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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for a motivated Firmware Engineer to join a dynamic team developing embedded software ... Familiarity with Linux kernel development or RTOS concepts. * Understanding of multi-threaded ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$62.25 - $82.75/hr

We have attracted some of the best bioinformatics, engineering, and commercial talent, and we are ... Knowledge of virtualization, networking, and Linux Kernel internals * Ability to clearly ...

Site Reliability Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$62.25 - $82.75/hr

We have attracted some of the best bioinformatics, engineering, and commercial talent, and we are ... Knowledge of virtualization, networking, and Linux Kernel internals * Ability to clearly ...

Hybrid Software Engineer Clearance Level: Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance- Must be US ... Work in a native Linux environment, including Linux kernel networking, OS networking configuration ...

Hybrid Software Engineer Clearance Level: Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance- Must be US ... Work in a native Linux environment, including Linux kernel networking, OS networking configuration ...

What you'll do This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer who is eager to contribute to a ... Linux kernel driver development/modifications * Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device ...

As a Senior IoT Engineer on the TVision Meter Platform team, you will help define the next ... Work closely with Linux operating system components, including system services, kernel interfaces ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $176K/yr

If you are a software engineer and love the idea of working on embedded AI hardware and software ... Experience working directly with the Linux kernel or Device Drivers. * Experience with Simulation ...

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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 Jun 28, 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 is the salary of Linux kernel engineer?

The salary of a Linux kernel engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior engineers with specialized skills in kernel development and performance tuning can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses.

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.

How much do kernel engineers make?

Kernel engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in C, assembly, or device drivers can command higher salaries, especially in competitive tech markets.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior Linux Kernel Engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills in kernel development, and often working in high-demand industries or companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles typically require advanced knowledge of C programming, system architecture, and often involve leadership or critical system responsibilities.

Are kernel engineers in demand?

Kernel engineers are in high demand due to the critical role they play in developing and maintaining operating system kernels, especially in areas like embedded systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Skills in C programming, Linux, and system architecture increase employability, and many organizations seek professionals with experience in kernel development and debugging tools.
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:

Linux Endpoint Engineer (Remote)

Bit9 + Carbon Black

Boston, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Description
More than 1,000 organizations worldwide-from 25 Fortune 100 companies to small enterprises-use Bit9 + Carbon Black to increase security, reduce operational costs and improve compliance. Leading managed security service providers (MSSP) and incident response (IR) companies have made Bit9 + Carbon Black a core component of their advanced threat prevention, threat detection and incident response services. With Bit9 + Carbon Black, you can arm your endpoints against advanced threats.
Job Description
Bit9 is building an essential security defense against advance persistent threats and malware through comprehensive measurement, detection, protection, and trust capabilities. Our work is deep inside operating systems-Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux-and we're looking for team members that like to pry them open and innovate in the gaps. You're probably a good fit for the team if:
• You're fluent in C++ (both OO and generic constructs).
• You can easily find your way around a storage stack, task scheduler, or virtual memory.
• You don't feel dirty poking around a core dump, reading assembly, or reverse engineering things.
• You relish hard problems in security, virtualization and stream processing.
• You have the computer science background to do so effectively and efficiently.
This position is focused on Linux, so familiarity with Linux security modules, loadable kernel modules, troubleshooting loadable kernel modules, is valuable. Experience with the C/C++, Boost, STD template library, and application debugging on Linux is a must. As a Senior Software Engineer, you will contribute to the development of major functional and component areas from inception through delivery.
Environment
You'll be part of a small team of smart talented people like yourself. The team shares a sense of purpose and urgency, but in a fun, friendly and informal atmosphere typical of young innovative technology companies. All doors are always open. You'll work on problems we haven't figured out and enjoy the satisfaction of having an impact on our success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Design, develop, test, document and maintain complex software features from general specifications.
• Apply proven patterns, design principles and software engineering practices to develop quality software.
• Plan and take responsibility for multiple features through the complete software development lifecycle.
• Analyze, isolate and resolve problems in product software with little or no guidance.
• Respond to high-priority issues quickly and drive to resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Lead and contribute to reviews of software artifacts and give considered, high-quality feedback.
• Evaluate, select and adapt standard techniques, tools and procedures in the delivery of features.
• Independently collaborate with peers and with other functional organizations to achieve project goals.
• Plan and schedule work and tasks across multiple features, manage dependencies, change and risk.
• Lead projects and the delivery of multiple features to successful conclusion with a minimum of guidance.
• Provide technical supervision and mentoring of one or more engineers.
• Recommend new features, technologies, tools, process improvements.
• Deliver technical training and training materials for other functional organizations in the company.
Qualifications
• At least six years of software engineering in a product development organization
• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years recent experience building syste-ms-level software (e.g. kernel modules).
• Deep knowledge in at least two related product or technical areas such as file systems, kernel drivers.
• A record of efficient, creative solutions to complex problems and successful incorporation in product delivery.
• Practical experience in C++ with applied knowledge of object oriented and generic programming.
• Fluent in approaches to security, concurrency, debugging, performance, scalability, supportability and quality.
• Good written and excellent verbal communication.
Additional Information
About us: Cyber attacks are now the new normal. Advanced hackers, nation states, organized crime groups and nefarious actors are doing anything and everything they can to get their hands on valuable information that isn't theirs. With more than enough attack vectors out there, we at Bit9 + Carbon Black are looking for more creative and committed security professionals to protect today's top organizations.
Bit9 + Carbon Black is an equal opportunity employer.