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Linux Kernel Driver Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Staff Engineer, Linux Device Drivers

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134K - $202K/yr

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 ...

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Linux Kernel Driver Developer information

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$101K

$149.1K

$176K

How much do linux kernel driver developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel driver developer 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 does a Linux Kernel Driver Developer do?

A Linux Kernel Driver Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining device drivers that allow hardware components to communicate with the Linux operating system. They work closely with hardware engineers to understand device specifications and write low-level code that integrates hardware functionality into the Linux kernel. This role often involves debugging, performance tuning, and ensuring compatibility with different kernel versions. Developers also contribute to open-source communities by submitting patches and collaborating with other kernel contributors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Kernel Driver Developer?

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Driver Developer, you need strong proficiency in C programming, deep understanding of operating system concepts, and experience with kernel architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with build tools like Make, version control systems (e.g., Git), and debugging tools such as GDB or ftrace is essential, along with knowledge of kernel development processes. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure robust, efficient driver development and seamless integration with complex Linux systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Kernel Driver Developers in their daily work?

Linux Kernel Driver Developers often encounter challenges such as debugging low-level issues, ensuring compatibility across multiple kernel versions, and maintaining code stability when hardware or kernel updates are released. Collaboration with hardware engineers and other software teams is essential, as driver bugs can impact the entire system's performance. Developers typically use specialized debugging tools and must keep up-to-date with the latest kernel development practices to address these issues efficiently.

What is the difference between Linux Kernel Driver Developer vs Device Driver Engineer?

AspectLinux Kernel Driver DeveloperDevice Driver Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires Linux kernel programming experience, C/C++ skills, and sometimes Linux certificationsRequires knowledge of hardware interfaces, C/C++, and driver development, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in Linux OS environments, kernel space development, often in embedded or server systemsWorks with hardware components, embedded systems, or OS layers, often in hardware or software companies
Industry UsageUsed in open-source projects, embedded systems, and hardware manufacturers focusing on Linux platformsCommon in hardware manufacturing, embedded systems, and consumer electronics industries

Both roles involve driver development and require C/C++ skills, but Linux Kernel Driver Developers focus on kernel space and Linux-specific development, while Device Driver Engineers may work across various OS and hardware layers. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and environment.

What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Driver Developer jobs?

For Linux Kernel Driver Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Driver Developer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,062 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Nashua, NH • On-site

Arista Networks
Network Security • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Arista Networksexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS. This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base.
Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.
Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.
What You'll Do
  • Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
  • Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
  • Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
  • Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
  • Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
  • Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
  • Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
  • Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
  • Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.

Qualifications
  • BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 years experience, or equivalent work experience
  • Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable.
  • Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures.
  • Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
  • Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong software design and implementation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
  • Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

#LI-SP1
Additional Information
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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