ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration. * Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure ...

Onyx Point, Inc.

Reverse Engineer 2

Hanover, MD · On-site

$78K - $250K/yr

Reverse Engineering Experience : Highly Valued as a Foundational Skill (5-years) * Windows SW RE is ... Linux * Kernel Development / Driver Development * 75% focus SW RE * Malware Analysis

Nwis

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · Hybrid

Senior Linux Systems Engineer-Nightwing (Sterling, VA) Nightwing isseeking a Senior Linux Systems ... Optimizesystem performance through kernel tuning, performance profiling, and resource optimization.

Nightwing

Senior Linux Systems Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

Senior Linux Systems Engineer-Nightwing (Sterling, VA) Nightwing is seeking a Senior Linux Systems ... Optimize system performance through kernel tuning, performance profiling, and resource optimization.

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

... kernel updates, service configurations, and performance tuning * Troubleshoot complex Linux OS ... Maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, OS build artifacts, and configuration guidance required ...

VTG

Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Experience with Android/Linux kernel development or driver development. * Experience reverse engineering with Ghidra or IDAPro. * Experience designing embedded software systems. * Experience ...

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Springfield, VA · On-site

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

... kernel updates, service configurations, and performance tuning * Troubleshoot complex Linux OS ... Maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, OS build artifacts, and configuration guidance required ...

GDIT

Linux OS Engineer - TS/SCI

Washington, DC

$147.29K - $199.28K/yr

... kernel updates, service configurations, and performance tuning * Troubleshoot complex Linux OS ... Maintain engineering documentation, SOPs, OS build artifacts, and configuration guidance required ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Dulles, VA · On-site

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ... Experience with Embedded linux, RTOS, and Linux kernel or Petalinux * Support the Space and Ground ...

TrustPoint

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

The Position TrustPoint is currently seeking a Full Time Embedded Software Engineer to join the ... Experience with Embedded linux, RTOS, and Linux kernel or Petalinux * Support the Space and Ground ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

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 May 31, 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?

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.

More about Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in WA? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Classified Linux Engineer

Classified Linux Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site

$107K - $160.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Linux system engineer with strong enterprise Linux expertise to support enterprise Linux systems in classified environments. The ideal candidate is familiar with the design, implementation and best practices for managing enterprise Linux systems in a classified environment. The candidate is familiar with system security hardening and can design and implement system management methods to ensure the successful reaccreditation and continued sustainment of classified networks and systems. You'll be working with other corporate IT teams as well as Aerospace engineers to develop and maintain scientific and engineering workloads on-premise and in the cloud in support of mission success of critical national space assets.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Install Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux on physical systems, including implementing encryption-at-rest (LUKS)
  • Provision Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Oracle Linux VMs
  • Patch, reboot, and troubleshoot patching processes (e.g. GPU drivers & kernel modules) and patching infrastructure on large classified networks and in stand-alone (air-gapped) networks
  • Maintain patching infrastructure (e.g. software repository mirrors) in large and stand-alone networks
  • System and user data and configuration backup and restore
  • Provide enterprise Linux troubleshooting, tier 2 and 3 Linux user support including software installation, configuration
  • Support scientists and engineers running workloads and applications on Linux systems
  • Security harden systems and remediate vulnerabilities
  • Monitor availability, improve monitoring, and restore systems and services in a timely manner and improve prevention and reduce future outages
  • Write or improve documentation for processes and procedures

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Site Reliability Engineer Staff II:
  • CompTIA Security+ CE certification or equivalent that meets DoD 8570.01-m requirements for IAT Level II personnel
  • 3 years of experience in Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) or its clones (CentOS, Oracle, Rocky, Alma) Linux systems administration, including provisioning, patching individual systems, troubleshooting, and implement security hardening for enterprise environments.
  • Experience with hardware troubleshooting and configuration
  • Willing to travel occasionally to alternate site (El Segundo or Colorado Springs) work location approximately 4% if required
  • An active IC TS/SCI clearance with CI Polygraph

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, STEM, or IT or equivalent experience
  • Linux certification: RHCSA or preferred Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
  • Experience maintaining patching infrastructure (e.g. software mirrors) including in standalone networks
  • Experience with Kickstart or other automated Linux provisioning processes
  • Experience automating security hardening to DISA STIGs.
  • Experience and programming skill implementing infrastructure-as-code with tools like Puppet, Ansible, Bash, Terraform, Python

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$107,000.00 - $160,500.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Apply