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Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, 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 ...

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy production-grade system software components for driverless vehicles, from initial prototyping through ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

Hayden AI

Senior Firmware Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Own Linux kernel bring-up and platform enablement on embedded ARM64 systems (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson ... Strong programming experience in C, with deep expertise in Linux kernel and device driver ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLinux Kernel Engineer JobsLinux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Sunnyvale, CA

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See Sunnyvale, CA salary details

$13.1K

$136.2K

$154.1K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in Sunnyvale, CA is $136,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,700.00 and $148,700.00 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 popular job titles related to Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA? For Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Sunnyvale, CA are:
What cities near Sunnyvale, CA are hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities near Sunnyvale, CA with the most Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in Sunnyvale, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,221 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Linux Peripheral Software Engineer

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 242 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications Engineering
General Summary:
As a Linux Peripheral Software Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and customer support of peripheral subsystems on Qualcomm platforms. This role focuses on USB and low-speed peripheral interfaces such as I2C, I3C, SPI, as well as MIPI-based protocols, enabling robust connectivity and functionality across customer products.
You will work closely with customers to review peripheral bus requirements, analyze system-level use cases, and translate those requirements into software design and implementation. The role involves hands-on kernel and driver development, debugging, and optimization in Linux and Android environments, as well as on-site customer support to bring-up, validate, and resolve peripheral-related issues on development platforms.
You will be involved in customizing, enabling, and optimizing Qualcomm software for customer programs, supporting new hardware bring-up, and troubleshooting complex protocol-level issues across USB, QUP-based peripherals, and MIPI interfaces. Strong collaboration with hardware, architecture, validation, and customer engineering teams is expected.
The ideal candidate has strong C/C++ programming skills, solid experience with Linux kernel and device driver development, and deep familiarity with peripheral protocols and buses. The candidate should be self-driven, capable of owning customer issues end-to-end, and comfortable working across global teams while delivering documentation, training, and technical guidance to customers.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
  • 3+ year of any combination of academic and/or work experience with debugging techniques.
  • Proven experience as a Linux Kernel Engineer or similar role.
  • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel architecture and build tools.
  • Strong understanding of Computer Architecture - Caches, Bus, Memory is required.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • The preferred candidate should have knowledge in the following areas:
  • Camera, Display, AR/VR, Video, Graphics, BSP software
  • Strong understanding of system performance tuning and optimization.
  • Extensive experience with Linux kernel development, debugging, and profiling tools.
  • Proficiency in programming with real-time operating systems or microkernels, particularly on ARM architectures or Qualcomm's Hexagon microprocessor.
  • Advanced C/C++ programming skills with a minimum of 3 years of experience in embedded software systems. Experience in creating or managing software build environments using tools such as Make, CMake, and Git.
  • Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python).
  • Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
  • Familiarity with specific Linux distributions and their kernel customization processes (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Rocky Linux).

Physical Requirements
  • Frequently transports between offices, buildings, and campuses up to ½ mile.
  • Frequently transports and installs equipment up to 5 lbs.
  • Performs required tasks at various heights (e.g., standing or sitting).
  • Monitors and utilizes computers and test equipment for more than 6 hours a day.
  • Continuous communication which includes the comprehension of information with colleagues, customers, and vendors both in person and remotely.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$104,000.00 - $156,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

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About Qualcomm

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Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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