering team. This individual will be responsible for developing and supporting user mode applications, device drivers, and firmware for a wide variety of systems, including networking and communication hardware and software products. These responsibilities include the design and development of protocols and algorithms for a variety of technologies, including USB, PCI, 802. WLAN, Ethernet, VoIP, Bluetooth, cellular, and broadband communications. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with clients and be attentive to customer satisfaction.

Windows Kernel and/or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

6-8+ years of application development experience

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Strong debugging skills

Superior problem solving abilities 

Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Required Education: Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. 



Desired Skills (not required)

WinDBG

embedded Linux

Experience with multiple Linux distributions (Montavista, Ubuntu, OpenEmbedded, Red Hat, Buildroot, etc.) 

Embedded Linux development for a variety of platforms (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC, etc.) and board support packages.

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems).

Experience with real time and multithreaded applications

Experience performing architectural definition, documentation, and development at the system level

Reverse Engineering (IDA Pro, Ollydbg, etc.) 

Communication protocol experience (designing, implementing)

Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems)

Clearance Required: Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen in order to meet the minimum requirement to obtain the required clearance.



Bottom Line Requirements:

1. Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related.

2. Windows Kernel or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.

3. 6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.

4. 6-8+ years of application development experience.

5. US Citizen able to obtain clearance.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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