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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

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 ...

You will own low-level CPU firmware execution, custom Embedded Linux system development, and driver ... Collaborate with hardware engineering teams to bring up prototype boards and integrate network ...

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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$81.5K

$181.9K

$222.7K

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

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel firmware engineer in Boston, MA is $181,904.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,400.00 and $222,700.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer job openings:
    Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 21% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $181,904 per year, or $87.5 per hour.

    Linux Kernel Architect

    SiFive

    Boston, MA • On-site

    Full-time

    Medical, Retirement, PTO

    Posted 16 days ago


    Job description

    About SiFive

    As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V to the highest performance and most data-intensive applications in the world. SiFive's unrivaled compute platforms are continuing to enable leading technology companies around the world to innovate, optimize and deliver the most advanced solutions of tomorrow across every market segment of chip design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC-V has no limits.

    At SiFive, we are always excited to connect with talented individuals, who are just as passionate about driving innovation and changing the world as we are.

    Our constant innovation and ongoing success is down to our amazing teams of incredibly talented people, who collaborate and support each other to come up with truly groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Solutions that will have a huge impact on people's lives; making the world a better place, one processor at a time.

    Are you ready?

    To learn more about SiFive's phenomenal success and to see why we have won theGSA's prestigious Most Respected Private Company Award(for the fourth time!), check out ourwebsiteandGlassdoorpages.

    Job Description:

    The Role

    Do you want to be part of the RISC-V revolution? RISC-V and SiFive are redefining computing platforms for the 21st century. SiFive, the world RISC-V leader, is seeking an experienced Linux kernel software architect. In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on high core count server systems. You'll interact directly with the upstream Linux and OpenSBI communities, posting and reviewing patches. You'll debug challenging problems, working with our system software and system validation teams, on SiFive designs running in emulation. And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V International, to improve our core and system designs.

    What we need to see

    • Experience working on concurrency-sensitive code in the upstream Linux kernel, with a track record writing and reviewing patches on the public mailing lists

    • Experience debugging challenging software and hardware bugs in CPUs and SoCs

    • Experience working with CPU architects and RTL engineers

    • Experience developing and debugging Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms

    • Experience with hypervisors and virtualization

    • Familiarity with the RISC-V architecture

    Ways to stand out

    • Familiarity with silicon design issues and challenges

    • Familiarity with microarchitectural side-channel attacks and mitigations

    • Familiarity with debugging systems via hardware debuggers

    • Familiarity with Devicetree, ACPI and UEFI

    • Familiarity with Rust

    Pay & Benefits

    Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience.

    For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location.The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee.

    Base Pay Range

    In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity. In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more!

    Additional Information:

    This position requires a successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in

    United States of America

    Any offer of employment for this position is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are a authorized for access to export-controlled technology under applicable export control laws or, if you are not already authorized, our ability to successfully obtain any necessary export license(s) or other approvals.

    SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

    As an E-Verify employer, we use this system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen job candidates and will comply with all E-Verify regulations.

    California residents: please see our job candidate notice for more information on how we handle your personal information and your privacy rights: Privacy Policy Document.