ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

What you will do as a Senior Systems Engineer at Akuna: We are looking for a versatile and driven ... Advanced Linux knowledge including, but not limited to, kernel bypass, kernel tuning, and ...

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Naperville, IL

... 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 ...

Moonlite

Senior Software Engineer, Network Platform

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $146K/yr

DPU Platform Engineering: Develop platform capabilities for managing Bluefield-3 DPUs including SR ... Linux networking stack, including network namespaces, iptables/nftables, Open vSwitch, and kernel ...

Accenture

Full Stack Engineer Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $293K/yr

... developer workflows. * You are a collaborative technical leader, mentoring teammates, sharing ... Strong proficiency in Linux, with a deep understanding of operating systems at the kernel level

CACI International

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

... Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems. More About This Role: You will demonstrate breadth and ... Knowledge of Kernel * Software development skills in current languages such as: C, C++, JAVA ...

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 ...

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

... Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems. More About This Role: You will demonstrate breadth and ... Knowledge of Kernel * Software development skills in current languages such as: C, C++, JAVA ...

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

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 1, 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.
Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.
What you will do as a Senior Systems Engineer at Akuna:
We are looking for a versatile and driven Senior Systems Engineer to join our Engineering team in building a best-in-class trading infrastructure. In this role, you'll tackle complex, large-scale technical challenges and play a key role in the architecture and design of low latency platforms, building automated deployments and tooling, and optimizing and maintaining of our high-performance global trading environment. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, proactive, and able to take ownership of projects and problems with minimal oversight. In this role, you will:
  • Analyze complex technical problems and collaborate on designing solutions for Akuna's global Infrastructure platform
  • Drive projects and solutions to completion in a fast-paced environment
  • Design, develop and maintain orchestration and configuration solutions
  • Collaborate with developers and other infrastructure engineers to research new products and techniques that drive innovation and improve efficiency and performance in the environment
  • Architect and maintain multi-vendor, tier-based storage solutions
  • Build out a test automation framework for systems performance testing and tuning
  • Create and institute process enforcement across environments
  • Create tools that assist teams to optimize the available infrastructure
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides
  • Lead knowledge transfer sessions and mentor team members to ensure continuity and operational excellence
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize system performance, security, and reliability

Qualities that make great candidates:
  • Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
  • 5-7 years of systems engineering experience (trading industry experience a strong plus)
  • Advanced Linux knowledge including, but not limited to, kernel bypass, kernel tuning, and customizing kernels
  • Deep understanding of virtualization and containerization technologies
  • Extensive experience with a variety of Linux distributions (RedHat, Ubuntu, etc.)
  • Deep understanding of system monitoring and configuration management tools (Ansible, Foreman, Prometheus and Icinga/Nagios)
  • Proficiency in scripting and using automation and orchestration tools such as Python and Bash
  • Expertise in troubleshooting multicast and TCP related performance issues
  • Experience automating daily software and hardware related tasks
  • Demonstrated ability to lead large technical projects
  • Experience with automating infrastructure builds, such as Preseed, NetBoot, Anaconda, Kickstart and Ansible customization
  • Familiarity with git or a similar version control tool
  • Working knowledge of database systems, including PostgreSQL and MySQL
  • Familiarity with Windows environments is a plus
  • Experience working with SOAP and REST APIs a plus
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
  • This role is open to hybrid and fully remote candidates

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

Apply