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

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 ...

HPC Performance Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$165K - $242K/yr

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related ...

... Linux kernel customization • Experience with Android or Linux performance tools and security models • Former Meta experience is a plus (having worked on product teams or on devices in Reality ...

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 ...

Embedded Linux Platform Engineer (Jetson OS Build & Validation) Sigma Design is a product ... Triage and fulfill requests to upgrade OS components including kernel, BSP, drivers, and system ...

Embedded Linux Platform Engineer (Jetson OS Build & Validation) Sigma Design is a product ... Triage and fulfill requests to upgrade OS components including kernel, BSP, drivers, and system ...

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA

$147K - $193K/yr

... Linux, Yocto, and/or Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) The candidate should be familiar with ... in kernel programming and/or device drivers, and/or working with peripheral devices. Experience ...

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA

$147K - $193K/yr

... Linux, Yocto, and/or Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) The candidate should be familiar with ... in kernel programming and/or device drivers, and/or working with peripheral devices. Experience ...

... Linux kernel - Scripting (Ruby/Python/Rust) - Strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in ... programming language such as C, C++, Rust, Python or Perl - Ability to take a project from scoping ...

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Linux Kernel Developer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$114.9K

$169.6K

$200.3K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Seattle, WA is $169,637.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,300.00 and $187,800.00 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,637 per year, or $81.6 per hour.
Kernel/OS Engineer, AWS EC2 Nitro Operating System

Kernel/OS Engineer, AWS EC2 Nitro Operating System

Amazon

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,908 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

AWS EC2 Nitro powers the world's largest, fastest-growing, and most feature-rich compute cloud. Built from the ground up for virtualization at global scale, Nitro is a fully custom stack of hardware, firmware, and software that enables EC2 to support Intel, AMD, and AWS's own Graviton processors - while setting industry benchmarks for security and performance. With our Nitro System, we break apart traditional hypervisor functions like CPU virtualization, storage, and networking, and offload them to dedicated hardware and software. This enables us to deliver practically all of the resources of a server to customer instances, innovate faster, increase security, deliver new instance types, and reduce customer cost.
The Nitro Linux team owns the secure, embedded Linux environment at the heart of this system. We build and maintain the operating system that integrates with the Nitro control plane and powers live updates, metrics collection, core dump handling, and system health monitoring across AWS's global infrastructure. Linux, ash, C, lua, Rust - join us for embedded software systems at cloud scale!
Key job responsibilities
- Research, design, and implement Linux kernel changes to meet business requirements
- Drive kernel development for next-generation EC2 compute platforms
- Bring up Linux on new hardware platforms and custom silicon
- Debug complex, system-level, multi-component issues across layers from kernel to application
- Profile system performance and drive optimizations across the software stack
- Develop tooling for performance characterization, qualification, and deployment
- Deliver production-quality code and support its operation in production environments
- Collaborate across hardware, firmware, systems, and application software teams
- Openness to leveraging AI tools and technologies to enhance productivity and technical problem-solving.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 2+ years of non-internship design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience programming with at least one software programming language
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, SANTA CLARA - 165,200.00 - 223,600.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 143,700.00 - 194,400.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

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Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US