1

Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Rochester Hills, MI

next page

Showing results 1-20

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Rochester Hills, MI salary details

$93K

$137.2K

$162K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Rochester Hills, MI is $137,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,600.00 and $151,900.00 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 Rochester Hills, MI? For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Rochester Hills, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Rochester Hills, MI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $137,204 per year, or $66 per hour.
AV Platform OS Staff SW Engineer

AV Platform OS Staff SW Engineer

General Motors

Warren, MI

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

The AV Platform team designs, develops, and maintains the foundational embedded software platform for GM's software-defined vehicle (SDV) and AV solutions, including operating systems, board support packages (BSP), drivers, and the core software stack for high-compute SoCs.

The Staff Software Engineer - Platform OS will provide technical leadership for Linux/QNX-based platform OS development on current production Super Cruise programs , with primary focus on platform OS debugging, BSP integration, low-level system services, kernel and user-space interfaces, and robust embedded system architecture . This role will lead low-level platform bring-up, cross-layer debugging, and integration of core OS services required to deliver a robust, secure, and production-ready compute platform for vehicle programs.

What You'll Do

  • Lead Linux/QNX platform OS development and integration for current production Super Cruise programs , ensuring BSP, drivers, platform services, middleware, and core OS componentsoperateas a cohesive, production-ready system.

  • Own platform BSP bring-up, integration, and debugging across Linux- and QNX-based environments, including boot flow, startup, board configuration, peripheral enablement, and low-level system initialization.

  • Design, implement, andmaintain low-level platform services, system daemons, kernel-adjacent components, and resource-managed interfaces for custom hardware and core platform functionality.

  • Define andmaintainkey aspects of platform OS architecture , including process and service partitioning, IPC mechanisms, scheduling behavior, interrupt handling, and system resiliency.

  • Develop software in Embedded C/C++ for low-level operating system components, board support package layers, hardware abstraction, drivers, and system libraries.

  • Drive board and platform bring-up for currentproduction ofSuper Cruise hardware, including clocks, memory, storage, networking, PCIe, UART, SPI, I2C, and other platform peripherals.

  • Debug complex cross-layer issues spanning bootloaders, kernels, OS services, drivers, middleware, and applications using logs, traces, dumps, and lab tools.

  • Use platform debugging and performance tools such as gdb , core dumps, JTAG, serial consoles, tracing, logging, and bench instrumentation to isolate and resolve system issues across Linux and QNX environments.

  • Define andmaintainclean interfaces between OS/BSP, platform middleware, vehicle software layers, and application teams .

  • Support and improve platform reliability through requirements generation, automated testing, CI/CD integration, issue tracking, code reviews, and regression validation .

  • Partner closely with silicon vendors, suppliers, security teams, validation teams, and release teams to review designs, close interface gaps, and ensure program execution.

  • Drive technical direction for platform OS architecture , including scalability, performance, fault isolation, maintainability, and debug-ability.

  • Mentor engineers on platform OS internals, BSP architecture, bring-up strategy, debugging techniques, and integration best practices .

  • Provide regular technical status, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • 12+ years of experience in embedded systems, platform OS, BSP, or low-level systems software development.

  • Strong hands-on experience with Linux, QNX, or other embedded/POSIX operating systems in production or advanced embedded development environments.

  • Strongproficiencyin Embedded C/C++ development for low-level system software.

  • Experience with platform OS debugging , including analysis of boot issues, process or service failures, IPC or synchronization issues, memory or timing issues, and device bring-up problems.

  • Experience designing and implementing low-level platform services, system daemons, or resource-managed interfaces .

  • Solid understanding of embedded OS architecture , including process isolation, scheduling, interrupts, IPC, services, and system startup flows.

  • Experience with board bring-up and BSP integration on ARM or x86-based SoCs.

  • Experience with bootloaders, startup flows, hardware initialization, and board configuration for embedded platforms.

  • Demonstrated experience debugging issues across multiple layers of the stack, including bootloaders, kernels, OS services, drivers, middleware, and applications.

  • Experience building, testing, and shipping production-quality embedded/POSIX systems .

  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines , build systems, andintegration ofworkflows in large multi-team environments.

  • Familiarity with common hardware interfaces and protocols such as PCIe, Ethernet, CAN, SPI, I2C, UART, USB, and storage subsystems .

  • Strong collaboration, communication, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with current production Super Cruise programs or similar high-compute automotive SoC platforms.

  • Experience integrating Linux and/or QNX BSPs, platform software drops, supplier deliverables, and internal baselines .

  • Experience in automotive, ADAS, AV, robotics, or other safety-critical systems .

  • Familiaritywith RO S or mixed-OS environments involving Linux, QNX, or RTOS systems.

  • Experience with secure boot, signed images, system hardening, HSM integration, and OTA/software update flows .

  • Experience with system performance tuning across CPU, memory, latency, throughput, and I/O .

  • Experience with multi-core, SMP, or AMP embedded system configurations.

  • Experience supporting validation on benches, HIL rigs, and target ECUs .

  • Experience influencing supplier technical direction and reviewing low-level architecture and implementation quality.

  • Experience mentoring senior and mid-level engineers in platform OS and debugging disciplines.

Success Profile

A successful candidate for this role is a strong low-level systems engineer who can move effectively between architecture, implementation, debugging, integration, and technical leadership . They bring deep expertise in Linux and/or QNX platform software , are comfortable owning difficult platform issues on current production Super Cruise programs , and can guide teams through the complexity of building reliable, secure, high-performance vehicle compute software.

Compensation: The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

  • The salary range for this role is $185,600 to $304,800. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.

  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

Benefits:

  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/working-at-gm/total-rewards) .

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/how-we-hire) .

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email (Careers.Accommodations@GM.com) us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

We are leading the change to make our world better, safer and more equitable for all through our actions and how we behave. Learn more about:

Our Company (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/working-at-gm/)

Our Culture

How we hire??????? (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/how-we-hire/)

Our diverse team of employees bring their collective passion for engineering, technology and design to deliver on our vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion. We are looking for adventure-seekers and imaginative thought leaders to help us transform mobility.

Explore our global locations (https://search-careers.gm.com/en/locations/)

We are determined to lead change for the world through technology, ingenuity and harnessing the creativity of our diverse team. Join us to help lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all by becoming a member of GM's Talent Community (beamery.com) (https://flows.beamery.com/generalmotors/talcom) . As a part of our Talent Community, you will receive updates about GM, open roles, career insights and more.

Please note that filling out the form below will not add you to our Talent Community automatically; you will need to use the link above. If you are seeking to apply to a specific role, we encourage you to click "Apply Now" on the job posting of interest.

The policy of General Motors is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. Additionally, General Motors is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us at Careers.Accommodations@GM.com .In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908