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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through ...

Nvidia

Senior Software Engineer, Networking

Santa Clara, CA

$143K - $189K/yr

... review, developer testing, and post-GA support. Work in a fast-paced environment of continuous development and deployment cycles. Craft and implement Linux kernel networking drivers for NVIDIA ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$119.3K

$176K

$207.9K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Santa Clara, CA is $176,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,200.00 and $194,900.00 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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Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,705 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

Software Engineer - Linux Kernel (C++, C)

Pantera Capital

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$180 - $440/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

At SpaceXAI, we design, build, and operate the largest AI supercomputers in the world, from the ground up. As a member of the Platform Core team, you will be responsible for the lowest layers of the software stack on the devices setting the pace for how fast we can push the frontier of AI. Our team’s software interfaces directly with the core hardware of the supercomputer and its network fabric. Our mission is to expose the full capability of that hardware — limited only by physics — to the rest of the stack, all while retaining the smallest, most robust footprint possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Build and maintain the lean, high-reliability Linux-based operating system that underpins our supercomputer network fabric.
  • Write (or rewrite) high-performance device drivers to extract the maximum physical capability from our network and compute hardware.
  • Manage deployment, operation, and debugging of our platform in production, including:
    • Rigorous resolution and root-causing of anomalies to ensure the system is constantly improving in reliability.
    • Developing and constantly improving our tools for observability and configuration management.
  • Collaborate with our hardware teams and external partners to design the next generation of supercomputer hardware – and then bring up our OS and software stack on it.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Hands-on systems programming experience in C or C++.
  • Strong operating systems fundamentals (scheduling, memory management, I/O) — you must be able to articulate in extreme detail how a computer works, from the hardware all the way up to high-level applications.
  • Understanding of computer networking, both in the host (OS stack) as well as common network devices like switches and routers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel and its networking stack — transferable experience with another production-grade kernel is okay, too!
  • Proficiency with debugging tools spanning kernel, network, and userspace (e.g., ftrace, perf, Wireshark/tcpdump, eBPF, gdb, and more).
  • Experience bringing up new hardware from scratch — you have flashed bare-metal software on a microcontroller with JTAG, or bootstrapped a Linux kernel and rootfs on new hardware.
  • Demonstrated track record of developing and optimizing device/peripheral drivers — ideally for high-speed interfaces, or with advanced considerations like DMA and cache coherency.
  • Understanding of major peripheral hardware interface standards (Ethernet, PCIe, I2C, SPI, etc.) — you can critically review a schematic, and debug these interfaces if needed.
  • Experience with product security, OS/system hardening, and secure boot schemes.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$180,000 - $440,000 USD

  • equity
  • comprehensive medical
  • vision
  • dental coverage
  • access to a 401(k) retirement plan
  • short & long-term disability insurance
  • life insurance
  • various other discounts and perks

SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

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