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Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Catch Talent

Linux Kernel Developer

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

Linux Kernel Developer Are you a seasoned Linux kernel developer ready to apply your expertise at ... Lead RPM packaging and manage Linux distribution environments (RedHat, Rocky, Alma, Fedora). What ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Team Red Dog

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

$56 - $61/hr

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client, a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro, OR ...

Rubix Recruiting

Linux Kernel Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

Embedded Linux - including the build system, kernel configuration, device drivers, boot loader, device tree and filesystem, core application development, network configuration, testing * C, Python

VAST Data

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 ...

VAST Data

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 ...

CoreWeave

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.

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

New York, NY · 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.

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How much do lead linux kernel engineer ubuntu jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer for Ubuntu, and why are they important?

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.

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.
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Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Linux Kernel Engineer (Device Driver Developer)

HELLBENDER Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company Name: Hellbender Inc.
Job Title: Linux Kernel Engineer (Device Driver Developer)
Department: Software
Report to: VP of Software
Who we are:
Hellbender Inc. is a Pennsylvania Benefit Corporation who partners with innovators to mature their Artificial Intelligence enabled computing sensors and produce their solutions onshore at prototype to high volumes.
Hellbender is intentionally forming an inclusive work environment and is committed to uplifting the historically marginalized identities including veterans, women, trans and non-white races in our community and industry.
Job Summary:
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 "hardware enablement"-taking raw silicon and datasheets and transforming them into functional, stable components within the Linux kernel.
The ideal candidate is a low-level expert who is comfortable navigating complex hardware registers, interpreting timing diagrams, and writing efficient, high-performance C code that operates within the constraints of kernel space. You will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a driver, from initial bring-up to integration into our custom Linux distributions using Yocto or Buildroot.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Driver Development: Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers (e.g., I2C, SPI, PCIe, USB, or custom SoC peripherals) within the Linux kernel space.
  • Hardware Bring-up: Lead the initial software bring-up of new hardware components, ensuring that all peripheral interfaces are communicating correctly with the CPU.
  • Datasheet Analysis: Perform deep-dive analysis of hardware datasheets, register maps, and electrical specifications to implement correct register-level logic and timing sequences.
  • Embedded Linux Integration: Integrate newly developed drivers into custom Linux distributions using build systems such as Yocto Project or Buildroot, including the management of Device Tree (DTS) modifications.
  • Kernel Debugging: Use advanced kernel debugging techniques to resolve issues related to interrupts, DMA (Direct Memory Access), concurrency/locking, and memory corruption.
  • Hardware Interfacing: Work closely with hardware engineers to validate electrical signals against software behavior using logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, or protocol analyzers.

Required Qualifications:
  • Low-Level C Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C, specifically regarding kernel-space constraints (no standard libraries, manual memory management, interrupt context awareness).
  • Linux Kernel Internals: Deep understanding of the Linux kernel subsystem architecture, including Interrupt Service Routines (ISRs), Concurrency/Spinlocks, DMA, and the Linux Device Model.
  • Hardware Protocol Expertise: Strong experience working with low-level communication protocols (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, or Ethernet).
  • Datasheet Fluency: Proven ability to read and interpret complex hardware datasheets, register maps, and timing diagrams to drive software implementation.
  • Embedded Build Systems: Hands-on experience with Yocto Project (BitBake, recipes, layers) or Buildroot for creating custom Linux images.
  • Device Tree Knowledge: Proficiency in writing and maintaining Device Tree Source (DTS) and Device Tree Overlay (DTBO) files.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hardware Debugging Tools: Experience using hardware debugging tools such as Logic Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, or JTAG debuggers.
  • Architecture Specifics: Experience with specific processor architectures (e.g., ARM, RISC-V, or x86).
  • Linux Kernel Subsystem Expertise: Previous experience contributing to the upstream Linux kernel or working on specific subsystems (e.g., Industrial I/O (IIO), Network, or Input subsystems).
  • Scripting: Proficiency in Python for automating hardware testing and data parsing.
  • Camera drivers:experience with imaging sensors is also a plus for this job.

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 5% Safe Harbor Contribution to 401k by Hellbender
  • Dental insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Health insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Vision insurance, 100% by Hellbender for employees and their families
  • Flexible spending account
  • 7.5 weeks total Paid time off
  • Hellbender Inc. options through our Equity Incentive Plan
  • Profit Sharing (through 401k)
  • Hybrid work environment & flexible work schedule

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 5-7 years of experience specifically in Linux kernel-space development and driver writing.

Work Location: UPARC Pittsburgh
Opportunity for advancement:
Hellbender is a growing business and follows a policy that prioritizes internal promotions. As new positions are created new opportunities for advancement will be created as well.

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