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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Experienced in Linux kernel builds and Linux ramdisk creation; booting and debugging Linux on ... Experienced in C programming language and build environment such as makefiles, compiler flags, and ...

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Kitchener, ON · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$150K/yr

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer Department: Inverter Firmware Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 ... Design and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs) including bootloaders, kernel configuration ...

Software Security Engineer

Ottawa, ON

CA$84.60K - CA$135.20K/yr

Proven experience in software security engineering with a solid understanding of security ... Experience with Linux Kernel development and its security aspects. * Strong knowledge of cloud ...

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer Department: Inverter Firmware Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 ... Design and maintain Board Support Packages (BSPs) including bootloaders, kernel configuration ...

Staff Firmware Engineer

Toronto, ON · Hybrid

CA$100K - CA$500K/yr

How firmware integrates with bootloaders, embedded Linux, kernel drivers, runtime software, BMC ... Compensation for all engineers at Tenstorrent ranges from $100k - $500k including base and variable ...

Strong understanding of SOC controller/processor architecture, Linux kernel, and real-time OS ... Work closely with hardware/FPGA engineers to understand HW control architecture including CPU ...

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Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Ontario salary details

$57.5K

$148.9K

$195K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Ontario is $148,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,500.00 and $171,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Ontario? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Ontario look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Ontario are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in ON? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

SoC Embedded SW/Linux Validation Engineer

NXP Semiconductors

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Job Title: SoC Embedded SW/Linux Validation Engineer

We are looking for an SoC Validation Engineer with a strong embedded SW background and, more specifically, Linux kernel/driver programming and debug experience. The selected candidate will work on developing validation infrastructure and validation of SoC, developing and debugging embedded C code in bare metal environment. The candidate will also use Linux as a validation vehicle for the SoCs, bringing up and debugging Linux kernel on emulation and silicon platforms to find SoC design issues. The validation will require understanding SoC architecture and design specifications of specific IPs, developing validation test plans working with partner teams such as design/verification/SW, developing validation drivers and test content, executing validation content on emulation and silicon, and debugging failures. The validation drivers and test content may be bare metal and/or OS based (Linux, RTOS).

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain validation infrastructure to support comprehensive SoC validation efforts

Validate SoC functionality using both baremetal and OSbased environments

Plan, develop, execute, and debug SoC functional tests in embedded C code in baremetal environments on both emulation and silicon platforms

Use Linux as a validation vehicle by bringing up and debugging the Linux kernel and select applications on emulation and silicon platforms

Identify, isolate, and debug SoC design issues through lowlevel software and system analysis; Work design and verification teams in root causing the issues.

Gain deep understanding of SoC architectures and IPlevel design specifications

Create detailed validation test plans in collaboration with design, verification, product engineering, and software teams

Support validation across multiple software environments, including baremetal, Linux, and RTOS

Job Qualifications:

  • The candidate must have 12+ experience in the embedded SW and Linux kernel/driver programming.

  • The candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

  • Experienced in Linux kernel builds and Linux ramdisk creation; booting and debugging Linux on emulation and validation platforms.

  • Able to read and understand SoC architecture and design specifications for various IPs.

  • Experienced in C programming language and build environment such as makefiles, compiler flags, and linker scripts.

  • Ability to develop scripts (such as Python) to post-process executable images into platform loadable images (emulation and validation boards).

  • Exposure to assembly level programing (Preferably ARM32/ARM64)

  • Ability to debug SoC using features such as Trace32, TARMAC instruction traces, and waveform traces; Debug skills include development of CMM scripts and ability to recreate test (code) given detailed explanation of a specific failure.

  • Understanding of multi-core environment in an SoC and bus infrastructure.

  • Understanding of interrupt controllers, DMA, GPIO. peripheral understanding useful (UART, I2C, PCIe, etc.)

  • Understanding of SoC low power modes.

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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