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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Bring up and maintain embedded ARM boards, including device trees, bootloaders, kernel drivers, and ... Improve the engineering practices, automation, and observability that make NixOS safer to build and ...

Proficiency with Linux kernel and middleware development on ARM architecture. * Experience with ... MS or BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, and ...

Proficiency with Linux kernel and middleware development on ARM architecture. * Experience with ... MS or BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, and ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$115K

$169.7K

$200.4K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Seattle, WA is $169,732.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,400.00 and $187,900.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Developer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,732 per year, or $81.6 per hour.

Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer - CSP Engagements

Nvidia

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our CSP Engagements team, focusing on system software for Datacenter products such as GB200. This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded firmware, Linux kernel development, and middleware development, with customer-facing responsibilities to enable cloud service providers with next-generation computing platforms. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, driving technical solutions from concept through deployment.

What you'll be doing: Design and develop software solutions for data center servers including Linux kernel modifications, device drivers, and system optimizations for GB200 and next-gen platforms. Lead hardware bring-up activities, BSP development, and hardware-software co-design for Cloud Service Provider deployments. Partner directly with CSPs to deliver technical solutions, co-develop & co-debug features and optimizations, and provide support during new product introductions.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams in designing end-to-end solutions spanning firmware, OS, middleware, and applications with focus on AI/ML and HPC workloads. Perform advanced system debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization for large-scale data center environments. Collaborate with AE, FAE, and Solution Architect teams to deliver integrated customer solutions and technical documentation.

What we need to see: Deep expertise in data center server architectures, HPC systems, and hardware-software co-design. Expert knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, communication protocols (PCIe, USB, Ethernet). Deep understanding of computer architecture, microprocessor concepts, and expert knowledge of ARM (aarch64) and x86 architectures.

Ability to debug kernel crash dumps and all types of lock-up issues. Hands-on experience with GDB, kdump, and eBPF tracing to debug multiprocessor systems. Good understanding of ARM and Intel assembly.

Strong understanding of PCIe virtualization and IOMMU. Deep understanding of NUMA architectures including memory topology, processor-memory locality, and performance optimization for multi-CPU systems in data center environments. Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, plus experience with virtualization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures.

Skilled in complex system-level debugging, performance analysis, and test design. BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of system software development experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd: Experience with GPU computing (CUDA), deep learning workloads Expertise in Out of Band and In-band management architectures Knowledge of Memory fabric and CXL architectures NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us.

If you're creative, hardworking and self-motivated, we want to hear from you. Do you want to join a team of highly motivated and experienced program managers who drive the successful introduction of NVIDIA's next generation GPU/CPU based products. We work closely with internal leaders in Software, Hardware, Firmware, Marketing and Operations to ensure the SW team delivers outstanding products while operating across multiple functional units and all levels of management to achieve Time-To-Market.

As part of the team, your knowledge of driver, firmware, diagnostics and the SW stack development processes and priorities will enable you to swiftly make the course adjustments needed to keep these complex projects on track. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 29, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes. NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.


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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US