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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA

$147K - $193K/yr

... Linux, Yocto, and/or Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) The candidate should be familiar with ... in kernel programming and/or device drivers, and/or working with peripheral devices. Experience ...

Amazon

Software Engineer, EC2 Nitro

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Linux kernel - Scripting (Ruby/Python/Rust) - Strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in ... programming language such as C, C++, Rust, Python or Perl - Ability to take a project from scoping ...

Amazon

Software Dev Engineer, EC2 Nitro

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Linux kernel - Scripting (Ruby/Python/Rust) - Strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in ... programming language such as C, C++, Rust, Python or Perl - Ability to take a project from scoping ...

Amazon

Software Dev Engineer, EC2 Nitro

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Linux kernel - Scripting (Ruby/Python/Rust) - Strong knowledge of Computer Science fundamentals in ... programming language such as C, C++, Rust, Python or Perl - Ability to take a project from scoping ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer (Starshield)

Redmond, WA · On-site

... Software Engineer for their Starshield program. The role involves creating reliable software ... Linux kernel • Experience in C++ for high performance systems • Experience with image data ...

Cisco

Customer Delivery Architect(Remote)

Seattle, WA · On-site

This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy going deep across the stack - from Linux kernel networking and containerized SONiC services to ASIC forwarding pipelines and AI cluster network design. What ...

Amazon

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$147K - $193K/yr

... Linux, Yocto, and/or Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS). The candidate should be familiar with ... in kernel programming and/or device drivers, and/or working with peripheral devices. Experience ...

SpaceX

OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Linux Kernel Up streamed patches preferred. * Knowledge of networking and Linux networking stack ... Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000 ...

SpaceX

Software Engineer (Starshield)

Redmond, WA · On-site

They are seeking a Software Engineer for their Starshield team, which works on building reliable ... Linux kernel • Experience in C++ for high performance systems • Experience with image data ...

SpaceX

OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Linux Kernel Up streamed patches preferred. * Knowledge of networking and Linux networking stack ... Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000 ...

SpaceX

OS/Platform Software Engineer (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Linux Kernel Up streamed patches preferred. * Knowledge of networking and Linux networking stack ... Software Engineer/Level I: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00/per year Software Engineer/Level II: $145,000 ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsLinux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12.5K

$130.3K

$147.4K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Seattle, WA is $130,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $142,200.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,301 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

SDE - Embedded Linux, Amazon Leo

Amazon

Redmond, WA

$147K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,962 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Amazon Leo is Amazon's low Earth orbit satellite network. Our mission is to deliver fast, reliable internet connectivity to customers beyond the reach of existing networks. From individual households to schools, hospitals, businesses, and government agencies, Amazon Leo will serve people and organizations operating in locations without reliable connectivity.
Export Control Requirement: Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S

citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Key job responsibilities
We are looking for an Embedded SDE to lead platform specific projects and initiatives on Satellite, Ground Systems and Customer Terminals.
An ideal candidate would have multi-year experience working on networking and/or consumer devices using embedded Linux, Yocto, and/or Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

The candidate should be familiar with device trees and have demonstrated experience in kernel programming and/or device drivers, and/or working with peripheral devices. Experience with ethernet, PCIe, SPI, I2C interfaces, flash devices is required. Experience with ARM based systems is desired.

The candidate should be familiar with manufacturing diagnostics related to device's journey from contract manufacturer through various production phases like Hardware Validation Testing (HVT), Engineering Validation Testing (EVT), Device Validation Testing (DVT), Production Validation Testing (PVT). The candidate should be familiar with and device provisioning processes involved in manufacturing.
A day in the life
As a software development engineer you will be responsible for leading the design of embedded software used in the Amazon Leo products. You will work in a collaborative environment with teams inside and outside of Amazon

You will mentor a team of software engineers on best practices while you guide your software designs from requirements gathering through mass production. You will need to be flexible and responsive to high priority issues.

What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

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