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

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

... kernel upgrades, and OSS note implementation. * Configure and manage Solution Manager technical ... Proficiency in operating systems including SUSE Linux and Windows for SAP deployments * Experience ...

Scalp Trade LLC

Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Solid Linux fundamentals and shell proficiency. * Familiarity with firewall administration and ... kernel bypass, hardware timestamping, PTP)

IMC

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

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

Ubiety

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$133K - $163K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Embedded Software Engineer to design, develop, test, and support our next ... Solid experience with bare-metal development, RTOS, and embedded Linux (BSP, device drivers, kernel ...

IMC

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

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

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

AI Engineer II

Houston, TX · On-site

$116K - $144K/yr

Develop and enhance automated pipelines for AI delivery using tools like Azure DevOps, GitHub ... Experience with GPU environments, Linux systems, and frameworks such as LangChain, Semantic Kernel ...

Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

AI Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$116K - $144K/yr

Develop and enhance automated pipelines for AI delivery using tools like Azure DevOps, GitHub ... Experience with GPU environments, Linux systems, and frameworks such as LangChain, Semantic Kernel ...

IMC

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

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

Trans Union LLC

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... DevOps Director. The Site Reliability Engineering team drives reliability strategy, elevates ... Deep Linux expertise - from kernel internals and system performance tuning to hardening and ...

TransUnion

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... DevOps Director. The Site Reliability Engineering team drives reliability strategy, elevates ... Deep Linux expertise - from kernel internals and system performance tuning to hardening and ...

TransUnion

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... DevOps Director. The Site Reliability Engineering team drives reliability strategy, elevates ... Deep Linux expertise - from kernel internals and system performance tuning to hardening and ...

Transunion

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$58.75 - $78/hr

... DevOps Director. The Site Reliability Engineering team drives reliability strategy, elevates ... Deep Linux expertise - from kernel internals and system performance tuning to hardening and ...

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

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.

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 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.

Sr. Software Engineer II, Exchange Connectivity

NinjaTrader

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

What you'll do:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Software Engineer II with deep expertise in exchange connectivity and high-performance trading systems. This is a high-impact role focused on interfacing directly with multiple exchanges, handling real-time market data, order routing, and trade processing with low latency and high reliability.

You'll be part of the Exchange Connectivity team, owning the software that communicates directly with exchanges worldwide.

In this role you will:

  • Design, implement, and support exchange connectivity components across multiple asset classes and protocols
  • Develop and maintain market data handlers, order gateways, and contract/instrument reference data processors
  • Create APIs to expose exchange services to the broader organization via REST, WebSocket, event bus, or other mechanisms
  • Collaborate closely with the Trading OMS, FCM, and infrastructure teams
  • Optimize for low latency, high throughput, and fault tolerance across all trading and data flows

What you'll need:

  • 8+ years of experience in the trading industry, ideally with C++ or Rust
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Proven experience building exchange connectivity and market data systems across multiple venues
  • Strong understanding of network programming, multicast UDP, TCP, and asynchronous I/O
  • Deep knowledge of trading industry specifications (FIX, SBE, market data formats, etc.)
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to mentor others and drive change across teams
  • Experience supporting live trading systems in production - diagnosing connectivity issues, latency anomalies, and failover events
  • Strong sense of ownership, with the ability to deliver robust, tested, and observable software in mission-critical environments

Bonus Points for:

  • Capital markets experience
  • Performance profiling and tuning using perf, VTune, Wireshark, or similar tools to analyze and reduce latency
  • Low-latency systems development with deep experience optimizing for performance, throughput, and determinism in production trading environments
  • Building and maintaining real-time feed handlers for exchange protocols (ITCH, OUCH, FIX/FAST, CME MDP, Eurex ETI, etc.)
  • Familiarity with U.S. and international exchange APIs and connectivity protocols (CME, ICE, Eurex, CBOE, Binance, etc.)
  • Expert-level Linux knowledge, including performance tuning, kernel parameters, NUMA, and clock synchronization (PTP)
  • Building resilient distributed systems that handle failover, recovery, and state synchronization
  • Expertise in concurrency, multi-threading, and asynchronous programming
  • Familiarity with IBM MQ for exchange data transfer
  • Experience with low-latency networking, kernel bypass, or FPGA acceleration

Compensation:

The salary range for this role will be $140,000-$190,000 USD. In addition, this position will also receive an annual target bonus of 12%. Bonus pay at NinjaTrader is based on individual performance (50%) as well as company/team performance (50%).

Salary and bonus earnings are only two components of the total compensation package offered by NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader offers a 401(k) plan through ADP under which the company will match up to 3.5% of employee contributions. Annual paid time off allowance accrues at a rate of 18 days per year plus seven paid holidays.

Location:

This role is based in Chicago, IL. We are not open to remote candidates for this role.

Hybrid:

For Chicago-based employees, we follow a hybrid work schedule: In-office Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays. In addition to these weekly remote days, we offer:

  • 20 additional flex remote days annually
  • 5 Company Wide Office-Optional weeks tied to major holidays

Apply