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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high reliability, informative debug, and ... Deep understanding of operating system internals (Linux preferred). * Experience with hardware ...

Etched

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high reliability, informative debug, and ... Deep understanding of operating system internals (Linux preferred). * Experience with hardware ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $445K/yr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel drivers, high-throughput I/O paths, and system-scale networking and RDMA. This role spans architecture ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Driver JobsLinux Kernel Driver Jobs in California

Linux Kernel Driver information

See California salary details

$99.7K

$147.1K

$173.7K

How much do linux kernel driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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.
Sr. Embedded Linux & Platform Engineer

Sr. Embedded Linux & Platform Engineer

Rivian

Torrance, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 24 days ago

Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 44 rated automakers

Job description

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. 

As a company, we constantly challenge what’s possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations. 


Role Summary

As a Sr. Embedded Software Engineer, you will be a technical leader in the development of next-generation charging products. You will architect and implement full-stack embedded Linux solutions—from low-level BSP and kernel drivers to scalable Yocto distributions and automated CI/CD pipelines. By bridging the gap between hardware enablement and secure cloud-ready applications, you will ensure our platforms are highly automated, secure, and optimized for large-scale manufacturing.


Responsibilities
1. Core Platform & BSP Architecture
• Define the full lifecycle of BSP development, including bootloader (U-Boot/Barebox) customization and Linux kernel tuning for ARM architectures.
• Work directly with hardware engineers to perform initial board bring-up, debugging signal integrity and power management using oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.
• Develop and maintain high-performance kernel drivers and customize Device Trees to support proprietary hardware peripherals.
 
2. Yocto & Build System Leadership
• Architect modular, scalable Yocto/OpenEmbedded layers that support multiple hardware variants from a single codebase.
• Implement advanced Bitbake techniques (shared state caches, PR servers) to reduce build times and ensure reproducible releases.
• Build and distribute cross-compilation toolchains and QEMU environments to enable "hardware- less" application development.
 
3. Automation First DevOps & CI/CD
• Design and maintain CI/CD pipelines (GitLab/GitHub Actions) that automate image generation and license compliance checks.
• Architect automated testing rigs that flash builds onto physical hardware and run functional tests (LAVA/Pytest) without human intervention.
• Develop software for contract manufacturers used in factory provisioning, unique device identification, and automated end-of-line functional testing.
 
4. Security & Lifecycle Management
• Implement a Chain of Trust using NXP HAB or TI Secure Boot, alongside encrypted filesystems and OP-TEE.
• Design and manage fail-safe, A/B partitioned update systems (e.g., Mender, RAUC) to ensure maximum uptime for field devices.
• Automate the generation of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to ensure audit-ready documentation and security tracking.
 
5. Systems & Application Programming
• Develop high-performance middleware and system services in C/C++ that interface directly with hardware.
• Bridge the gap between low-level drivers and high-level applications, ensuring efficient data flow and resource management.
• Optimize root filesystems and boot times to meet sub-second "Time-to-First-Frame" requirements.
 
6. Design for Manufacturing & Provisioning
• Architect the "First-Boot" process and develop automated tools for MAC address assignment, serial number injection, and hardware verification.
• Collaborate with hardware designers to ensure test points and debug interfaces are accessible for automated test fixtures (JTAG/Bed-of-Nails).
• Implement automated injection of unique device identities (X.509 certificates) and secure keys during the manufacturing flow.
 
 

Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
• BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 4+ years of industry experience developing C/C++ based applications on embedded Linux.
• 2+ years of experience with build tools such as Make and CMake.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using languages such as Bash or Python.
• Deep experience in microcontroller development with a native understanding of I2C, SPI, UART, and SDIO.
• Experience with implementing CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.
• A proven passion for low-level Linux development and a "CLI-first" mindset.
• The stamina to navigate 6,000+ page SoC reference manuals without hesitation.
• A genuine curiosity and a track record of being a lifelong learner.
 
Desired Qualifications
• Experience with Buildroot and/or Yocto-based build systems for embedded devices.
• Experience in kernel driver development
• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies like Docker.
• Experience with web-based communication protocols, especially gRPC and WebSockets.
• Experience working with CAN and Modbus communication interfaces.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and using tracking tools like Jira and JAMA
• Experience with designing software to meet functional safety e.g., UL1998, UL5500, etc.
 

THIS IS WHERE YOU’LL WORK:
Department: Charging & Energy
Location: California (Torrance, Irvine, Palo Alto)
 
 
 
 

Pay Disclosure
Salary Range for Southern California Based Candidates: $135,100.00 - $168,900.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).
 
Salary Range for Northern California Based Candidates: $146,900.00 - $183,600.00 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).
 
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Full Time Employee coverage is effective on the first day of employment. Part-Time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment.


Equal Opportunity

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.

Candidate Data Privacy

Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes (“Candidate Personal Data”). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law. 

Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian’s service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services. 

Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.  

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

Qualifications:
Essential Qualifications
• BS or MS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 4+ years of industry experience developing C/C++ based applications on embedded Linux.
• 2+ years of experience with build tools such as Make and CMake.
• Strong scripting and automation skills using languages such as Bash or Python.
• Deep experience in microcontroller development with a native understanding of I2C, SPI, UART, and SDIO.
• Experience with implementing CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.
• A proven passion for low-level Linux development and a "CLI-first" mindset.
• The stamina to navigate 6,000+ page SoC reference manuals without hesitation.
• A genuine curiosity and a track record of being a lifelong learner.
 
Desired Qualifications
• Experience with Buildroot and/or Yocto-based build systems for embedded devices.
• Experience in kernel driver development
• Hands-on experience with containerization technologies like Docker.
• Experience with web-based communication protocols, especially gRPC and WebSockets.
• Experience working with CAN and Modbus communication interfaces.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and using tracking tools like Jira and JAMA
• Experience with designing software to meet functional safety e.g., UL1998, UL5500, etc.
 

THIS IS WHERE YOU’LL WORK:
Department: Charging & Energy
Location: California (Torrance, Irvine, Palo Alto)
 
 
 
 
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009

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