1

Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer to join the Linux networking drivers R&D team. The work environment is versatile, informative, dynamic and challenging as our employees are ...

Arista Networks is looking for world-class Linux Kernel and BIOS software engineers to join our Dublin Kernel software team. Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest ...

Arista Networks is looking for world-class Linux Kernel and BIOS software engineers to join our Dublin Kernel software team. Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest ...

Arista Networks is looking for world-class Linux Kernel and BIOS software engineers to join our Dublin Kernel software team. Our Kernel team is responsible for keeping pace with the latest ...

Minimum 2 years of professional experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules ... Proficient in systems level C programming and familiar with kernel coding style and static analysis ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Linux Kernel Engineer information

See salary details

$11K

$114.5K

$129.5K

How much do linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel engineer in the United States is $114,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $125,000.00 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.
What cities are hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Linux Kernel Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? The top employers for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Linux Kernel Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Linux Kernel Engineer jobs include:
Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development

Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development

General Motors

Austin, TX • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


General Motors rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Job Description

Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to [Austin, TX] three times per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business if more than 3 days].

General Motors is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as a Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel & Driver Development. As a global leader in the automotive industry, General Motors is committed to delivering high-quality vehicles that exceed customer expectations. This role will be instrumental in the bring-up of next-generation automotive computing platforms, focusing on Linux kernel development, device drivers, low-level system integration, diagnostics, and health monitoring for our in-vehicle infotainment and embedded systems.

Specific job responsibilities include:

Develop and enhance Linux kernel and device drivers, including those for camera sensors, display interfaces, multimedia subsystems, and networking (WLAN, LAN, BLE, BT5.0).

Lead system bring-up activities, including bootloader configuration, camera pipeline initialization, board support package (BSP) development, and low-level debugging.

Integrate and optimize hardware components, including USB, PCIe, I2C-connected peripherals, and Ethernet interfaces to ensure seamless operation within our embedded software stack.

Develop and implement diagnostics and health monitoring solutions, ensuring system reliability, predictive maintenance, and fault detection in critical automotive systems.

Analyze and troubleshoot low-level system issues, particularly in camera interfaces (MIPI-CSI, ISP bring-up), high-speed data buses, and network connectivity.

Support manufacturing and production processes, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing to ensure smooth integration of software into production vehicles.

Work closely with hardware teams to validate and debug platform issues, ensuring optimal hardware-software interaction.

Contribute to upstream Linux kernel development and work with open-source communities where applicable.

Define Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and work towards continuously improving software stability, performance, and maintainability.

Additional Job Description

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, or Work equivalent experience

8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming, and board bring-up.

Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems, and IPC mechanisms.

Experience in camera bring-up, including MIPI-CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework, and image processing pipelines.

Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), and firmware integration.

Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI, and MIPI-CSI.

Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).

Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring, and fault detection for embedded systems.

Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing.

Proficiency in low-level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).

Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.

Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks, and real-time optimizations in Linux-based systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex system issues across software and hardware domains.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.

8+ years of experience in embedded Linux kernel development, device driver programming, and board bring-up.

Expertise in Linux kernel internals, including memory management, scheduling, file systems, and IPC mechanisms.

Experience in camera bring-up, including MIPI-CSI, ISP tuning, V4L2 framework, and image processing pipelines.

Strong experience with BSP development, bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), and firmware integration.

Deep knowledge of communication protocols such as USB, PCIe, I2C, SPI, and MIPI-CSI.

Experience with Ethernet interfaces (WLAN, LAN) and network protocols (BLE, Bluetooth 5.0).

Proficiency in diagnostics, health monitoring, and fault detection for embedded systems.

Familiarity with manufacturing and production support, including hardware validation, firmware flashing, and end-of-line testing.

Proficiency in low-level debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, GDB, ftrace, kdump, perf).

Experience with SoC architectures and hardware interaction at the register level.

Knowledge of power management techniques, security frameworks, and real-time optimizations in Linux-based systems.

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex system issues across software and hardware domains.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

"Company Vehicle: Upon successful completion of a motor vehicle report review, you will be eligible to participate in a company vehicle evaluation program, through which you will be assigned a General Motors vehicle to drive and evaluate. Note: program participants are required to purchase/lease a qualifying GM vehicle every four years unless one of a limited number of exceptions applies.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards Resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


What General Motors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908