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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Sunrise Systems, Inc.

Firmware Engineer 1

Austin, TX

... Linux Kernel programming and Linux driver development experience (JTAG, I2C, SPI) Hands on experience working with Reference Boards. Experience with Linux gcc build and debug tools. Strong debug ...

Celestica

Senior Staff Engineer, Software

Austin, TX · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Experience in Real Time OS / Linux kernel memory management, interrupts, IOMMU * Proven ability to ... engineered aviation systems, to next-generation hardware platform solutions for the Cloud.

Celestica

Staff Engineer, Software

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience in Real Time OS / Linux kernel memory management, interrupts, IOMMU Preferred ... engineered aviation systems, to next-generation hardware platform solutions for the Cloud.

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All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsLinux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10.9K

$113.5K

$128.3K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Austin, TX is $113,466.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Embedded Senior Software Engineer II - Embedded Linux

Embedded Senior Software Engineer II - Embedded Linux

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX

$122K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Embedded Software Engineer II with a strong background in developing embedded applications using Linux and Yocto. The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in embedded systems, device drivers, kernel modifications, and boot loaders, with a preference for experience on the Xilinx platform (though experience on other microcontrollers is also acceptable).
 
As a Cesium software team member, you will be responsible for software designs from concept through production, including product roadmaps, block diagrams, detailed design and coding, analysis, test, qualification, and in-orbit support. The ideal candidate will have development experience at nearly every level of the software stack, including microcontrollers, low-level drivers, board support packages (BSP), and user interfaces with an emphasis on applications and data management. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience in software testing and high-reliability qualification, as well as software engineering and software project management practices.
 
This position will be supporting our Skylark product line, an antenna system that uses active phased array technology to unlock satellite communications that has traditionally relied on mechanically steered systems. Skylark is designed to work with any existing or upcoming satellite constellation and is scalable to the desired performance or application. Skylark offers several unique differentiators including is its multi-beam capability which unlocks simultaneous communications with satellites in different orbits.
 
The successful candidate will present engineering design review materials to our customers and executive team, as well as participate in proposal-writing efforts. As such, excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. 
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop and port embedded Linux applications, custom device drivers, and libraries.
  • Configure, modify, and integrate the Linux kernel and embedded boot loaders.
  • Work extensively with U-Boot, and Linux kernel configuration.
  • Maintain and support the Yocto build system in a CI/CD environment.
  • Package and deploy software images for various hardware platforms.
  • Create and manage Linux images tailored to specific embedded hardware.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system integration and performance.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering. 
  • Minimum of 6 years of industry experience in software development. 
  • Experience in hands-on development and troubleshooting of software systems and hardware (such as motors, power distribution units, etc.). 
  • Programming experience in C or C++. 
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review. 
  • Excellent understanding of multi-threaded applications and resource management. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Strong hands-on experience with Embedded Linux and Yocto.
  • Familiarity with Xilinx platforms or other microcontroller-based systems.
  • Experience with boot loaders, kernel-level development, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple development tasks.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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