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

Aptiv PLC

Principal Technologist (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Expert-level proficiency in C/C++ and systems programming * Deep understanding of Linux kernel architecture and development * Extensive experience with embedded systems and real-time systems * Strong ...

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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 Jul 12, 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.

More about Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,466 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Principal Linux Systems Architect

Principal Linux Systems Architect

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

Austin, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 142 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description


WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  



The Role

We are seeking a Principal Architect with deep expertise in x86 computing architecture and Linux system software to drive endtoend platform and software architecture across complex, highperformance systems. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, defining longterm architectural strategy, and solving the most complex systemlevel challenges spanning hardware, firmware, OS, virtualization, and application layers.

As a senior technical leader, you will operate with significant autonomy and organizational influence, partnering with silicon, firmware, platform hardware, software, and ecosystem teams while engaging directly with open-source communities and industry partners to shape the future of Linux-based computing platforms.


The Person

The ideal candidate is a recognized industry expert and systems thinker with a proven record of driving architecture for complex computing platforms. You possess a unique combination of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence technical direction across large organizations.

You thrive in environments where hardware and software intersect, enjoy solving difficult system-level problems, and have demonstrated success delivering architectural innovations that scale across products, customers, and ecosystems.

You bring:

  • Exceptional expertise in Linux systems and x86 platform architecture
  • Strong architectural judgment and the ability to balance long-term strategy with execution
  • Experience driving cross-functional alignment among hardware, firmware, kernel, and software teams
  • A history of influencing industry standards, open-source projects, or platform ecosystems
  • Outstanding communication and technical leadership skills
Key Responsibilities
  • Define and own system software and platform architecture across Linux, kernel, drivers, virtualization, and security domains
  • Drive technical strategy and longterm architectural roadmaps for complex x86based platforms
  • Lead architecture and design reviews across OS, firmware, hardware, and application interfaces
  • Architect, prototype, and review Linux kernel, device drivers, and lowlevel system software
  • Provide technical leadership for system bringup, performance optimization, scalability, and reliability
  • Lead complex rootcause analysis across application, kernel, firmware, and hardware layers
  • Act as a senior technical interface to opensource communities, including upstream Linux development
  • Collaborate with external software partners and ecosystem stakeholders
  • Mentor senior engineers and influence technical standards and best practices across teams

Preferred Experience
  • Deep expertise in x8664 architecture, operating systems, and systemlevel design
  • Extensive experience with Linux kernel internals, including core kernel, IO subsystems, and drivers
  • Advanced C programming for kernel and system software
  • Strong background in virtualization technologies, including KVM/QEMU and x8664 virtualization extensions
  • Indepth knowledge of ACPI, PCIe, and platform interfaces
  • Proven experience with lowlevel debug tools, emulators, and simulators
  • Significant contributions to opensource software, including upstream patch submission and review
  • Demonstrated success in performance optimization, scalability, and system reliability
To Stand Out From the Crowd
  • Expertise in Linux memory management, including HMM
  • Handson experience with GPU/DRM drivers and heterogeneous compute platforms
  • Knowledge of cache coherence and memory consistency protocols
  • Experience with highperformance networking, including RDMA, peerdirect, scaleup/scaleout networking, and communication collectives
  • Proficiency with machine learning and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow
  • Experience with GPU compute technologies, including OpenCL and Vulkan

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS: 

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field 

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

#LI-BW2

#LI-HYBRID



Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Qualifications:

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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