1

Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$98K - $176K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Engineer, you will build and debug software across the Linux stack (kernel and user space), contribute to SONiC builds that produce full Linux OS images, and work with hardware interfaces ...

Showing results 21-26

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$10.8K

$112.1K

$126.8K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Minnesota is $112,142.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $122,400.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in MN?

For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,142 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Sr Engineer - Network Operating Systems

Target

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$98K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,990 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $98,000.00 - $176,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision tolife through our values and culture.Learn more about Target here.


As a Senior Engineer, you will build and debug software across the Linux stack (kernel and user space), contribute to SONiC builds that produce full Linux OS images, and work with hardware interfaces such as I2C and networking ASICs. Develop and support container-based workflows using Docker, troubleshoot issues across systems, networking, and infrastructure, and collaborate with teammates while supporting and mentoring others as needed.


Use your skills, experience, and talents to contribute to innovative thinking and forward-looking goals. As a Sr. Engineer, you will lead by applying deep technical expertise to evaluate and adopt current and emerging technologies, considering factors such as viability, maintainability, and total cost of ownership. You will drive research and proof-of-concept efforts, lead service design and lifecycle management, and guide architecture and design discussions using system and process insights. You will also lead code reviews, testing, optimization, and implementation activities, ensuring solutions meet architectural and operational best practices. In this role, be comfortable debugging complex hardware and software issues, work effectively both independently and collaboratively, communicate clearly across diverse perspectives, mentor and support teammates, and operate successfully within Agile/Scrum environments.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:
4-year degree or equivalent experience
5+ years of software development experience

Programming

  • Strong experience in C /C++ in a Linux environment
  • Working knowledge of Python and scripting (bash or similar)
  • Familiarity with common tools like git, make, and basic build systems
  • Linux operating system services (e.g. systemd).

Containers & Build Environments

  • Experience using Docker and understanding how containers work
  • Familiarity with build tools and package management (apt, pip, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of handling certificates, credentials, and secure access

Networking Fundamentals

  • General understanding of networking concepts:
    • Ethernet basics (Interfaces copper and optical, MAC addressing etc.)
    • Layer 2 / Layer 3 concepts (switching vs routing)
  • Experience with protocols including ARP, ICMP, BGP, LACP, STP, LLDP, VLANs, etc.
  • Awareness of infrastructure components like DNS, firewalls, and TLS

Hardware / Embedded Exposure

  • Experience or familiarity with:
    • I2C devices and communication
    • Network switch architecture
    • Switching ASIC concepts
    • Low-level concepts like memory-mapped I/O or interrupts

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_D

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Target logo

About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US