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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$203K - $241K/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 Jun 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.

How much do Linux driver developers make?

Linux kernel driver developers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Skilled developers with expertise in C programming, hardware interfaces, and kernel architecture may earn higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or with specialized certifications.

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 percent of the Linux kernel is drivers?

In the Linux kernel, device drivers constitute approximately 60-70% of the codebase, reflecting the kernel's modular design that supports a wide range of hardware. Linux kernel developers often focus on driver development and maintenance, making it a key area for Linux kernel driver roles.

What are the main jobs of a Linux kernel?

A Linux kernel driver job involves developing and maintaining code that allows hardware devices to communicate with the Linux operating system. This includes managing device interactions, ensuring efficient data transfer, and handling hardware-specific operations, often using programming languages like C. Kernel drivers are essential for hardware support and system stability, requiring knowledge of hardware architecture and kernel internals.

Are kernel engineers in demand?

Kernel engineers, including those working on Linux kernel drivers, are in high demand due to the critical role of operating system development in various industries such as technology, telecommunications, and embedded systems. Skills in C programming, hardware interaction, and experience with Linux environments increase employability, and demand is expected to grow with the expansion of IoT, cloud computing, and cybersecurity sectors.

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
Linux BSP Developer

Linux BSP Developer

itechstack

Burlingame, CA

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Should have worked on Vehicle Mobile Application, connecting mobile device in Vehicles, Bluetooth ,BLE, OATH etc

Job Description

 Job Title: Linux BSP Developer 

Location: Burlingame CA 

Duration: Long Term

 

Requirement :  

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

Optional

Role

Individual Contributor, Requirement Analysis ,Design/Development, Bug Fixing, Unit Testing

Experience

6+ Years

Work mode

From Office - 5 days a week

Additional Information

 Vehicle Infotainment Systems  Exp must  Previous,  Automotive domain experience 

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