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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

C++ Developer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$50 - $67.25/hr

... in Linux kernel development is a must - Strong familiarity with the software development life cycle, computer science fundamentals, and object-oriented design principles - Excellent communication ...

NxT Level

C++ Developer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$50 - $67.25/hr

... in Linux kernel development is a must - Strong familiarity with the software development life cycle, computer science fundamentals, and object-oriented design principles - Excellent communication ...

LRS

Senior Systems Engineer

Minneapolis, MN

$50 - $80/hr

Fulcrum Consulting, an LRS company, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with our client in ... Linux Kernel Systemd LVM File Systems (XFS, EXT4) Networking (TCP/IP, DNS, SSH, NFS) IT Service ...

Entrust Corporation

Sr Firmware Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$104.54 - $153.33/hr

Experience in Linux kernel development. * Experience in one or more of the following areas: Motor ... Exhibits good engineering judgment and decision making. * Proficiency using AI tools to assist with ...

Entrust Corp.

Sr Firmware Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Experience in Linux kernel development. * Experience in one or more of the following areas * Motor ... Whether you're a budding developer or a seasoned expert, we're invested in your professional ...

Entrust Datacard

Sr Firmware Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Experience in Linux kernel development. * Experience in one or more of the following areas * Motor ... Whether you're a budding developer or a seasoned expert, we're invested in your professional ...

Socket.dev

Senior Embedded Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... Senior Engineer for NVIDIA Linux (Ubuntu) medical device hardening and OTA updates who is ... Proven background in Linux system hardening (kernel config, services, filesystem, networking)

New

Socket.dev

Sr. Firmware Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Experience supporting engineering labs or IT infrastructure * Familiarity with kernel modules or low-level Linux development Work Environment The work environment for this role typically involves a ...

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Saint Paul, MN

... 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 ...

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsLinux Kernel Developer Jobs in Minneapolis, MN

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Minneapolis, MN salary details

$105.4K

$155.6K

$183.7K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Minneapolis, MN is $155,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $142,500.00 and $172,200.00 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 Minneapolis, MN? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minneapolis, MN? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minneapolis, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minneapolis, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Minneapolis, MN are:
Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,593 per year, or $74.8 per hour.

Linux Operating System Engineer

Horizontal Talent

Minneapolis, MN

$33 - $68/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Linux Operating System Engineer to support and improve enterprise Linux infrastructure across on-premises data centers and AWS environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on RHEL 8 systems, automation, troubleshooting, security, and service management in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities
  • Administer, maintain, and support Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 servers across on-premises and AWS environments.
  • Handle server provisioning, configuration, patching, upgrades, and ongoing lifecycle management.
  • Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability, and take proactive steps to support SLA goals.
  • Investigate and resolve complex issues related to Linux OS, applications, storage, and networking.
  • Support Linux hardening, access management, security patching, vulnerability remediation, and compliance activities.
  • Manage AWS Linux workloads, including EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling components.
  • Develop and maintain automation using Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible to improve operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, application, database, network, and security teams to support business services.
  • Assist with backup, recovery, disaster recovery, and high-availability processes.
  • Use ITIL-based processes and ServiceNow for incidents, changes, problems, requests, and related service management activities.
  • Create and update technical documentation, operational procedures, and knowledge base content.
  • Participate in on-call support and major incident response as needed.
Skills
  • 5+ years of Linux system administration experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, especially RHEL 8.
  • Experience supporting enterprise Linux environments at scale.
  • Practical AWS experience supporting Linux workloads in cloud environments.
  • Working knowledge of EC2, EBS, VPC, IAM, CloudWatch, and Auto Scaling.
  • Automation and scripting experience with Bash, Python, Perl, or Ansible.
  • Solid troubleshooting skills across Linux kernel, systemd, LVM, file systems, networking, DNS, SSH, and NFS.
  • Understanding of ITIL practices and service management workflows.
  • Experience using ServiceNow for incident, change, problem, and request management.
  • Ability to analyze logs, identify root causes, and resolve performance or availability issues.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience working in both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure environments.
  • Familiarity with enterprise security, compliance, and vulnerability remediation practices.
  • Experience supporting backup, recovery, disaster recovery, or high-availability solutions.
  • Experience creating clear technical documentation and knowledge base articles.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

Horizontal is committed to fostering a workplace rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion, where every team member is respected, supported, and empowered to contribute. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage qualified candidates to apply.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.


Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at www.horizontaltalent.com/job-board. Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $33 - $68 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Apply