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Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Linux Kernels Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $555K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a founding/lead Linux kernel developer to join our Scaling team. In this role, you'll design and develop Linux kernel components, working at the intersection of ...

Tech-mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key ... Strong knowledge and experience in OS Hardening, Performance Tuning, Kernel Customization * Able to ...

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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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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 Kernels Software Engineer

Linux Kernels Software Engineer

OpenAI

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$342K - $555K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Team The Scaling team builds and optimizes large-scale infrastructure to enable next-generation AI workloads.
About the Role We're looking for a founding/lead Linux kernel developer to join our Scaling team. In this role, you'll design and develop Linux kernel components, working at the intersection of hardware and software to unlock performance at scale.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and bootstrap the development of our Linux kernel stack to support high-performance systems.
  • Design and implement kernel drivers, including for functionality related to DMA, PCIe, NICs, and RDMA.
  • Drive end-to-end development of system-scale networking, including required kernel and other low-level software.
  • Collaborate with vendors to integrate their technologies within our systems.
  • Bring up and debug the kernel on new platforms.
  • Build userspace software to support integration, testing, diagnostics, and performance validation.

Qualifications
  • Proven experience leading development within the Linux kernel.
  • Deep knowledge of subsystems relevant to high-performance systems: PCIe, dma-buf, RDMA, P2P, SR-IOV, IOMMU, etc.
  • Knowledge of subsystems and frameworks related to scale-out networking: ibverbs, ECN/DCQCN, etc.
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, and Linux shell scripting; Rust experience is a strong plus.
  • Experience working directly with engineering teams to define interfaces and tooling.
  • Track record of managing vendor deliverables and technical relationships.
  • Background in embedded systems development (bootloaders, drivers, hardware/software integration).
  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity and build systems from scratch.

To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates for this role may need to meet certain legal status requirements as provided in those laws and regulations.
About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.
For additional information, please see OpenAI's Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, and non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.
To notify OpenAI that you believe this job posting is non-compliant, please submit a report through this form. No response will be provided to inquiries unrelated to job posting compliance.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.
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At OpenAI, we believe artificial intelligence has the potential to help people solve immense global challenges, and we want the upside of AI to be widely shared. Join us in shaping the future of technology.

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