ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA (NOW HIRING)

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive, Inc.

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsLinux Kernel Engineer Jobs in San Jose, CA

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$12.9K

$134.2K

$151.8K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in San Jose, CA is $134,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,900.00 and $146,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA?

For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA are:

What cities near San Jose, CA are hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?

Cities near San Jose, CA with the most Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:

Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in San Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,192 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Principal Software Developer - 4 (Linux Kernel Engineer)

Oracle

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and optimize kernel features across networking, storage, virtual memory management, and security areas.

  • Contribute to the upstream Linux kernel and drive enhancements for cloud-scale deployments.

  • Collaborate with hardware design teams on processor bring-up and architecture enablement initiatives.

Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

The Oracle Cloud Linux team is seeking experienced Linux Kernel Developers to help advance the Linux operating system for large-scale cloud environments. This role involves contributing to Linux kernel and working on innovative projects across multiple kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, security, performance optimization, virtual memory management, architecture enablement, and live patching technologies.

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $114,600 to $234,600 per annum. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize kernel features across areas such as:

o Networking (Ethernet, InfiniBand, OFED, RoCE, DPDK, and related technologies)

o Storage and Filesystems (iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NFS, ZFS, Btrfs, block layer, and filesystem layer)

o Virtual Memory Management and Performance Optimization, including large page management and container workload performance

o Security technologies such as encryption, TPM integration, signed kernels/modules, Secure Boot, and bootloader security

Contribute to the upstream Linux kernel and drive enhancements for cloud-scale deployments.

Collaborate closely with hardware design teams on processor bring-up and architecture enablement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Strong background in operating systems development.

Several years of hands-on Unix/Linux kernel development experience preferred.

Proficiency in C programming and kernel-level debugging.

Expertise in one or more Linux kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, memory management, security, or processor architecture.

Experience with open-source development practices and upstream kernel contributions is highly desirable.

Familiarity with Python and Bash scripting for development and automation tasks.

Preferred Experience

High-performance networking technologies such as RoCE, advanced Ethernet networking.

Filesystem and storage technologies including XFS, ZFS, NFS, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and Linux block layer development.

Virtual memory management, performance tuning, and container optimization.

Security technologies including TPM, Secure Boot, kernel signing, and encryption frameworks.

Live patching technologies and kernel maintenance.

What Oracle employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Oracle logo

About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Oracle Jobs

Apply