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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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Linux Kernel Developer information

See Minnesota salary details

$98.9K

$146K

$172.4K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Minnesota is $145,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,700.00 and $161,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in MN? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Target Brands, Inc.

Brooklyn Park, MN • On-site

$98K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,797 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $98,000.00 - $176,000.00
Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
About us:
Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.
As a Senior Engineer, you will build and debug software across the Linux stack (kernel and user space), contribute to SONiC builds that produce full Linux OS images, and work with hardware interfaces such as I2C and networking ASICs. Develop and support container-based workflows using Docker, troubleshoot issues across systems, networking, and infrastructure, and collaborate with teammates while supporting and mentoring others as needed.
Use your skills, experience, and talents to contribute to innovative thinking and forward-looking goals. As a Sr. Engineer, you will lead by applying deep technical expertise to evaluate and adopt current and emerging technologies, considering factors such as viability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership. You will drive research and proof-of-concept efforts, lead service design and lifecycle management, and guide architecture and design discussions using system and process insights. You will also lead code reviews, testing, optimization, and implementation activities, ensuring solutions meet architectural and operational best practices. In this role, be comfortable debugging complex hardware and software issues, work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly across diverse perspectives, mentor and support teammates, and operate successfully within Agile/Scrum environments.
Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.
About you:
• 4-year degree or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of software development experience
Programming
  • Strong experience in C /C++ in a Linux environment
  • Working knowledge of Python and scripting (bash or similar)
  • Familiarity with common tools like git, make, and basic build systems
  • Linux operating system services (e.g. systemd).

Containers & Build Environments
  • Experience using Docker and understanding how containers work
  • Familiarity with build tools and package management (apt, pip, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of handling certificates, credentials, and secure access

Networking Fundamentals
  • General understanding of networking concepts:
    • Ethernet basics (Interfaces copper and optical, MAC addressing etc.)
    • Layer 2 / Layer 3 concepts (switching vs routing)
  • Experience with protocols including ARP, ICMP, BGP, LACP, STP, LLDP, VLANs, etc.
  • Awareness of infrastructure components like DNS, firewalls, and TLS

Hardware / Embedded Exposure
  • Experience or familiarity with:
    • I2C devices and communication
    • Network switch architecture
    • Switching ASIC concepts
    • Low-level concepts like memory-mapped I/O or interrupts

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_D
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.

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About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US