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Linux Driver Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Senior FPGA Engineer

Salters, SC

$133K - $172K/yr

Hands-on experience with Python , C/C++ , or Linux driver development for FPGA-integrated systems ... Ability to work in cross-functional, fast-paced engineering teams. * Attention to detail and high ...

Persistent Systems

Embedded Software Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

You will be responsible for working with a team of engineers in the development and implementation ... Experience with Linux kernel and kernel module development and Linux driver development (wireless ...

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How much do linux driver developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux driver developer in the United States is $55.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.24 and $59.38 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Driver Developer jobs? The most popular types of Linux Driver Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Linux Driver Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Linux Driver Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Linux Driver Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Driver Developer jobs are:
Linux Driver Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Driver Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,062 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Linux Application Engineer

HELLBENDER Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Name: Hellbender Inc.
Job Title: Linux Application Engineer
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:
As a Linux Application Engineer at Hellbender, you will bridge the gap between high-level application software and the underlying Linux operating system. You will be responsible for developing robust applications in C/C++ or Python, maintaining system stability, and performing deep-dive investigations into system-level issues.
The ideal candidate is a systems-thinker who can navigate the Linux ecosystem, troubleshoot complex interactions between hardware and software, and manage the data pipelines used for system observability and logging. While you will not be tasked with writing device drivers from scratch, you must have the expertise to identify driver-level failures and interface effectively with our kernel engineering teams.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Application Development: Design, develop, and maintain high-performance applications and services using C, C++ and Python within a Linux environment.
  • System Troubleshooting: Investigate and diagnose complex issues occurring at the interface between user-space applications and the Linux kernel (e.g., analyzing interrupts, memory leaks, or I/O bottlenecks).
  • Driver Investigation: Identify and document driver-level bugs or regressions; work closely with hardware/kernel teams to provide reproducible test cases and logs for driver remediation.
  • System Configuration: Configure Linux environments, including boot parameters, systemd services, networking stacks, and resource management (cgroups/namespaces).
  • Observability & Logging: Implement, manage, and support robust logging frameworks to ensure high-quality telemetry and data collection from the field/test-bench.

Required Qualifications:
  • C/C++ Proficiency: Strong experience in professional C/C++ development, including memory management, multi-threading, and concurrency primitives.
  • Linux Systems Expertise: Deep understanding of the Linux user-space, including system calls, signals, IPC (Inter-Process Communication), and the Linux filesystem hierarchy.
  • Advanced Debugging Skills: Proficiency with Linux debugging tools.
  • System Configuration: Hands-on experience configuring Linux subsystems (networking, storage, permissions) and managing system initialization (e.g., systemd).
  • Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in Bash or Python for automating system tasks, data processing, and log analysis.
  • Version Control: Experience with Git and modern CI/CD workflows

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Rust Programming: Familiarity with Rust and its integration within a Linux environment is a significant plus.
  • Embedded Linux Knowledge: Experience with Yocto Project, Buildroot, or custom kernel configuration.
  • Data Pipeline Experience: Experience managing large-scale logging data (e.g., ELK stack, Prometheus, or custom telemetry pipelines).
  • Containerization: Experience with Docker or Podman for application isolation and deployment.
  • ROS 2: Familiarity with the ROS ecosystem is also helpful.

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 in Linux-based software engineering or systems programming.

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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