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Linux Kernel Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Anywhere in US/Canada (Remote) Responsibilities Server Virtualization technologies. (KVM knowledge) RHEL - Vast Experience in Linux, Kernel driver development and packaging. RHEL Real-Time Kernel ...

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Linux Kernel Driver information

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$101K

$149.1K

$176K

How much do linux kernel driver jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel driver in the United States is $149,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $165,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Linux Kernel Driver jobs? Cities with the most Linux Kernel Driver job openings:
What states have the most Linux Kernel Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Linux Kernel Driver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Driver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,062 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Yocto Kernel - Embedded Linux Engineer Fully onsite. Andover, MA Contract role

Yocto Kernel - Embedded Linux Engineer Fully onsite. Andover, MA Contract role

Lorven Technologies

Andover, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Role: Yocto Kernel - Embedded Linux Engineer
Location: Fully onsite. Andover, MA
Contract role
Job description:
We are seeking an experienced Yocto Kernel / Embedded Linux Engineer to design, develop, customize, and maintain embedded Linux platforms for our next generation products. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in the Yocto Project, Linux kernel customization, BSP development, and low level system debugging.
Top Skills:
1. Experience in embedded Linux development
2. Yocto Project
3. Linux kernel internals
4. Linux device drivers
Key Responsibilities
• Develop, configure, and optimize Yocto-based Linux distributions for embedded platforms.
• Customize and maintain Linux kernel, including patching, driver integration, and board-specific configuration.
• Create and manage BSP layers, recipes, and meta layers for various hardware platforms.
• Integrate and maintain device drivers (I2C, SPI, UART, GPIO, etc.) and ensure hardware-software compatibility.
• Debug system level issues using tools such as GDB, strace, perf, ftrace, and kernel logs.
• Support bootloader (U Boot) configuration, customization, and optimization.
• Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and application teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Conduct performance tuning, system profiling, and memory optimization for embedded targets.
• Ensure security best practices, including secure boot, trusted execution, and Linux hardening.
• Prepare technical documentation, build instructions, and release notes.
Required Skills & Qualifications
• Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3-8+ years of hands on experience in embedded Linux development.
• Strong expertise in the Yocto Project, BitBake recipes, layers, and cross compilation.
• Solid understanding of Linux kernel internals, configuration, customization, and debugging.
• Experience writing or modifying Linux device drivers.
• Proficiency with embedded toolchains, build systems, and version control (Git).
• Experience with bootloaders (U Boot) and board bring up.
• Strong knowledge of hardware interfaces (I2C, SPI, GPIO, PCIe, USB, etc.).
• Fluent in C/C++ and shell scripting.
• Hands on experience with ARM based or similar embedded architectures.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have Skills
• Experience with Yocto-based CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of real-time patches (PREEMPT_RT).
• Familiarity with virtualization or container technologies (Docker, LXC) for embedded use.
• Exposure to security frameworks (SELinux, AppArmor).
• Understanding of OTA update frameworks (Mender, SWUpdate).
• Knowledge of networking stacks (TCP/IP, IPv6) and protocol debugging.
Soft Skills
• Strong problem solving and root-cause analysis ability.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Ownership mindset and ability to work independently.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.

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About Lorven technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lorven Technologies, headquartered in Plainsboro, New Jersey, United States, is a reputable company in the technology industry, specializing in providing effective IT solutions and consulting services. The company's official website, lorventech.com, offers comprehensive insights into its offerings which include but are not limited to software development, IT consulting, project management, and business analysis. Since its inception, Lorven Technologies has been committed to ensuring efficiency and reliability in delivering IT services to its global clientele, establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainsboro, NJ, US

Year founded

2001

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