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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Sr Software Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT

$118K - $156K/yr

Experience working with Linux OS and kernel-level interactions * Experience debugging and ... Experience with modern DevOps and version control tools (e.g., Git, Rally) * Experience in one or ...

Sr Software Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$117K - $154K/yr

Experience working with Linux OS and kernel-level interactions * Experience debugging and ... Experience with modern DevOps and version control tools (e.g., Git, Rally) * Experience in one or ...

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Utah salary details

$91.9K

$135.7K

$160.2K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Utah is $135,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,300.00 and $150,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 does a Linux Kernel Developer do?

A Linux Kernel Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the core part of the Linux operating system known as the kernel. Their work involves writing and reviewing code, debugging issues, implementing new features, and ensuring the kernel remains efficient and secure. They also collaborate with the open-source community to contribute patches and updates. Linux Kernel Developers play a crucial role in supporting hardware compatibility and system performance across various devices.

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 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 Utah? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Utah are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in UT? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,702 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Systems Administrator

L3HHCM20

Salt Lake City, UT

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Systems Administrator

Job Code: 39845

Job Location: Melbourne, FL; Rochester, NY; or Salt Lake City, UT

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Linux Workstation/Endpoint Engineer to architect, secure, maintain, and continuously improve our enterprise Linux desktop platform. This role serves as the technical owner and design authority for Linux endpoint engineering, managing the platform as a product with defined lifecycle, service levels, and measurable outcomes. This role will partner with Infrastructure, Security, Identity, Networking, and End-User Support teams to deliver a secure, reliable, supportable, and user-centered Linux endpoint experience at enterprise scale.

Essential Functions:

  • Serve as design authority and primary technical owner for enterprise Linux workstation architecture and standards.
  • Define and maintain supported Linux distributions, kernel lifecycle strategy, and graphics stack (Wayland/Xorg), including compatibility guardrails.
  • Build and maintain hardened OS images and zero-touch provisioning/enrollment workflows (Kickstart, preseed, image pipelines, first-boot automation).
  • Own upgrade strategy, including in-place upgrade policy, rebuild criteria, pilot rings, and rollback plans
  • Qualify and sustain hardware compatibility across laptops, GPUs, wireless chipsets, docks, and multi-monitor configurations.
  • Track firmware, kernel regressions, suspend/resume behavior, and performance and stability trends with corrective action plans.
  • Design and maintain enterprise identity integration (AD/LDAP, Kerberos, SSSD, offline authentication, MFA and conditional access patterns).
  • Own endpoint security architecture, including full-disk encryption, Secure Boot, TPM-backed controls, key management, and boot-chain trust.
  • Integrate and sustain endpoint security tooling (EDR, vulnerability scanning, compliance agents, logging, and telemetry).
  • Define lifecycle governance: release cadence, support windows, deprecation timelines, and exception management.
  • Maintain architecture documentation, runbooks, disaster recovery procedures, and break-glass access controls.
  • Lead change and risk management for kernel, desktop environment, and major OS releases through formal CAB/change controls.
  • Plan phased rollouts, risk assessments, rollback procedures, and post-implementation validation.
  • Own Linux endpoint patching, repository management, package governance, and software distribution standards.
  • Build automation and CI/CD workflows for image validation, policy testing, and deployment quality gates.
  • Define SLIs/SLOs and operational metrics (build success, deployment success, incident volume, MTTR, compliance posture).
  • Provide L3/L4 escalation support for complex endpoint incidents and lead root-cause analysis/problem management.
  • Partner with Service Desk and Field Services to improve knowledge articles, handoff quality, and support readiness.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.
  • 4+ years administering and engineering Linux endpoints, preferably in enterprise RHEL/Ubuntu environments.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with Linux hardware enablement, qualification, and lifecycle certification.
  • Experience with Linux image builds and provisioning via Red Hat Satellite
  • Deep knowledge of Wayland/Xorg behavior, kernel strategy, firmware dependencies, and driver management.
  • Advanced security background in Linux endpoint hardening, encryption, Secure Boot, TPM, and EDR integration.
  • Experience implementing CIS/STIG controls, SELinux/AppArmor policy, and audit-ready baseline management.
  • Working knowledge of DevOps/IaC and CI/CD practices for endpoint engineering pipelines.
  • RHCSA/RHCE or equivalent Linux certifications strongly preferred.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, stakeholder management, and documentation discipline.
  • Proven ability to design practical, scalable solutions to complex endpoint challenges.
  • Experience supporting GPU-enabled engineering/scientific workloads is a plus.
  • Familiarity with ITIL incident/problem/change processes is a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, building, securing, and operating Linux workstation images and deployment workflows at scale.
  • Strong automation/configuration management experience (Ansible, shell/Python automation, image pipeline tooling).
  • Strong scripting and troubleshooting skills (Bash and/or Python) with emphasis on maintainability and reliability.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise identity and authentication integration (AD/LDAP, Kerberos, SSSD, MFA patterns).

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $91,500-$170,500. The salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $79,500-$147,500. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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