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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA

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 ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

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 ...

Waymo

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 ...

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 ...

Ultima Genomics

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Monitor and troubleshoot kernel, driver, and hardware issues; perform root cause analysis in ... Deep knowledge of Linux kernel, NFS and Linux file system performance tuning * Solid background in ...

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Linux Kernel Driver information

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$99.7K

$147.1K

$173.7K

How much do linux kernel driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel driver in California is $147,110.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,700.00 and $162,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux Kernel Driver job?

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 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.

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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Driver jobs in California? For Linux Kernel Driver jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Driver jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Driver jobs in California are:
Linux Kernel Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,110 per year, or $70.7 per hour.

Senior Linux Kernel Engineer - 'Linux Kernels'

ph7

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Company Description

A Network Processor Company

Job Description
San Jose, CA, United States

Job Description:
Responsibilities include the design and development of Linux and simple executive (bare metal) device drivers which involves:

  • Adding support for OCTEON III Processor (48 64-bit CPUs, 100Gbps traffic handling.
  • Virtualization support (NUMA, etc).
  • Projects on current generation OCTEONs (OCTEON, OCTEON Plus and OCTEON II).

 

Qualifications

Required:

  • BS with 7 -12 years of relevant experience.
  • Should have experience adding support for new HW platforms and devices to the Linux kernel.
  • Detailed knowledge of Linux kernel internals and device drivers.
  • Ability to work with low level HW and debug issues using kernel debuggers and EJTAG probes.
  • Familiar with at least one processor assembly language (MIPS, ARM, x86 or Power PC).
  • Outstanding programming skills in C.
  • Should have the ability to prepare and submit patches to the Linux kernel mainline.
  • A history of participation in Linux kernel mailing lists and open source development a huge plus.

Apply