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Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA (NOW HIRING)

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive, Inc.

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

itechstack

Linux BSP Developer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

itechstack

Linux BSP Developer

Burlingame, CA

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsLinux Kernel Developer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Linux Kernel Developer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$118.5K

$174.9K

$206.6K

How much do linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel developer in Sunnyvale, CA is $174,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,200.00 and $193,700.00 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 Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,947 per year, or $84.1 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Anodize

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization
Summary
We're a well-funded, stealth startup building a new end-to-end personal computing platform. For this role, the primary responsibility is to build, optimize, and maintain the core virtualization and kernel stack that powers our platform. You will have deep ownership over host and guest kernel interactions, identifying performance bottlenecks, and implementing novel solutions to mitigate hardware virtualization overhead.
Whether it's tackling pathological memory access overhead by implementing advanced hugepage alignment techniques (e.g., coordinating host/guest hugepage backing to eliminate TLB misses), optimizing CPU scheduling, or improving I/O virtualization, your goal is to push the boundaries of virtualization performance, and contribute those improvements directly back to the broader Linux ecosystem.
Responsibilities
  • Virtualization Stack Ownership: Design, implement, and optimize host and guest OS features to maximize throughput and minimize latency in a hardware-accelerated virtualization environment.
  • Open Source Stewardship: Heavily engage with the upstream community. Prepare, submit, and shepherd kernel patches through Linux kernel mailing lists, advocating for our architectural improvements to become part of mainline Linux.
  • Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve systemic performance bottlenecks across the stack (e.g., implementing efficient hugepage alignment to reduce nested page walks, optimizing THP behaviors, etc.).
  • Systems Innovation: Track cutting-edge academic systems research (e.g., Eurosys, OSDI) and translate novel techniques into production-ready software implementations that drive measurable performance gains.
Minimum Requirements
  • Kernel Development: Proven track record in Linux kernel development, with deep expertise in the virtualization stack (KVM) or memory management.
  • Open Source & Upstreaming: Practical experience navigating Linux kernel mailing lists and a clear history of proposing, debating, and upstreaming meaningful patches.
  • Systems Programming: Strong software development skills with deep hands-on proficiency in C, Rust, Make, and associated systems toolchains.
  • Low-Level Debugging: Strong ability to profile, benchmark, and debug complex, deeply nested virtualization workloads to pinpoint systemic overhead.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active maintainer or contributor status in core open-source virtualization projects (e.g., Linux KVM, QEMU, rust-vmm, crosvm, libkrun, etc.).
  • Deep familiarity with the internal workings of the Linux memory management (mm) subsystem, virtual memory, and paging architecture.
  • Prior experience translating academic systems research into upstreamable mainline features.

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