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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer - File System

Boston, MA · On-site

$133K - $175K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - File System Engineering | File System Team | Full-Time | US Boston ... Familiarity with Linux kernel internals, VFS, inode structures, POSIX semantics, FUSE, or eBPF.

Senior Software Engineer - File System

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$133K - $175K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - File System Engineering | File System Team | Full-Time | US Boston ... Familiarity with Linux kernel internals, VFS, inode structures, POSIX semantics, FUSE, or eBPF.

Simulation Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $156K/yr

Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ... Linux kernel development, and kernel drivers is also desired. • Familiarity with interface ...

Simulation Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$75 - $156/hr

... Linux kernel development, and kernel drivers is also desired. • Familiarity with interface ... Education** Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.

Showing results 41-60

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 22, 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 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,048 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer

Viasat, Inc.

Marlborough, MA

$174K - $261K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Viasat rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 99 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.


What you'll do

This is a role for a Embedded Software Engineer who is eager to contribute to a small, fast-paced team. You will develop software to support encrypted communications systems including Layer 2 and Layer 3 In-line Network Encryptors, embedded cryptographic devices, and emerging cryptographic solutions. You will interface and collaborate with system, test, and hardware engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service.


The day-to-day
  • Design and implementation with embedded software in C/C++
  • Linux OS use, for an embedded environment
  • TCP/IP and common network configuration
  • Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Familiarity with to bare metal embedded device drivers
  • Microprocessors and embedded processors (NIOS, ARM, RISC-V, etc.)
  • RESTConf interface design and implementation
  • Emulation Environments
  • Networking protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
  • Python development
  • Standalone embedded applications
  • Participating in multi-disciplinary teams
  • This program is to develop, test, and certify the Next Generation Encryptor (NGE) High-Speed encryptor to support government enterprise networks.

This is an onsite role based out of Carlsbad, CA, Marlborough, MA, Linthicum Heights, MD, or Tampa, FL. 


What you'll need
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
  • At least 5 years design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++.
  • At least 2 years Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
  • Experience using RUST
  • Basic understanding of TCP/IP and common network configuration
  • Object-oriented software development experience
  • Agile Scrum development experience
  • Ability to plan, track, and report on progress
  • CI/CD software
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • US citizenship and an active SECRET (or higher) security clearance is required
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

#LI-SA1


What will help you on the job
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers
  • Experience with microprocessors and embedded processors (NIOS, ARM, RISC-V, etc.);  Experience with Rust or other memory language 
  • Experience with RESTConf interface design and implementation
  • Experience with Emulation Environments
  • Experience with networking protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
  • Experience with Python; Experience using Rust or similar programming language
  • Familiarity with standalone embedded applications
  • Experience participating in multi-disciplinary teams                                                                                                                                                                           #LI-BBS

Salary range
$140,500.00 - $221,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $174,000.00- $261,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
  • At least 5 years design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++.
  • At least 2 years Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
  • Experience using RUST
  • Basic understanding of TCP/IP and common network configuration
  • Object-oriented software development experience
  • Agile Scrum development experience
  • Ability to plan, track, and report on progress
  • CI/CD software
  • Good oral and written communication skills
  • US citizenship and an active SECRET (or higher) security clearance is required
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

#LI-SA1

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Viasat employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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ViaSat logo

About ViaSat

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate.

Industry

Telecommunications

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Carlsbad, CA, US

Year founded

1986