1

Linux Kernel Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases. You will ...

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases. You will ...

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases. You will ...

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases. You will ...

As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases. You will ...

The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers. Familiarity with SoC systems including ...

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

You will write Linux Kernel drivers (including creating appropriate user-space APIs) to communicate with custom hardware (e.g. custom ASICs and FPGAs). If you enjoy building embedded systems using ...

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Linux Kernel Driver information

See salary details

$101K

$149.1K

$176K

How much do linux kernel driver jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel driver in the United States is $149,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux kernel driver?

A Linux Kernel Driver job involves developing, debugging, and maintaining device drivers that interface hardware with the Linux operating system. Kernel driver developers work with low-level system components, ensuring efficient communication between hardware and the OS. They often use languages like C and work with kernel subsystems, memory management, and concurrency. The role requires deep knowledge of Linux internals, debugging tools, and hardware interfaces. It is crucial for enabling hardware functionality in Linux-based environments.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Linux kernel driver developer?

Working as a Linux Kernel Driver developer often involves diagnosing complex issues at the intersection of hardware and software, which can be time-consuming and require an in-depth understanding of system internals. You may need to address compatibility concerns across kernel versions and ensure proper functionality under various hardware configurations. Collaboration with hardware engineers, software developers, and QA teams is common, and maintaining effective communication is key to successful project delivery. Staying current with the Linux kernel's ongoing updates and contributing to the open-source community are also typical aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Linux kernel driver position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Linux Kernel Driver, you need deep proficiency in C programming, operating system fundamentals, and hands-on experience with Linux kernel architecture, often supported by a computer science degree or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like Git, kernel debugging utilities, and version control systems, as well as kernel module development experience, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with software teams and hardware engineers. These abilities are crucial for developing robust, high-performance drivers that enable seamless integration of hardware and software components within various Linux environments.

More about Linux Kernel Driver jobs

What cities are hiring for Linux Kernel Driver jobs?

Cities with the most Linux Kernel Driver job openings:

What states have the most Linux Kernel Driver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Linux Kernel Driver jobs include:

Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Driver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,062 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Senior Linux Kernel & Driver Engineer - Automotive Systems

RTL2 Fernsehen GmbH & Co. KG

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [Austin, TX] three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business if more than 3 days].

Role Details

General Motors is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as a Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development. As a global leader in the automotive industry, General Motors is committed to delivering high-quality vehicles that exceed customer expectations. This role will be instrumental in the bring-up of next‑generation automotive computing platforms, focusing on Linux kernel development, device drivers, low‑level system integration, diagnostics, and health monitoring for our in‑vehicle infotainment and embedded systems.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and enhance Linux kernel and device drivers, including those for camera sensors, display interfaces, multimedia subsystems, and networking (WLAN, LAN, BLE, BT5.0).
  • Lead system bring‑up activities, including bootloader configuration, camera pipeline initialization, board support package (BSP) development, and low‑level debugging.
  • Integrate and optimise hardware components, including USB, PCIe, I2C‑connected peripherals, and Ethernet interfaces to ensure seamless operation within our embedded software stack.
  • Develop and implement diagnostics and health monitoring solutions, ensuring system reliability, predictive maintenance, and fault detection in critical automotive systems.
  • Analyse and troubleshoot low‑level system issues, particularly in camera interfaces (MIPI‑CSI, ISP bring‑up), high‑speed data buses, and network connectivity.
  • Support manufacturing and production processes, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end‑of‑line testing to ensure smooth integration of software into production vehicles.
  • Work closely with hardware teams to validate and debug platform issues, ensuring optimal hardware‑software interaction.
  • Contribute to upstream Linux kernel development and work with open‑source communities where applicable.
  • Define Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and work towards continuously improving software stability, performance, and maintainability.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, or work equivalent experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming, and board bring‑up.
  • Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems and IPC mechanisms.
  • Experience in camera bring‑up, including MIPI‑CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework and image processing pipelines.
  • Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U‑Boot) and firmware integration.
  • Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI and MIPI‑CSI.
  • Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).
  • Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring and fault detection for embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing and end‑of‑line testing.
  • Proficiency in low‑level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).
  • Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.
  • Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks and real‑time optimisations in Linux‑based systems.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyse complex system issues across software and hardware domains.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming and board bring‑up.
  • Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems and IPC mechanisms.
  • Experience in camera bring‑up, including MIPI‑CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework and image processing pipelines.
  • Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U‑Boot) and firmware integration.
  • Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI and MIPI‑CSI.
  • Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).
  • Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring and fault detection for embedded systems.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing and end‑of‑line testing.
  • Proficiency in low‑level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).
  • Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.
  • Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks and real‑time optimisations in Linux‑based systems.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to analyse complex system issues across software and hardware domains.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we’re looking out for your well‑being – at work and at home – so that you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards Resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non‑discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, colour, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role‑related assessment(s) and/or a pre‑employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 800‑865‑7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

#J-18808-Ljbffr