Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes ...
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
Quick apply
We are seeking a highly specialized Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development and integration of device drivers for our next-generation hardware platforms. The primary focus of this role is ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Nashua, NH · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Nashua, NH · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$123K - $191K/yr
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$123K - $191K/yr
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$123K - $191K/yr
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$123K - $191K/yr
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Nashua, NH · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Nashua, NH · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
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 ...
Linux Kernel Developer
Raleigh, NC · On-site
VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...
Quick apply
Linux Kernel Developer
Raleigh, NC · On-site
VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...
Linux Kernel Developer
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...
Linux Kernel Developer
Raleigh, NC · On-site
Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...
Outstanding programming skills in C. * Should have the ability to prepare and submit patches to the Linux kernel mainline. * A history of participation in Linux kernel mailing lists and open source ...
Outstanding programming skills in C. * Should have the ability to prepare and submit patches to the Linux kernel mainline. * A history of participation in Linux kernel mailing lists and open source ...
Systems Engineer, Kernel
Livingston, NJ · On-site
$165K - $242K/yr
Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.
Systems Engineer, Kernel
Livingston, NJ · On-site
$165K - $242K/yr
Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.
Systems Engineer, Kernel
$165K - $242K/yr
Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.
Quick apply
Systems Engineer, Kernel
$165K - $242K/yr
Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.
Linux Kernel SW Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
They are seeking a Senior Linux Kernel SW Engineer to join their server software and solutions engineering team, where the role involves enabling AMD x86-64 architecture features in Linux and ...
Linux Kernel SW Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
They are seeking a Senior Linux Kernel SW Engineer to join their server software and solutions engineering team, where the role involves enabling AMD x86-64 architecture features in Linux and ...
Linux Kernel SW Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$101K/yr
AMD's server software and solutions engineering team is seeking a senior engineer to join the Linux Kernel and Virtualization development team. This role requires good understanding x86 architecture ...
Linux Kernel SW Engineer
Austin, TX · On-site
$101K/yr
AMD's server software and solutions engineering team is seeking a senior engineer to join the Linux Kernel and Virtualization development team. This role requires good understanding x86 architecture ...
Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information
See salary details
$42.5K - $55K
1% of jobs
$55K - $67.6K
2% of jobs
$67.6K - $80.1K
3% of jobs
$80.1K - $92.7K
5% of jobs
$103.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$92.7K - $105.2K
16% of jobs
$105.2K - $117.8K
16% of jobs
The median wage is $127.2K / yr.
$117.8K - $130.3K
9% of jobs
$139K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$130.3K - $142.9K
33% of jobs
$142.9K - $155.4K
6% of jobs
$155.4K - $168K
5% of jobs
$168K - $180.5K
3% of jobs
$42.5K
$123.8K
$180.5K
How much do lead linux kernel engineer ubuntu jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead linux kernel engineer ubuntu in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges lead Linux kernel engineers face when working with Ubuntu distributions?
Lead Linux Kernel Engineers working with Ubuntu often encounter challenges related to integrating upstream kernel changes with Ubuntu-specific patches and ensuring compatibility across a wide range of hardware. Managing timely security updates while maintaining system stability is also a frequent responsibility. Additionally, collaborating with both the open-source community and internal teams to troubleshoot, test, and deploy kernel updates can be complex due to diverse user requirements and enterprise needs. Strong communication skills and proactive problem-solving are essential to address these challenges effectively.
What does a lead Linux kernel engineer do on Ubuntu projects?
A Lead Linux Kernel Engineer on Ubuntu projects is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the Linux kernel that forms the core of the Ubuntu operating system. This role involves collaborating with other engineers to implement new features, optimize performance, and ensure system stability and security. The engineer also reviews code, debugs kernel issues, and works closely with the open-source community to contribute patches and updates upstream. They play a critical role in ensuring Ubuntu's kernel remains cutting-edge and reliable for users and enterprise customers.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead Linux kernel engineer for Ubuntu?
To thrive as a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer for Ubuntu, you need deep expertise in Linux kernel development, C programming, operating systems concepts, and typically a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like Git, kernel debugging utilities (e.g., kgdb, perf), and experience with continuous integration systems and patch management are essential. Strong problem-solving, technical leadership, and effective communication skills help you mentor team members and collaborate across open-source communities. These abilities are crucial for driving high-quality kernel advancements while ensuring system stability, performance, and successful team execution.
More about Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs? Cities with the most Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings:
What job categories do people searching Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs are:
Apple rating
8.0
Based on 676 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
7th of 30 rated technology retailers
Job description
At Apple, we craft experiences that have transformed entire industries. The diversity of our people and ideas fuels innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could build here.
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple’s platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases.
You will partner closely with platform, infrastructure, and SRE teams to ensure every kernel we ship is stable, observable, and ready for real world workloads at scale.
Description
In this role, you will design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer. You will collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline. Your work will have direct impact on the stability, performance, and debuggability of systems that power critical Apple services.
If you enjoy deep kernel debugging, building robust CI systems, and owning kernel releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).
Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple’s platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases.
You will partner closely with platform, infrastructure, and SRE teams to ensure every kernel we ship is stable, observable, and ready for real world workloads at scale.
Description
In this role, you will design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer. You will collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline. Your work will have direct impact on the stability, performance, and debuggability of systems that power critical Apple services.
If you enjoy deep kernel debugging, building robust CI systems, and owning kernel releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).
About Apple
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.
Industry
Computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Cupertino, CA, US
Year founded
1976