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

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.

confluera

Senior Platform Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

... as the Linux kernel or other high-profile projects Education/Qualifications BA/BS or MA/MS degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Computer Engineering We may use artificial ...

confluera

Senior Platform Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

... as the Linux kernel or other high-profile projects Education/Qualifications BA/BS or MA/MS degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science or Computer Engineering We may use artificial ...

Apptronik

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Perform low-level kernel configuration and tuning to meet the strict latency requirements of ... in Embedded Linux or Systems Engineering. * Demonstrated experience shipping and maintaining a ...

Mackenzie Health Care

Embedded Software Enginner

Austin, TX

$130K - $171K/yr

Major electronics systems design company is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with Linux ALSA kernel device driver experience. In this position you will be responsible for defining and leading ...

Mackenzie Health Care

Embedded Software Enginner

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Major electronics systems design company is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer with Linux ALSA kernel device driver experience. In this position you will be responsible for defining and leading ...

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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 14, 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 is the salary of Linux kernel engineer?

The salary of a Linux kernel engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior engineers with specialized skills in kernel development and performance tuning can earn higher compensation, often including benefits and bonuses.

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.

How much do kernel engineers make?

Kernel engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in C, assembly, or device drivers can command higher salaries, especially in competitive tech markets.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior Linux Kernel Engineer with extensive experience, specialized skills in kernel development, and often working in high-demand industries or companies can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles typically require advanced knowledge of C programming, system architecture, and often involve leadership or critical system responsibilities.

Are kernel engineers in demand?

Kernel engineers are in high demand due to the critical role they play in developing and maintaining operating system kernels, especially in areas like embedded systems, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Skills in C programming, Linux, and system architecture increase employability, and many organizations seek professionals with experience in kernel development and debugging tools.
More about Linux Kernel Engineer jobs
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Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Staff Engineer, Software

Staff Engineer, Software

Celestica International LP

Austin, TX

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Req ID: 129038
Region: Americas
Country: USA
State/Province: Texas
City: Austin
Summary
Celestica is looking for talented and passionate Staff Embedded Software Engineers for the Hardware Platform Services team. This team is responsible for designing and developing Cloud Hardware infrastructure that includes Compute, Storage, AI servers and Networking Switches. As a Staff Embedded Software Engineer, you will play a key role in defining and delivering state of the art Cloud Hardware products.
Celestica is leading the charge in the AI-driven era by developing ultra-dense, power-efficient, and high-speed infrastructure solutions. Our approach is grounded in extensive engineering expertise, a proven track record of technology experience, a resilient supply chain and strong global partnerships. We collaborate with customers to design purpose-built solutions that guarantee optimized performance, engineered reliability, and a truly agile, future-ready foundation for tomorrow's AI infrastructure demands.
Responsibilities

  • Gather Requirements and provide technical solutions that span across the system

  • Design and implement drivers, application software that drive next generation CPU and GPU systems for Data Centers

  • Develop, augment and maintain software libraries to support computing on CPU / GPUs

  • Mentor and coach team members on the technical skills and approaches to solve problems

  • Review and maintain the quality of code going into production

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelors Degree or higher education in Engineering

  • 6+ years of experience in C / C++ and other low-level programming languages and embedded systems

  • 5+ years of experience in Hardware bring-up, validation of all low-level interactions, troubleshooting and resolution of hardware / software interfaces in areas such as High-speed interface bring-up, Bootloader bring-up and High-speed interface bring-up (PCIe, USB, DDR, MIPI, Ethernet)

  • Experience in Board bring-up of new embedded hardware with low-level driver development to verify functionality including Linux kernel bring-up, kernel enablement and upstreaming

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

  • 5+ years of experience in Device Drivers such as PCIE, I2C, etc.

  • Knowledge of BIOS, BMC, Secure Boot, Linux Kernel, etc.

  • Experience in Real Time OS / Linux kernel memory management, interrupts, IOMMU

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with main elements of CPU, DPU, memory, NICs

  • Experience in designing and developing low level software to enable Data Center hardware

  • Prior experience GPU libraries like CUDA and ROCm is a plus

  • 9+ years of experience

Physical Demands
  • Duties of this position are performed in a normal office environment.
  • Duties may require extended periods of sitting and sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or on numbers and other detailed data.
  • Repetitive manual movements (e.g., data entry, using a computer mouse, using a calculator, etc.) are frequently required.
  • Occasional travel may be required.

Typical Experience
  • 9 to 14 years

Typical Education
Bachelor degree or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Educational Requirements may vary by Geography
Notes
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Celestica's policy on equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, or other characteristics protected by law.
This policy applies to hiring, promotion, discharge, pay, fringe benefits, job training, classification, referral and other aspects of employment and also states that retaliation against a person who files a charge of discrimination, participates in a discrimination proceeding, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment practice will not be tolerated. All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Celestica (NYSE, TSX: CLS) enables the world's best brands. Through our recognized customer-centric approach, we partner with leading companies in Aerospace and Defense, Communications, Enterprise, HealthTech, Industrial, Capital Equipment and Energy to deliver solutions for their most complex challenges. As a leader in design, manufacturing, hardware platform and supply chain solutions, Celestica brings global expertise and insight at every stage of product development - from drawing board to full-scale production and after-market services for products from advanced medical devices, to highly engineered aviation systems, to next-generation hardware platform solutions for the Cloud. Headquartered in Toronto, with talented teams spanning 40+ locations in 13 countries across the Americas, Europe and Asia, we imagine, develop and deliver a better future with our customers.
Celestica would like to thank all applicants, however, only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Celestica does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies or fee based recruitment services.
This location is a US ITAR facility and these positions will involve the release of export controlled goods either directly to employees or through the employee's movement within the facility. As such, Celestica will require necessary information from all applicants upon an applicant's acceptance of employment to determine if any export control exemptions or licenses must be filed.

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