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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Thorough understanding of Linux (kernel, modules, filesystems) with special emphasis on the network stack, especially multicast, and OpenOnload * Experience working with Linux and standard tools ...

Old Mission

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... the Linux kernel, systems programming • A passion for solving challenging problems • Strong systems knowledge and prefer some experience in developing low latency systems • Experience with ...

Geneva Trading

Mid-level Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Geneva Trading is seeking a Mid-Level System Engineer to join our Core Infrastructure team in ... Advanced Linux: Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel, system internals, and performance profiling ...

Old Mission

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$175K - $300K/yr

In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel, systems programming * A passion for solving challenging problems * Strong systems knowledge and prefer some experience in developing low latency systems

Old Mission Capital

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $300K/yr

In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel, systems programming * A passion for solving challenging problems * Strong systems knowledge and prefer some experience in developing low latency systems

Geneva Trading

Junior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

This role is for the curious mind-the engineer who doesn't just want to write a strategy but wants to understand exactly how the Linux kernel handles every packet that strategy sends. Core ...

Cboe Global Markets

Senior Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Role Overview We are seeking a Senior Linux Platform Engineer to join our Systems Platform Engineer ... In-depth knowledge of Linux internals, kernel tuning, and performance diagnostics. * Hands-on ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsLinux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$104K

$153.6K

$181.3K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $153,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,600.00 and $170,000.00 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.

More about Linux Kernel Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,555 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer - Work From Home

Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer - Work From Home

Next Step Systems

Des Plaines, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer - Work From Home
This is a 100% Remote Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer opportunity. Candidates located in the Chicago area is a plus.
The Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer will have a wide variety of responsibilities and skills that compliment a hosting environment designed with security and stability in mind. This role will be responsible for the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure within the data centers and public clouds. This is a hands-on position that requires complete transparency and trust.
Responsibilities:
- Highest level of Linux Administration and Engineering for internal and external infrastructure.
- Administration of Linux operating systems.
- Administration of LAMP/LEMP environments.
- Deploying mass system security updates with automation in mind.
- Consulting services related to Magento and Cloud Hosting solutions.
- Work directly with high stakes customers to ensure success.
- Monitor customer communication channels to meet SLA requirements.
- Participate in Slack and ticketing systems to support customers.
- Field escalated support requests by telephone, email and ticketing system.
- Work within a project management system that focused on completing and documenting projects that are assigned outside of the escalated support queue.
- Troubleshooting of local and remote Linux operating system environments concentrating on a LAMP/LEMP stack.
- Operate and maintain infrastructure deployment systems using such as Cobbler, Ansible, etc.
- Support Linux multi-tenant, virtual, and dedicated platforms focusing on web hosting.
- Manage the provisioning and deployment of internal, multi-tenant, virtualized, and dedicated platforms.
- Investigate abuse and security vulnerabilities while creating and documenting policies related to Linux security.
- Utilize monitoring solutions such as Nagios, Icinga2, Cacti, Observium, and Cloudwatch.
- Assist the infrastructure team with predictive asset allocation with load testing.
- Build on current AWS infrastructure design and architecture to provide a high availability mission critical hosting platform.
- Management of customer migrations onto the company's network.
- Design and management of disaster recovery solutions.
Qualifications:
- 5 years in Linux system administration.
- 3 years in AWS hosting management.
- Must know how to build Ansible, Puppet or Shell Automation pPlays.
- Must have experience with DevOps.
- Deploying bare metal infrastructure using automated tools such as Cobbler and Ansible.
- Creating automation using bash or python.
- Engineering Linux based hosting solutions.
- Monitoring Cloud and data center based infrastructure.
- Deploying automated Linux kernel and system updates.
- Troubleshooting Magento based ecommerce solutions.
Preferred Skills:
Languages: Bash, Python, JavaScript, React
- Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, OSX
- Application Management: Apache, NGINX, HAProxy, Varnish, MySQL, MariaDB, Postgres, Virtuozzo, OpenVZ, Cacti, Elasticsearch Logstash Kibana (ELK), Docker, KVM, cPanel, Magento, WordPress, WooCommerce, Drupal, Cobbler, Ansible, Git, Bitbucket, Asterisk, FreePBX, Redis, Memcache, CloudFlare, NFS, Firewall, Iptables, SELinux, Samba, Kubernetes, Drone, Jenkins
- Infrastructure Management: Automation, Kickstart, Load Balancing, DNS, TCP/IP, SMTP, SNMP, DHCP, LVM, TFTP, Icinga2, Nagios, Observium, Cacti, New Relic, AWS, EC2, RDS, ELB/ALB, S3, EFS, Elasticache, Elasticsearch, Route53
Benefits include medical insurance, retirement plan, PTO, etc. Salary: 80K+ DOE. Keywords: Des Plaines IL Jobs, Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineer, Linux, AWS Hosting Management, Infrastructure, Cobbler, Ansible, Bash, Python, Engineering Linux, Cloud, Data Center, Linux Kernel, Magento, eCommerce Solutions, Remote, Work From Home, Illinois Recruiters, IT Jobs, Illinois Recruiting
Looking to hire for similar positions in Des Plaines, IL or in other cities? Our IT recruiting agencies and staffing companies can help.
We help companies that are looking to hire Linux and AWS Technical Operations Engineers for jobs Des Plaines, Illinois and in other cities too. Please contact our IT recruiting agencies and IT staffing companies today! Phone 630-428-0600 ext 11 or email us at jobs@nextstepsystems.com. Click here to submit your resume for this job and others.
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