ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Tech-Mex

Linux Engineer

Pleasanton, CA

Lead Linux Kernels Engineer with C, ARM experience needed for US software companies. We have a key ... Kernel Customization Able to write Shell and Perl scripts Good knowledge and experience in System ...

DigitalOcean

Staff Software Engineer, Kernel

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$191K - $239K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Engineer who is passionate about the Linux kernel. As a Staff Engineer ... Improve tooling and automation for testing and deployment of Linux kernels * Lead initiatives to ...

Nightwing

Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Wireshark * iproute2 * nftables * iptables Linux Kernel Tuning & Performance Optimization Tune ... Ubuntu Linux Networking Expertise Demonstrated expertise with: * Policy-Based Routing (PBR ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu Jobs

Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

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

As of Jul 14, 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, 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.
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:
Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Linux Kernel Engineer Ubuntu job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Waymo

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$213K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver™-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.
Waymo Onboard Infrastructure is responsible for low-level software and infrastructure on various components of the Waymo self-driving system. The team's scope covers everything from low-level system software to high-bandwidth data logging, IPC (low-latency and high-throughput), performance analysis, and full-system debugging. We work with the Hardware, Compute, Sensor, Perception, Behavior and Machine Learning teams to build the most performant and low-latency self-driving solution in the industry.
In this role, you will work on the System Software Team. The System Software team owns the primary compute node of Waymo's on-vehicle compute platform - an integrated embedded system. You will write Linux Kernel drivers (including creating appropriate user-space APIs) to communicate with custom hardware (e.g. custom ASICs and FPGAs). If you enjoy building embedded systems using novel compute hardware and working with engineering teams that will be direct consumers of your work, you'll be a great fit for this role.
In this hybrid role, you will report to the Technical Lead Manager.
You will:
  • Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to develop system software components from early prototyping to production launch of driverless vehicles
  • Develop and test Linux Kernel device drivers and other components for high-performance embedded systems including custom ASICs and accelerators.
  • Work with a variety of engineering teams and SoC partners to take on ambiguous problems.

You have:
  • BA/BS degree in Computer Science, or relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience
  • Proficiency in C and C++
  • 5+ years of programming experience in an asynchronous environment with multiple processes, threads, timers, and interrupts
  • Experience with Linux kernel and device driver development
  • Working knowledge of hardware bring-up and debugging, including the ability to read schematics/datasheets and use common tools (oscilloscopes, multimeter, logic analyzers)

We prefer:
  • Experience with early-silicon development tools, e.g. emulators, simulators and FPGAs
  • Experience with common hardware protocols/interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or I2C)
  • Experience working with multiple types of industry partners (CM, ODM, OEM, or ISV)
  • Working knowledge of complex hardware-accelerated compute pipelines (GPUs, ML accelerators, image/data processors)
  • Experience with bootloaders or programming in a BIOS
  • Experience with building and maintaining testing infrastructure for OS and other low level code.
  • Experience with performing safe and robust software and firmware updates.

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$213,000-$263,000 USD

Apply