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

Celestica Inc.

BSP Engineer (Linux Kernel, C)

Austin, TX · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Solid C programming skills with working C++knowledge * In-depth understanding of Linux kernel, device driver, IPC, U-boot. * Familiarity with Linux application development. Knowledge of Real time OS ...

SambaNova

Senior Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Experience with Linux kernel, drivers, user space libraries, and applications * Strong Linux fundamentals * Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills; scripting experience - Python or Shell

Nutanix

RISC-V Software Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$212 - $318/hr

Drive upstream contributions to the OpenSBI, KVM and Linux kernel, ensuring long-term ... Collaborate with hardware engineers to enable software stack on silicon and emulation platforms ...

New

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 Aug 22, 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,466 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

FULL-TIME opportunity for Staff Firmware Engineer with Device Driver & MPEG/H.264 Exp.

Stem Xpert

Austin, TX • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Sr. Software Engineer for Linux Kernel, Device Driver, STB Middleware Integration,               Mpeg/H.264 Video decoder and Audio decoder

BAND: A3

Annual Base salary : $80,000- $85,000/annum + client benefits

REPORTING TO: Project Manager

JOB ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Description and Responsibilities
 Linux Kernel and Device Driver development
STB Middleware Integration
MPEG/H.264 video decoder
Audio decoder
STB Firmware and system debugging
Linux and RTOS knowledge
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
 Works Linux Kernel development and Device Drivers
 Works on STB Middleware and integration
Works on MPEG/H.264 video decoder
 Works on Audio Decoder
Strong Programming Skills in C
Works on RTOS
Strong Debugging and Troubleshooting Skills
Process and Quality Focus
STB Firmware Development Experience

Key Skills - Mandatory:
 Linux Kernel & Device Driver Development
STB Middleware and integration
MPEG/H.264 video decoder
 Strong Programming Skills in C
 RTOS and Firmware Development

Key Skills - Desirable:
 Knowledge on DIRECTV CDI or HDI is a plus
Common Skills:
 Excellent documentation, design, analytical and problem solving skills.
Strong communication skills. Person should be able to communicate effectively within the company as well as with different functional groups at customer site.
Candidate should have a "can-do" attitude and be able to work both collaboratively and independently.
Ability to handle a fast paced, dynamic work environment where priorities may change quickly.

Additional Information


stem xpert logo

About stem xpert

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

STEM Xpert, based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is a leading company in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education industry. Since their establishment, they have made an indelible mark by providing innovative services and products designed to enhance STEM learning. Their service portfolio includes comprehensive educational programs, customized learning modules and interactive STEM kits. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, the company's mission is to bring about an educational renaissance in the STEM field, making learning not just theoretical but practical and fun. One notable achievement for STEM Xpert has been its success in reaching a broad spectrum of learners, from school-age to adults, contributing significantly towards empowering the community's technological and scientific literacy.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

2012

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