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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

AST SpaceMobile

Principal FSW Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site

$135K - $181K/yr

Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by ... Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals: network and platform driver development, device tree ...

stanleyreid

Reverse Engineer - FS Poly

Hanover, MD · On-site

They are seeking a Reverse Engineer to join their team.Relevant qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree ... Experience with Linux kernel and drivers * Experience with malware analysis * Experience with ...

stanleyreid

Reverse Engineer - FS Poly

Laurel, MD · On-site

... Linux kernel and drivers -Experience with malware analysis -Experience with vulnerability research and exploit development This role is located in Laurel, MD and the work requires a TS/SCI + Full ...

stanleyreid

Reverse Engineer - FS Poly

Hanover, MD · On-site

... Linux kernel and drivers -Experience with malware analysis -Experience with vulnerability research and exploit development This role is located in Hanover, MD and the work requires a TS/SCI + Full ...

TalentRemedy

Embedded Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$135K - $177K/yr

An aerospace client is seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the team and will be ... Have designed and implemented device drivers and kernel drivers in linux or RTOS Experience with ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsLinux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Washington

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$129.7K

$146.7K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Washington is $129,682.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,800.00 and $141,600.00 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.

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Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,682 per year, or $62.3 per hour.

Principal FSW Engineer

Lanham, MD • On-site

AST SpaceMobile
Telecommunications • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about AST SpaceMobileexternal

$135K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to eliminate the connectivity gaps faced by today's five billion mobile subscribers and finally bring broadband to the billions who remain unconnected.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Principal Flight Software Engineer with deep expertise in embedded Linux and networking to join our Flight Software Team. This role is central to the design and development of our satellite fleet's Linux-based networking capabilities, with a specific focus on networking subsystems; general embedded computing knowledge is also crucial, since there are RTOS platforms in our stack that are not Linux. The ideal candidate brings hands-on embedded experience, a focus on process improvement, and the technical leadership to drive architectural decisions across the team.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, development, and deployment of embedded Linux software for flight systems, including BSP bring-up, device driver development, and system-level integration.
  • Own the networking subsystem architecture for satellite flight software, including protocol stack implementation, network driver development, and link-layer communication.
  • Collaborate with hardware, RF, and systems engineering teams to define interfaces and integrate networking subsystems with spacecraft hardware.
  • Define and enforce software architecture, coding, and review standards across the Flight Software Team.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; conduct code reviews and contribute to engineering best practices.
  • Support Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) simulation environments that accurately reflect flight networking behavior.
  • Participate in integration and test activities, diagnosing and resolving complex hardware/software issues.
  • Lead technical projects end to end - scoping, planning, staffing, and driving them to delivery.
  • Own the larger systems and processes the team depends on: build and CI infrastructure, release and configuration management, and software development lifecycle standards.
  • Serve as the Flight Software technical point of contact for other engineering teams and program leadership, communicating status, risk, and trade-offs.

Qualifications
Education:
Experience:
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with significant focus on embedded Linux.
  • Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals: network and platform driver development, device tree authoring, and kernel configuration and build.
  • Strong understanding of networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, UDP, routing, network interfaces, and socket programming.
  • Experience implementing or integrating custom communication protocols at the application, transport, or link layer.
  • Proficiency in C and C++ (C++17 standard library); Python for tooling and automation.
  • Experience with embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot.
  • Familiarity with cross-compilation toolchains and embedded debugging techniques (JTAG, SWD, GDB).
  • Experience with real-time or latency-constrained Linux environments (PREEMPT_RT or similar).
  • Strong debugging skills across hardware/software boundaries; comfortable with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers.
  • Practicing modern development workflows: Git, unit testing, continuous integration, Jira.
  • Track record leading projects that extend beyond a single embedded target - larger systems, services, or engineering infrastructure and tooling.
  • Experience defining and improving engineering processes that span multiple teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in RF or radio-frequency systems integration.
  • Experience with network security in embedded contexts (TLS, secure boot, key management).
  • Experience with CUDA.
  • Experience with high-reliability or fault-tolerant software design patterns.

Soft Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Able to lead technical discussions across engineering and program teams.
  • Skilled at extracting requirements from stakeholders.

Technology Stack:
  • Embedded Linux kernel development, device drivers, and device tree authoring.
  • C, C++ (C++17), and Python for tooling and automation.
  • Embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto and Buildroot.
  • Cross-compilation toolchains and embedded debugging tools (JTAG, SWD, GDB).
  • Real-time Linux environments (PREEMPT_RT or similar) and RTOS platforms.
  • Git, unit testing frameworks, CI pipelines, and Jira.
  • Hardware/software debugging equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to use a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in an office and lab environment, including hands-on hardware/software debugging using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to support integration, testing, or cross-team collaboration as needed.

This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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