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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

Embedded Software Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$174K - $261K/yr

Linux kernel driver development/modifications * Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device drivers * Microprocessors and embedded processors (NIOS, ARM, RISC-V, etc.) * Networking protocols (e.g.

itechstack

Linux BSP Developer

Burlingame, CA

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 ...

Qualcomm

#Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

Preferred : • Excellent knowledge of OS fundamentals, data structure, Linux kernel and the device driver model. • Hands on experience in Java, C++ Libraries/JNI, Python coding. • Hands on ...

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 ...

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$99.7K

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How much do linux kernel driver jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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.
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Linux Kernel Driver jobs near you
Senior Linux Developer - Networking

Senior Linux Developer - Networking

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about technology and seeking welcoming, energized, hardworking professional colleagues at a company with encouraging benefits and a cheerful work environment? NVIDIA is looking for an excellent Drivers Engineer to join our OFED Linux Drivers team. In this position, you will take part in developing cutting-edge features and technologies in kernel and userspace for groundbreaking network technologies.
What you'll be doing:
  • Craft and implement kernel drivers for our state or art network devices as well as userspace libraries.
  • Collaborate and debug with teams across the globe to provide the best solutions for our customers.
  • Develop high-quality code for Linux kernel and other open-source environments.
  • Work in a Continuous Deployment environment of fast development/deployment cycles.
  • Be a part of an experienced team with a great atmosphere.

What we need to see:
  • Bachelors/master's degree in computer science or computer engineering or equivalent experience.
  • At least 4 years' experience of programming experience.
  • C experience and extensive knowledge.
  • Experience in Linux environment and tools.
  • Strong design, coding and debugging skills.
  • High ability to focus on task execution.
  • Excellent communication and leading skills.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Experience in kernel programming.
  • Open-Source Software Contribution.
  • Deep knowledge of Networking Protocols InfiniBand, Ethernet.

With competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, NVIDIA is widely regarded as one of the most desirable technology employers in the world. Our teams are composed of some of the most forward-thinking and driven engineers in the industry, and we continue to grow rapidly. If you are a senior data engineer passionate about building large-scale, high-impact data platforms, we'd love to hear from you.
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 140,000 USD - 224,250 USD.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until April 24, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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