ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Colorado Springs, CO

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

... kernel updates, service configurations, and performance tuning * Troubleshoot complex Linux OS ... Maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, OS build artifacts, and configuration guidance required ...

IonQ

Senior Manager, Flight Software

Louisville, CO · On-site +1

$192.98K - $252.66K/yr

Drive and uphold engineering best practices, including code reviews, automated testing ... Familiarity with embedded Linux, Linux kernel modules, and development tools. * Experience with ...

bet365

Senior Linux End User Technology Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... kernel tuning. * Hands-on experience with virtualisation technologies like VMware vSphere, KVM, and ... Understanding of Linux security best practices, SELinux, user permissions, SSH hardening, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsLinux Kernel Developer Jobs in Colorado

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Colorado salary details

$106.2K

$156.7K

$185.1K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Colorado is $156,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,500.00 and $173,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Linux Kernel Developer Do?

A Linux kernel developer uses computer code to create a program that functions as the core of a computer operating system. Your duties can include creating kernels for open-source operating systems for desktop computers, laptops, phones, and tablets. You can also develop programs for embedded systems for routers, smart devices, or automated machinery. Linux uses C programming languages, so you often write code in C and C++. In addition to your coding responsibilities, you also test and debug your programs. Your employer may ask you to develop applications, drivers, and other tools to use with your kernel.

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

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Developer, you need deep knowledge of C programming, operating system concepts, and experience with kernel development, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, GDB, build systems, and patch submission processes, as well as experience contributing to open-source projects, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating within the open-source community. These skills ensure high-quality code contributions, efficient troubleshooting, and successful integration with the broader Linux ecosystem.

What are some common challenges Linux Kernel Developers face when integrating new features or patches?

Linux Kernel Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware architectures and maintaining stability across diverse distributions. Integrating new features or patches requires rigorous code review, thorough testing, and clear communication with the broader open-source community. Developers must also keep up with the kernel's fast-paced development cycles and adhere to strict coding standards, which can be demanding but offers significant opportunities for learning and professional growth.

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

AspectLinux Kernel DeveloperLinux Device Driver Developer
Required CredentialsProficiency in C, Linux kernel development experience, often a degree in Computer Science or related fieldSimilar credentials, with focus on device-specific programming and hardware knowledge
Work EnvironmentDeveloping and maintaining core kernel components, often in a Linux environmentWriting and debugging drivers for specific hardware devices within Linux
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, open-source projects, hardware manufacturersHardware manufacturers, embedded systems, specialized device companies

While both roles require strong C programming skills and Linux knowledge, Linux Kernel Developers focus on core kernel development, whereas Linux Device Driver Developers specialize in creating drivers for hardware components. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the Linux ecosystem.

More about Linux Kernel Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in CO? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Colorado as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,741 per year, or $75.4 per hour.
Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware

Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware

Lunar Outpost, Inc.

Arvada, CO • On-site

$137K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of humanity's presence in space? Lunar Outpost, an industry leader in space robotics and planetary vehicles, invites you to join our team! Lunar Outpost is dedicated to creating a permanent presence in space, while also driving positive impacts here on Earth. Currently, we are seeking a Staff Embedded Software Engineer - Middleware to contribute to our mission in a dynamic startup environment.
The main responsibility of the Embedded Software Engineer is to act as a subject matter expert in developing Linux Kernels for advanced space robotic applications. They will lead kernel development efforts and mentor engineers on best practices, ensuring the system meets stringent safety and reliability requirements for crewed and autonomous space operations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the technical authority for kernel configuration and deployment on a robotics-based avionics platforms
  • Design, implement, integrate and maintain kernel-based software for space avionics
  • Perform board bring-up for new avionics hardware, including processor initialization, bootloader configuration, and peripheral driver development
  • Implement task scheduling, memory partitioning, and time partitioning in alignment with mission safety standards
  • Develop and integrate device drivers for rover avionics subsystems
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and robotics teams to define and implement fault-tolerant operating system configurations
  • Support hardware/software integration using engineering models, simulators and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
  • Document OS configuration, integration steps, operational procedures to flight-certifiable standards

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer or electrical engineering or related field
  • 5+ years in embedded software or avionics systems for space or mission-critical robotics applications
  • 3+ in Linux kernel setup, configuration and BSP customization
  • Hands-on board bring-up experience for avionics or robotics hardware
  • Strong proficiency in C for embedded system development
  • Experience with real-time debugging, timing analysis and performance optimization
  • Experience working with SPI, RS485/422, ADCs, Spacewire
  • Experience with deterministic networking, symmetric multiprocessors (SMP) and safety-critical software architecture
  • Self-motivated, focused, and driven to meet critical deadlines
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • U.S. Person

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior work with crewed vehicle avionics architecture or planetary robotics
  • Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) protocol configuration and validation for deterministic ethernet
  • Experience working with NASA core flight system (cFS)
  • Familiarity with space mission development phases and associated documentation and standards
  • Experience with VxWorks 7 DKMs and RTPs
  • Experience with OCI containerization

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation level and base salary are competitively structured and thoughtfully determined based on factors such as relevant skills, experience, education, and the scope of the role.
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits, with 70% of premiums covered by the employer
  • Paid time off: Three (3) weeks per year of vacation
  • Retirement plan: Up to 4% employer match on 401(k) contributions
  • Paid holidays: 11 company-recognized holidays
  • Parental leave
  • Educational reimbursement opportunities to support company objectives, continued learning, and career development

Lunar Outpost Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Lunar Outpost Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employees, including executives and human resources personnel, are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism and treat others with dignity and respect in accordance with this policy.

Apply