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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$62.75 - $83.50/hr

The Site Reliability Engineer will be responsible for engineering infrastructure to support high ... and Linux Kernel internals • Ability to clearly communicate your thoughts, ask the right ...

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Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$12K

$125K

$141.4K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Massachusetts is $125,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,600.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Linux Kernel Engineer vs Linux Device Driver Developer?

AspectLinux Kernel EngineerLinux Device Driver Developer
Required SkillsDeep understanding of Linux kernel internals, C programming, system architectureProficiency in C, hardware interfaces, kernel modules, and device-specific programming
Work EnvironmentSystem-level development, kernel debugging, performance optimizationHardware interaction, driver development, testing on embedded or hardware platforms
Industry UsageOperating system development, open-source projects, enterprise Linux systemsHardware manufacturers, embedded systems, IoT devices
CertificationsLinux Foundation certifications, Linux kernel development coursesSimilar certifications, hardware-specific training

While both roles involve Linux kernel-related work, Linux Kernel Engineers focus on overall kernel development and optimization, whereas Linux Device Driver Developers specialize in creating and maintaining drivers for hardware components. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Kernel Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Engineer, you need deep expertise in C programming, operating systems concepts, and a strong understanding of Linux internals, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems (such as Git), kernel debugging tools (like GDB or ftrace), and experience contributing to open-source projects are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective written communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with global developer communities. These skills ensure high-quality kernel development, efficient troubleshooting, and successful integration with the broader open-source ecosystem.

What are some common challenges Linux Kernel Engineers face when working on upstream contributions?

Linux Kernel Engineers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex codebases, adhering to strict coding and documentation standards, and coordinating with a diverse global community of maintainers and contributors. Getting patches accepted upstream requires thorough testing, clear communication, and addressing feedback from reviewers, which can be a time-consuming process. However, this collaborative environment fosters strong professional growth and ensures that engineers are constantly learning from industry experts.

What does a Linux Kernel Engineer do?

A Linux Kernel Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the core of the Linux operating system, known as the kernel. Their work involves writing and debugging low-level code, adding new features, fixing bugs, ensuring system security, and improving performance. They often collaborate with the open-source community and hardware manufacturers to ensure compatibility and stability across various platforms. This role requires strong programming skills, especially in C, and a deep understanding of operating system concepts.

What Does a Linux Kernel Engineer Do?

As a Linux kernel engineer, your responsibilities are to develop company or client operating systems that rely on Linux. Your duties involve writing code and working to test and debug the developments you make to the Linux kernel, which is the main component of a Linux operating system. You may check your code for security and ensure that the system interacts effectively and efficiently with software and applications. You may also work on the customization of the system to meet the needs of your employer or client.

What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Massachusetts? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in MA? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,048 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Linux Kernel Architect

SiFive

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

About SiFive

As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V to the highest performance and most data-intensive applications in the world. SiFive's unrivaled compute platforms are continuing to enable leading technology companies around the world to innovate, optimize and deliver the most advanced solutions of tomorrow across every market segment of chip design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC-V has no limits.

At SiFive, we are always excited to connect with talented individuals, who are just as passionate about driving innovation and changing the world as we are.

Our constant innovation and ongoing success is down to our amazing teams of incredibly talented people, who collaborate and support each other to come up with truly groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Solutions that will have a huge impact on people's lives; making the world a better place, one processor at a time.

Are you ready?

To learn more about SiFive's phenomenal success and to see why we have won theGSA's prestigious Most Respected Private Company Award(for the fourth time!), check out ourwebsiteandGlassdoorpages.

Job Description:

The Role

Do you want to be part of the RISC-V revolution? RISC-V and SiFive are redefining computing platforms for the 21st century. SiFive, the world RISC-V leader, is seeking an experienced Linux kernel software architect. In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on high core count server systems. You'll interact directly with the upstream Linux and OpenSBI communities, posting and reviewing patches. You'll debug challenging problems, working with our system software and system validation teams, on SiFive designs running in emulation. And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V International, to improve our core and system designs.

What we need to see

  • Experience working on concurrency-sensitive code in the upstream Linux kernel, with a track record writing and reviewing patches on the public mailing lists

  • Experience debugging challenging software and hardware bugs in CPUs and SoCs

  • Experience working with CPU architects and RTL engineers

  • Experience developing and debugging Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms

  • Experience with hypervisors and virtualization

  • Familiarity with the RISC-V architecture

Ways to stand out

  • Familiarity with silicon design issues and challenges

  • Familiarity with microarchitectural side-channel attacks and mitigations

  • Familiarity with debugging systems via hardware debuggers

  • Familiarity with Devicetree, ACPI and UEFI

  • Familiarity with Rust

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience.

For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location.The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee.

Base Pay Range

In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity. In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more!

Additional Information:

This position requires a successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in

United States of America

Any offer of employment for this position is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are a authorized for access to export-controlled technology under applicable export control laws or, if you are not already authorized, our ability to successfully obtain any necessary export license(s) or other approvals.

SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As an E-Verify employer, we use this system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen job candidates and will comply with all E-Verify regulations.

California residents: please see our job candidate notice for more information on how we handle your personal information and your privacy rights: Privacy Policy Document.