1

Kernel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$175K - $300K/yr

In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel, systems programming * A passion for solving challenging problems * Strong systems knowledge and prefer some experience in developing low latency systems

Experience with agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel) * Familiarity with vector databases, embeddings, and RAG architectures * Experience with CI/CD pipelines ...

... kernel bypass technology • Proficiency in Python and Bash • Demonstrated curiosity and hands-on experimentation with technology--whether through personal projects, home labs, open source ...

AI Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$144K - $177K/yr

... Semantic Kernel (preferred). · Solid grasp of DevOps practices using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. · Strong understanding of secure API integration (OAuth, JWT). · Experience with ...

Specifically for Sitecore, Sitecore API, Kernel and Sitecore. Client libraries. Sitecore concepts including Layouts, Sub layouts, Templates, CM/CD environments, Sitecore caching, Serialization ...

Specifically for Sitecore, Sitecore API, Kernel and Sitecore. Client libraries. Sitecore concepts including Layouts, Sub layouts, Templates, CM/CD environments, Sitecore caching, Serialization ...

AI Architect

Westmont, IL · On-site

$63.50 - $82.75/hr

... Semantic Kernel (preferred). · Solid grasp of DevOps practices using Azure DevOps, Docker, and Kubernetes. · Strong understanding of secure API integration (OAuth, JWT). · Experience with ...

.Net Developer with Sitecore

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $127K/yr

... API, Kernel and Sitecore. Client libraries. Sitecore concepts including Layouts, Sub layouts, Templates, CM/CD environments, Sitecore caching, Serialization, Sitecore configuration, Sitecore ...

Showing results 21-40

Kernel information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$94.4K

$159.6K

$235.6K

How much do kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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?

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.

Infographic showing various Kernel job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $159,570 per year, or $76.7 per hour.

Senior Azure AI Platform Engineer

Strategic Employment

Park Ridge, IL • Hybrid

$130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Senior Azure AI Platform Engineer

Location: Chicagoland or Dallas, TX – hybrid (3 days onsite)

Salary: Up to ~$130K

We’re partnering with a rapidly growing, private equity–backed technology company undergoing a major cloud and AI transformation. They’re modernizing a legacy .NET platform into Azure and embedding AI capabilities directly into core business applications.

This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who has already built and shipped AI-enabled features in production and is excited to help scale that capability across an enterprise platform.

What you’ll do

  • Build and integrate AI-powered capabilities into a .NET application stack
  • Develop backend services and APIs using C#/.NET
  • Design and implement cloud-native components and microservices in Azure
  • Integrate Azure AI / OpenAI (or similar cloud AI services) into real-world workflows
  • Partner with product and business teams to translate AI ideas into production-ready solutions
  • Help establish patterns and best practices for scalable, secure AI adoption

Preferred Experience

  • 6+ years of software engineering experience
  • Strong hands-on experience with C# and .NET
  • Experience building or integrating AI/ML solutions in production environments
  • Cloud experience (Azure preferred; AWS/GCP acceptable)
  • Strong experience with REST APIs and modern backend architecture
  • Comfortable working in a hybrid environment (3 days onsite weekly)

Nice to have

  • Azure AI services (Azure OpenAI, Semantic Kernel, etc.)
  • Microservices architecture and application modernization experience
  • Frontend exposure (React, Angular, or similar)
  • Experience with Terraform, Kubernetes, or CI/CD pipelines

Strategic Employment Partners logo

About Strategic Employment Partners

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Strategic Employment Partners (SEP) was founded in 2007, serving companies in the Greater Los Angeles area by providing Technology Recruiting and Placement Services. With the combined experience of our seasoned professionals, SEP quickly began to build strong partnerships and provide curated talent for some of the largest and fastest growing companies in Los Angeles. Since then, SEP has expanded its operations and currently has eight divisions nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media