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

About the Role As a Staff Engineer (5B) in Core Infrastructure, you will be a key technical leader ... Understanding of operating systems, Linux kernel performance tuning, or eBPF.- AI/ML Infrastructure:

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$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 ...

We are looking for Principal Rust Developers to join our Platform Convergence Team. This is a ... Strong understanding of Linux fundamentals, including networking, namespaces, sockets, and kernel ...

Linux Kernel Up streamed patches preferred. * Knowledge of networking and Linux networking stack ... Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000 ...

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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.

$55 - $74/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Job Category: Core Engineering  
Job Title: Software Developer

Redmond, WA


Duties: We are looking for a software developer to build software codes, port existing codes across platforms and run/profile them on specialized embedded processors/emulators/simulators. You will work with other software developers, micro-controller architects, firmware and operating system engineers.
In this role, you will reimplement/port existing C++ codes built for Linux/Windows to run on bare-metal platforms or an RTOS. You will create test wrappers and profile codes. You will convert multi-threaded codes to single-thread, isolate units of compute kernel and produce tests for them.

Additional Information:

In this role, you will reimplement/port existing C++ codes built for Linux/Windows to run on bare-metal platforms or an RTOS. You will create test wrappers and profile codes. You will convert multi-threaded codes to single-thread, isolate units of compute kernel and produce tests for them.
Skills: Required: Knowledge of C++ and OOP Knowledge of STL libraries and pthreads Comfortable with reading others code, tracing them, and code refactoring Nice to have: Familiar with common C++ libraries: Boost, Eigen, ... Familiar with serialization/deserialization libraries for C++, such as C++ JSON. Familiar with profiling tools: VStudio and GProf Familiar with a source control management system, preferably Mercurial or Git Familiar with the Make utilities, and preferably Buck   

Skills: Required:
Knowledge of C++ and OOP
Knowledge of STL libraries and pthreads
Comfortable with reading others code, tracing them, and code refactoring
Nice to have:
Familiar with common C++ libraries: Boost, Eigen, …
Familiar with serialization/deserialization libraries for C++, such as C++ JSON.
Familiar with profiling tools: VStudio and GProf
Familiar with a source control management system, preferably Mercurial or Git
Familiar with the Make utilities, and preferably Buck
Keywords: 
Education: BS/MS Computer Science 
Skills and Experience:
Required Skills:  
MICRO CONTROLLER 
C++ 
GIT 
JSON 
OOP  
Additional Skills: 
FIRMWARE 
KERNEL 
LINUX 
RTOS   

Additional Information

Additional Information:

In this role, you will reimplement/port existing C++ codes built for Linux/Windows to run on bare-metal platforms or an RTOS. You will create test wrappers and profile codes. You will convert multi-threaded codes to single-thread, isolate units of compute kernel and produce tests for them.
Skills: Required: Knowledge of C++ and OOP Knowledge of STL libraries and pthreads Comfortable with reading others code, tracing them, and code refactoring Nice to have: Familiar with common C++ libraries: Boost, Eigen, ... Familiar with serialization/deserialization libraries for C++, such as C++ JSON. Familiar with profiling tools: VStudio and GProf Familiar with a source control management system, preferably Mercurial or Git Familiar with the Make utilities, and preferably Buck   

ll your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.