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Linux Driver Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

... Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join ... Your primary focus will be on Linux-based systems, device driver development, including for custom ...

... Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join ... Your primary focus will be on Linux-based systems, device driver development, including for custom ...

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

... Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join ... Your primary focus will be on Linux-based systems, device driver development, including for custom ...

As an Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you would get to work on software builds, device drivers, and low-level systems architecture using Yocto Linux, CMake, C, C++., and more. In addition, you will ...

Linux Automotive Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6+ Months You will be joining ... Experience in bootloaders,Linux kernel and driver architecture is a plus * Experience in Multimedia ...

Linux Automotive Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Duration: 6+ Months You will be joining ... Experience in bootloaders,Linux kernel and driver architecture is a plus * Experience in Multimedia ...

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Linux Driver Developer information

See California salary details

$36

$54

$70

How much do linux driver developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux driver developer in California is $54.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.57 and $58.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Linux Driver Developers?

Linux Driver Developers are software engineers who design, implement, and maintain device drivers that enable hardware components to communicate with the Linux operating system. They work closely with hardware manufacturers and kernel developers to ensure that devices such as graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers are supported on Linux platforms. Their work involves writing code in languages like C, debugging hardware interactions, and contributing to open source kernel projects. Linux Driver Developers play a crucial role in expanding hardware compatibility and performance for Linux users.

What are some common challenges Linux Driver Developers face when integrating new hardware with the Linux kernel?

Linux Driver Developers often encounter challenges such as limited vendor documentation, ensuring compatibility across different kernel versions, and debugging complex interactions between the driver and user-space applications. Additionally, they must adhere to strict coding standards required by the Linux kernel community and handle frequent changes in kernel APIs. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers and the broader open-source community is also crucial to resolve issues efficiently and ensure robust, maintainable code.

What is the difference between Linux Driver Developer vs Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectLinux Driver DeveloperLinux Kernel Developer
Primary FocusDeveloping and maintaining device drivers for LinuxContributing to the Linux kernel core code
Required SkillsC programming, hardware interfaces, driver architectureC programming, kernel architecture, system internals
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems, hardware vendors, device manufacturersOpen-source community, Linux kernel projects
CertificationsOften Linux or embedded system certificationsLinux Foundation certifications, kernel development courses

Linux Driver Developers focus on creating drivers for specific hardware components, while Linux Kernel Developers work on the core kernel itself. Both roles require strong C programming skills and familiarity with Linux internals, but Driver Developers typically work closer to hardware, whereas Kernel Developers contribute to the overall system architecture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Driver Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Driver Developer, you need a solid understanding of C programming, Linux kernel architecture, and device driver development, typically supported by a computer science or related degree. Familiarity with kernel debugging tools (such as GDB, ftrace, and perf), version control systems like Git, and experience with open-source collaboration are essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable, efficient drivers and collaborating within the Linux development community to ensure hardware and software compatibility.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Driver Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Linux Driver Developer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Driver Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Driver Developer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Linux Driver Developer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,555 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Linux BSP Developer

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Should have worked on Vehicle Mobile Application, connecting mobile device in Vehicles, Bluetooth ,BLE, OATH etc

Job Description

 Job Title: Linux BSP Developer 

Location: Burlingame CA 

Duration: Long Term

 

Requirement :  

JD

Kernel - Developer Engineer

Skill

Linux, C, C++

Mandatory

Board Bring Up

Mandatory

Kernel

Mandatory

BSP , Android HAL/HIDL

Mandatory

Kernel Driver - Development

Mandatory

Automated Unit Testing

Optional

Role

Individual Contributor, Requirement Analysis ,Design/Development, Bug Fixing, Unit Testing

Experience

6+ Years

Work mode

From Office - 5 days a week

Additional Information

 Vehicle Infotainment Systems  Exp must  Previous,  Automotive domain experienceÂ