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

Silvus Technologies

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$48.08 - $67.31/hr

Expertise in C programming and experience in Linux kernel driver development. * Must be a U.S. Citizen due to clients under U.S. government contracts. * All employment is contingent upon the ...

Linuxconfig

Embedded Autonomy Engineer

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

As an Embedded Autonomy Engineer, you own the Linux mission computer that manages cameras, sensors ... Build and customize the embedded Linux image (Yocto or L4T): kernel, userspace, and reproducible ...

Anduril Industries

Embedded NixOS Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

As an Embedded NixOS Engineer, you'll be responsible for EW team's software supply chain, build out ... Experience with Linux kernel module development. * Experience with FPGA development. * Experience ...

Slope

Senior Embedded NixOS Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$191 - $253/hr

As an Embedded NixOS Engineer, you'll be responsible for EW team's software supply chain, build out ... Experience with Linux kernel module development. * Experience with FPGA development. * Experience ...

Vast

Senior Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$135K - $176K/yr

Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers * Experience with Embedded Systems * Fault ... Network programming experience * Experience working with satellite communications or telemetry ...

Slope

Mission Software Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166 - $220/hr

Experience with Linux kernel module development * Experience with FPGA development (Verilog, VHDL, etc.), especially Xilinx devices and tools. * Experience with graphics programming (OpenGL, DirectX ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

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$108.4K

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How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 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 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 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 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.

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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:

Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $160,002 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Senior Embedded Software Engineer, Linux

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team:

The Vehicle Software team develops the safety-critical software that runs on Terran R. The work spans a distributed, real-time control system operating under extreme conditions like Mach 5 atmospheric flight, with a deployment pace that allows you to see your code run on rocket engines daily. The team is building new system architecture from the ground up and just as importantly, testing, releasing, and deploying it. You don't need an aerospace background: what matters is experience with high-reliability software for complex systems. This is a rare opportunity to shape the foundation of Terran R's software stack while directly influencing performance, reliability, and flight success.

About the Role:

As an Embedded Linux Software Engineer you will be a key member of our embedded software team responsible for developing, testing, and documenting firmware that gets deployed to all avionics boxes throughout our rocket vehicles. In this role, you'll develop embedded Linux software for network switch and camera platforms, creating production-grade applications and system services that power real-world devices deployed at scale. You'll focus on the integration of networking, video, and hardware interfaces, implementing software that interacts directly with hardware peripherals, networking subsystems, and video pipelines running on embedded SoCs. Working closely with hardware, systems, and platform teams, you'll lead system bring-up and platform integration efforts for new hardware, debug complex issues across the full stack from hardware and kernel to drivers and application layers and participate in validation and performance tuning. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to software architecture improvements, maintain high-performance and reliable code, and support critical testing and troubleshooting activities in both lab and field environments as we build aerospace technology that flies.

About You:

  • 5+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++
  • Experience developing applications on embedded Linux platforms
  • Experience debugging using tools such as gdb, strace, perf, tcpdump, etc.
  • Familiarity with Linux networking and system programming
  • Experience working with cross-compiled systems and build systems
  • Strong debugging skills across hardware and software boundaries

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with camera pipelines, video processing, or multimedia frameworks
  • Experience with network switching, routing, or networking protocols
  • Familiarity with low-level embedded development (MCU, RTOS, or bare-metal)
  • Experience with hardware bring-up and board support package
  • Experience with Yocto or similar Linux build systems
  • Experience developing or modifying Linux device drivers
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing for embedded systems

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