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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neura Market

Embedded Linux Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166 - $220/hr

Board bring‑up and maintenance on embedded ARM boards (device trees, bootloaders, kernel drivers, etc) * Customize vendor BSPs for use with NixOS systems * Help secure our embedded Linux systems ...

New

Delos

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $275/hr

Kernel-Mode Driver Development: Design, develop, and maintain kernel-mode drivers ensuring high ... Deep understanding of operating system internals (Linux preferred). * Experience with hardware ...

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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 Aug 21, 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?

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 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.

Linux Kernel Software Engineer - Systems Engineering

Everpure

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

THE ROLE

Join a world-class team of engineers building the next generation of enterprise storage solutions. As a key contributor, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, developing and optimizing the Linux kernel to push the boundaries of performance and reliability. You'll play a vital role in shaping the future of our products, collaborating with a brilliant team to solve complex challenges and deliver groundbreaking results.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Develop new features within the  Linux kernel in support of Pure's enterprise storage products.
  • Maintain and patch existing code to resolve difficult problems, including customer issues.
  • Optimize performance of the kernel within Pure's arrays to meet customer requirements
  • Work cross-functionally and with partners and vendors, to diagnose and resolve problems at the boundary of hardware and software
  • Lead the architecture and development of software from initial concept to release, ensuring high-quality, resilient, and high-performance outcomes.
  • Collaborate and share knowledge with peers, providing mentorship as necessary.
  • Participate in code reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements for upcoming enterprise storage server projects.

WHAT YOU BRING

  • Deep, hands-on experience in Linux kernel and device driver development, with a proven ability to ship high-performance, resilient products. 
  • A strong foundation in computer architecture, operating systems, networking and core concepts like algorithms and data structures.
  • Exceptional problem-solving and debugging skills, with a natural curiosity to explore, design, and validate your work.
  • The ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly, both in writing and verbally.
  • Experience in optimizing performance across various layers, including CPU instruction sets, NUMA, interrupt handling, and threading.
  • Preferred experience
    • Experience upstreaming your Linux kernel code
    • Experience in storage system concepts and related protocols, especially NVME and PCIe
    • Working with hardware vendors to resolve difficult problems
  • We are primarily an in-office environment and therefore, you will be expected to work from the Santa Clara, CA office in compliance with Everpure's policies, unless you are on PTO, or work travel, or other approved leave.

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