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

Senior Embedded Engineer, EW

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$133K - $174K/yr

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

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

Avionics Test Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

Understanding of Linux kernel software and drivers * Experience with Embedded Systems * Fault ... Senior Avionics Test Engineer: $147,600-$209,520

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141K - $185K/yr

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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$141K - $185K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 5, 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:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Irvine, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,002 per year, or $76.9 per hour.
Senior Embedded Engineer, EW

Senior Embedded Engineer, EW

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$133K - $174K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days 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 Electronic Warfare (EW) team is seeking experienced generalist embedded software engineers to build out the software ecosystem supporting a next-generation electronic warfare platform. As an Embedded software engineer, you'll develop high-performance implementations of numerical algorithms, collaborate with digital systems engineers to enable maximum-performance interfaces between next-gen RF hardware and software, work with DSP and RFML engineers to rapidly deploy bleeding-edge capabilities to our customers, and collaborate with the wider software organization to deliver seamless integration of electronic warfare products with the Anduril Lattice system-of-systems suite. You will apply state-of-the-art software construction techniques to ensure the timely delivery of correct mission-critical code.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Work with digital systems engineers and systems programmers to develop high-performance hardware/software interfaces.
  • Develop and maintain infrastructure and tools that enable DSP and RFML engineers to rapidly deploy algorithms and models to our assets.
  • Develop high-performance implementations of numerical algorithms for generating, manipulating, and visualizing RF data.
  • Develop correct, high-reliability software for controlling our electronic warfare assets, seamlessly integrated with the Anduril Lattice ecosystem.
  • Utilize infrastructure providing deterministic builds and configuration management for deployment, guaranteeing software traceability and minimizing the maintenance burden of our products.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years professional experience in software engineering
  • Experience (professional or in the setting of an open source community) working with typed functional programming languages (Haskell or Rust)
  • Experience with software-defined digital radio systems
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret SCI security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with MATLAB, especially C code generation.
  • Experience with Linux kernel module development
  • Experience with FPGA development (Verilog, VHDL, etc.), especially Xilinx devices and tools.
  • Experience with graphics programming (OpenGL, DirectX, Vulkan, etc.)
  • Experience with Nix/NixOS

What Anduril employees say

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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

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