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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Megger

Software/Firmware Engineer

Fort Collins, CO

This role will focus on enhancing the Linux kernel, working closely with custom hardware platforms ... Key Responsibilities - General Software/Firmware Engineering Design, develop, test, and maintain ...

Megger

Software/Firmware Engineer

Fort Collins, CO · On-site

This role will focus on enhancing the Linux kernel, working closely with custom hardware platforms ... Key Responsibilities - General Software/Firmware Engineering • Design, develop, test, and ...

Hayden AI

Senior Firmware Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$175K - $228K/yr

What the job involves We are seeking a Senior Firmware Engineer with deep expertise in Linux kernel and device driver development to join our Device Software team. In this role, you will own the low ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

The Linux System Engineering team is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the core Linux kernel, device drivers, and low-level system software ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

The Linux System Engineering team is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the core Linux kernel, device drivers, and low-level system software ...

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Seattle, WA

$139K - $258K/yr

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and evolution of Apple's platforms. As a Linux Kernel Engineer, you will own the kernel lifecycle end ...

FortifyIQ

Firmware Engineer (Remote)

Salem, MA · On-site +1

We're looking for a motivated Firmware Engineer to join a dynamic team developing embedded software ... Familiarity with Linux kernel development or RTOS concepts. * Understanding of multi-threaded ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs

Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer information

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$75K

$167.4K

$205K

How much do linux kernel firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel firmware engineer in the United States is $167,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $143,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectLinux Kernel Firmware EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; knowledge of Linux kernel developmentBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; embedded systems experience
Work EnvironmentDeveloping firmware for Linux-based systems, often in hardware labs or R&D teamsDesigning software for embedded devices like IoT gadgets, automotive systems, or consumer electronics
Industry UsageTelecommunications, consumer electronics, hardware manufacturersAutomotive, IoT, medical devices, consumer electronics

The Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining firmware specifically for Linux kernel environments, ensuring hardware compatibility and performance. In contrast, the Embedded Software Engineer works on a broader range of embedded systems, often with real-time constraints and different operating systems. Both roles require embedded programming skills but differ in scope and specific expertise.

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What cities are hiring for Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer job openings:
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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.
Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms

Sr. Staff / Principal Software Engineer - Linux Kernel & ARM Server Platforms

Qualcomm

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$147K - $203K/yr

Full-time

Posted 1 hour ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 191 rated software companies

Job description

Job Summary:
Qualcomm is seeking a Sr. Staff / Principal-level Software Engineer to provide system-level technical leadership for next-generation ARM server platforms. This role focuses on Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software, ensuring production-quality delivery for hyperscale datacenter environments.
Responsibilities:
• Provide system-level technical leadership across Linux kernel, firmware, and platform software for ARM server SoCs.
• Define and guide architecture across HW ↔ FW ↔ OS ↔ hypervisor boundaries using standards such as ACPI, UEFI, SystemReady, SBSA/SBBR, and PSCI.
• Drive Linux kernel enablement, performance optimizations, and platform drivers for high-performance server platforms.
• Collaborate with silicon, performance, RAS, security, and platform teams to identify optimization opportunities and architectural risks.
• Guide boot flows, runtime firmware, power and performance management, virtualization, memory, PCIe, and telemetry enablement.
• Ensure operating systems run efficiently on Qualcomm server platforms and evolve to support new architectural features.
• Review designs and implementations to ensure scalability, robustness, and production readiness.
• Influence SoC and platform roadmaps through system-level analysis and technical leadership.
• Mentor senior engineers and serve as a technical authority across firmware and system software domains.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 6+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 5+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 3+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred:
• 12+ years of experience in system software, firmware, or platform software for high-performance or server-class systems.
• 10+ years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience.
• Strong understanding of modern server architectures and the HW/SW interface.
• Proficiency in C and low-level systems programming (assembly is a plus).
• Experience with firmware, boot loaders, and pre- and post-silicon debug environments.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical initiatives without direct authority.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams and senior leadership.
• Master’s degree or equivalent industry experience.
• 15+ years of experience building production software stacks for high-performance or datacenter platforms.
• Experience delivering production server SoCs or hyperscale platforms.
• Familiarity with ARM, OCP, or industry platform standards bodies.
• Experience working with hyperscaler or large datacenter customers.
Company:
Qualcomm designs wireless technologies and semiconductors that power connectivity, communication, and smart devices. Founded in 1985, the company is headquartered in San Diego, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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