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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Experienced in Linux kernel builds and Linux ramdisk creation; booting and debugging Linux on ... Experienced in C programming language and build environment such as makefiles, compiler flags, and ...

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Kitchener, ON · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$150K/yr

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer Department: Inverter Firmware Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 ... Design and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs) including bootloaders, kernel configuration ...

We are seeking s Software Driver Developer to create reference drivers for our AI-IP in a reference ... Familiar with Linux kernel concepts and how kernel and user-space components interact. * Experience ...

New

Software Security Engineer

Ottawa, ON

CA$84.60K - CA$135.20K/yr

Proven experience in software security engineering with a solid understanding of security ... Experience with Linux Kernel development and its security aspects. * Strong knowledge of cloud ...

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer Department: Inverter Firmware Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 ... Design and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs) including bootloaders, kernel configuration ...

Staff Firmware Engineer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$500K/yr

Tenstorrent is looking for a Staff Firmware Developer to contribute to development of system ... How firmware integrates with bootloaders, embedded Linux, kernel drivers, runtime software, BMC ...

... developer for our leading-edge optical line system product line. Our team is responsible for ... Strong understanding of SOC controller/processor architecture, Linux kernel, and real-time OS ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Ontario? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Ontario are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in ON? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Ontario as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

SoC Embedded SW/Linux Validation Engineer

NXP Semiconductors

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title: SoC Embedded SW/Linux Validation Engineer

We are looking for an SoC Validation Engineer with a strong embedded SW background and, more specifically, Linux kernel/driver programming and debug experience. The selected candidate will work on developing validation infrastructure and validation of SoC, developing and debugging embedded C code in bare metal environment. The candidate will also use Linux as a validation vehicle for the SoCs, bringing up and debugging Linux kernel on emulation and silicon platforms to find SoC design issues. The validation will require understanding SoC architecture and design specifications of specific IPs, developing validation test plans working with partner teams such as design/verification/SW, developing validation drivers and test content, executing validation content on emulation and silicon, and debugging failures. The validation drivers and test content may be bare metal and/or OS based (Linux, RTOS).

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain validation infrastructure to support comprehensive SoC validation efforts

Validate SoC functionality using both baremetal and OSbased environments

Plan, develop, execute, and debug SoC functional tests in embedded C code in baremetal environments on both emulation and silicon platforms

Use Linux as a validation vehicle by bringing up and debugging the Linux kernel and select applications on emulation and silicon platforms

Identify, isolate, and debug SoC design issues through lowlevel software and system analysis; Work design and verification teams in root causing the issues.

Gain deep understanding of SoC architectures and IPlevel design specifications

Create detailed validation test plans in collaboration with design, verification, product engineering, and software teams

Support validation across multiple software environments, including baremetal, Linux, and RTOS

Job Qualifications:

  • The candidate must have 12+ experience in the embedded SW and Linux kernel/driver programming.

  • The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

  • Experienced in Linux kernel builds and Linux ramdisk creation; booting and debugging Linux on emulation and validation platforms.

  • Able to read and understand SoC architecture and design specifications for various IPs.

  • Experienced in C programming language and build environment such as makefiles, compiler flags, and linker scripts.

  • Ability to develop scripts (such as Python) to post-process executable images into platform loadable images (emulation and validation boards).

  • Exposure to assembly level programing (Preferably ARM32/ARM64)

  • Ability to debug SoC using features such as Trace32, TARMAC instruction traces, and waveform traces; Debug skills include development of CMM scripts and ability to recreate test (code) given detailed explanation of a specific failure.

  • Understanding of multi-core environment in an SoC and bus infrastructure.

  • Understanding of interrupt controllers, DMA, GPIO. peripheral understanding useful (UART, I2C, PCIe, etc.)

  • Understanding of SoC low power modes.

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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