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

Linux kernel and driver programming * Robotics, Telecommunications, or High Speed Networking * Raspberry Pi or Arduino * Excellent marks in courses such as computer architecture, digital design ...

This role requires a python software developer with a passion for automating infrastructure as code ... Ubuntu Linux - kernel or userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, AI/ML, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Python ...

... kernel socket engineering. You will own each project you work on and deliver thoughtful and ... Proficient in Basic Linux, including SSH * Interest in writing highly performant code * Excellent ...

... kernel socket engineering. You will own each project you work on and deliver thoughtful and ... Proficient in Basic Linux, including SSH * Interest in writing highly performant code * Excellent ...

... Linux operating systems, network configuration, and server management • Strong understanding of ... and kernel bypass technology • Proficiency in Python and Bash • Demonstrated curiosity and ...

... deep Linux internals knowledge and kernel-level tuning to maximize efficiency and stability ... Hands-on familiarity and engineering experience with modern IaC frameworks, specifically Terraform ...

... deep Linux internals knowledge and kernel-level tuning to maximize efficiency and stability ... Hands-on familiarity and engineering experience with modern IaC frameworks, specifically Terraform ...

Showing results 21-40

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$104.1K

$153.7K

$181.4K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $153,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,700.00 and $170,100.00 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?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL 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:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 92% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 76% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,677 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Campus FPGA Engineer (Intern)

Jump Trading

Chicago, IL

$250K/yr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Jump Trading Group is committed to world class research. We empower exceptional talents in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science to seek scientific boundaries, push through them, and apply cutting edge research to global financial markets. Our culture is unique. Constant innovation requires fearlessness, creativity, intellectual honesty, and a relentless competitive streak. We believe in winning together and unlocking unique individual talent by incenting collaboration and mutual respect. At Jump, research outcomes drive more than superior risk adjusted returns. We design, develop, and deploy technologies that change our world, fund start-ups across industries, and partner with leading global research organizations and universities to solve problems.

Core Development is a global team of technologists who lean into the cutting edge of agentic development to architect, build and maintain our world-class trading platform From optimizing our core trading engine to building custom hardware, we leverage the latest agentic tools to deliver the infrastructure that drives our trading and business needs.

What You'll Do:

We're looking for engineers to join our FPGA team that is building next-generation, ultra-low-latency systems to power trading with machine learning and other algorithms on a global scale. 

This is an opportunity to work on complex problems around networking, high performance computing, and real-time acceleration where we can't just use off-the-shelf hardware.

You'll work alongside a small team of experienced engineers who came to Jump from leading companies in FPGAs, semiconductors, networking cards, and more... as well as PhDs from top FPGA research labs around the world. 

Other duties as assigned or needed

Skills You'll Need:

  • Undergraduate or Graduate concentration in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related areas 
  • Experience with FPGA or other hardware/systems design and development
  • Experience with RTL (SystemVerilog/Verilog/VHDL) 
  • Previous internship experience in hardware or low-level software engineering
  • Experience with C, C++, or Python
  • Passion for solving complex problems and ability to draw upon knowledge and experience from a variety of technical areas to produce extremely high-performance solutions
  • Reliable and predictable availability

Also Helpful, but Not Required:

  • lowRISC or RISC-V
  • CocoTB, Chisel, Opencore, or Bluespec
  • HLS or OpenCL 
  • Any programming close to the metal with CPU, GPU, microprocessors, etc.
  • Linux kernel and driver programming
  • Robotics, Telecommunications, or High Speed Networking 
  • Raspberry Pi or Arduino 
  • Excellent marks in courses such as computer architecture, digital design, design verification

* No finance or economics study or work experience required

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS are encouraged to apply. We accept students eligible for CPT/OPT and we sponsor work visas for full-time positions.

The estimated base salary for this role is $250,000 per year.