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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

ADT

Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Engineer

Blue Bell, PA · On-site

$121K - $182K/yr

A solid understanding of Linux kernel space is highly desirable. * Expert in three or more engineering disciplines/coding languages. * Deep knowledge and experience designing systems to achieve non ...

Sunhillo Corporation

Software Engineer

West Berlin, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... kernel device driver development • TCP/IP socket programming • System level programming: multithreaded, multicast, pipes, sockets, rpc • Embedded Linux software development • Linux shell ...

Transunion

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Crum Lynne, PA

$54.50 - $72.25/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 ...

TransUnion

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Crum Lynne, PA · On-site

$54.50 - $72.25/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 ...

Novocure Inc

SAP Basis Analyst

Wayne, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $100K/yr

Support planned maintenance activities such as kernel/SAP patching preparation, system refresh ... Familiarity with Linux and/or Windows administration concepts (services, filesystems, logs, basic ...

Novocure

SAP Basis Analyst

Wayne, PA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Support planned maintenance activities such as kernel/SAP patching preparation, system refresh ... Familiarity with Linux and/or Windows administration concepts (services, filesystems, logs, basic ...

Novocure

SAP Basis Analyst

Wayne, PA · Hybrid

$90K - $100K/yr

Support planned maintenance activities such as kernel/SAP patching preparation, system refresh ... Familiarity with Linux and/or Windows administration concepts (services, filesystems, logs, basic ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$101.9K

$150.4K

$177.6K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Philadelphia, PA is $150,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $137,700.00 and $166,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Philadelphia, PA? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784 -OJO

Right Talent Right Now

Philadelphia, PA

$174K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Description

System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development - 2784




Job Ref.: 2784


Job Title: System Level Software Engineer - Driver Development


Role: Information Technology


Relocation Available: Yes


Industry: I.T.


Location: South Carolina


Town / City: Greer


Job Type: Permanent full-time


Job description:


Company develops custom system level software, including device drivers, firmware, embedded applications, protocol stacks, board support packages, and custom interfaces. They specialize in wireless communications for military and embedded systems.


They are seeking a talented Software Development professional who specializes in system-level development (device drivers, firmware, embedded systems) to serve as a key member of the engineering team. This individual will be responsible for developing and supporting user mode applications, device drivers, and firmware for a wide variety of systems, including networking and communication hardware and software products. These responsibilities include the design and development of protocols and algorithms for a variety of technologies, including USB, PCI, 802. WLAN, Ethernet, VoIP, Bluetooth, cellular, and broadband communications. This individual must be able to communicate effectively with clients and be attentive to customer satisfaction.


Windows Kernel and/or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.


6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.


6-8+ years of application development experience


Excellent written and verbal communications skills


Strong debugging skills


Superior problem solving abilities 


Ability to work independently or as part of a team



Required Education: Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. 



Desired Skills (not required)


WinDBG


embedded Linux


Experience with multiple Linux distributions (Montavista, Ubuntu, OpenEmbedded, Red Hat, Buildroot, etc.) 


Embedded Linux development for a variety of platforms (ARM, MIPS, x86, PowerPC, etc.) and board support packages.


Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems).


Experience with real time and multithreaded applications


Experience performing architectural definition, documentation, and development at the system level


Reverse Engineering (IDA Pro, Ollydbg, etc.) 


Communication protocol experience (designing, implementing)


Experience writing software that interfaces with hardware (one or more of the following: device drivers, firmware, embedded systems)



Clearance Required: Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen in order to meet the minimum requirement to obtain the required clearance.


Bottom Line Requirements:


1. Bachelors or Masters in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related.


2. Windows Kernel or Driver Programming experience (XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8) or current Linux Kernel Driver programming experience.


3. 6-8+ years C, C+ programming experience.


4. 6-8+ years of application development experience.


5. US Citizen able to obtain clearance.





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