1

Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

LERETA is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to support and enhance our enterprise infrastructure ... Implement metrics/logging; profile and tune kernel/app performance; root‑cause analysis for ...

LERETA is seeking a Linux Systems Engineer to support and enhance our enterprise infrastructure ... Implement metrics/logging; profile and tune kernel/app performance; root-cause analysis for ...

Strong proficiency with Linux kernel mode driver development, debugging tools and methodologies ... Experience collaborating with other developers/maintainers in Linux community * Experience reading ...

Strong proficiency with Linux kernel mode driver development, debugging tools and methodologies ... Experience collaborating with other developers/maintainers in Linux community * Experience reading ...

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$108K - $172K/yr

Strong proficiency with Linux kernel mode driver development, debugging tools and methodologies ... Experience collaborating with other developers/maintainers in Linux community * Experience reading ...

Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers * Network programming experience * Familiarity with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and digital multimeters * Familiarity with the Atlassian Suite ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$108.4K

$160K

$188.9K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Irvine, CA is $160,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,500.00 and $177,100.00 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, 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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Irvine, CA? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
Embedded NixOS Engineer

Other

Posted 8 hours ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) team is seeking NixOS engineers to build the core infrastructure we use to develop, build, and deploy cutting edge software. As an Embedded NixOS Engineer, you'll be responsible for EW team's software supply chain, build out the tools we use to target downstream software environments, perform NixOS bringup on our state-of-the-art hardware designs, and play a key role in the successful employment of our EW technology. You'll collaborate with industry leaders in mechanical, electrical, RF, FPGA, and functional programming software design to deliver the next generation of EW capabilities to our end users. You'll do this while rubbing elbows with some of the top minds in the NixOS ecosystem, tapping many decades of collective experience.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Work with electrical and FPGA engineers to bring up NixOS on our hardware platforms.
  • Implement build and deployment infrastructure for EW teams's software pipeline.
  • Shape our build, deployment, and CI/CD roadmaps to streamline the delivery of capabilities to customers.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience debugging custom hardware.
  • Experience with enterprise build and deployment systems.
  • Experience with image building infrastructure for embedded Linux systems.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience (professional or in the setting of an open source community) working with Nix/NixOS/Nixpkgs.
  • Experience (professional or in the setting of an open source community) working with typed functional programming languages (Haskell, Scala, F#, OCaml, Rust, etc.)
  • Experience with designing and bringing AArch64 Embedded Linux products to market.
  • Experience with custom hardware drivers.
  • Experience with Linux kernel module development.
  • Experience with FPGA development.
  • Experience with MATLAB, especially C code generation.

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media