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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Working across kernel, firmware, and hardware, you will build robust, maintainable drivers and ... Strong Linux fundamentals * Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills; scripting experience ...

FIRMWARE ENGINEER

Houston, TX · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Firmware Engineer needed in Houston, TX to Design and implement software of embedded devices and ... Knowledge of Linux kernel, RTOS and bare metal (CPU) and embedded C/C++ programming. Familiar with ...

New

VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an organization ...

Description VAST Data is looking for a Linux Kernel Developer to join our growing team! This is a great opportunity to be part of one of the fastest-growing infrastructure companies in history, an ...

Firmware Engineer We are seeking a hands-on Firmware Engineer to develop low-level embedded ... Experience with Linux kernel driver development, including platform drivers, interrupts, DMA, and ...

$90 - $130/hr

As Firmware Engineer for Dexterous Hand Systems, your mission is to build and own the embedded ... Zephyr) and Linux Kernel targets, including full Qualcomm IQ‑series SOM bring‑up * Define and ...

$150 - $195/hr

Staff Firmware Engineer Title Staff Firmware Engineer Department R&D Location Niwot, CO (Hybrid ... Strong experience with QT, Linux Kernel and driver development. * ARM-based SoC firmware design.

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 22, 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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Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Principal Linux Kernel Engineer - NVIDIA CPU Server Platforms

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology-and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you'll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

As a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer, you will lead the effort to develop and perform our upstream-first Linux kernel plan for NVIDIA CPU Server platforms. This role lets you impact hardware architecture, guide kernel development, and work with diverse experts to implement NVIDIA's next-generation CPU and SoC architectures effectively. Come join our team and help craft the future of computing!

What you'll be doing:

  • Own and drive the Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms with an upstream-first development model.

  • Lead the upstream enablement of NVIDIA CPU platforms across major Linux kernel subsystems while minimizing downstream maintenance.

  • Track Linux kernel evolution and drive technical roadmaps across core subsystems including memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, RAS, CXL, networking, filesystems, and security.

  • Partner with CPU architects, hardware designers, firmware teams, and software engineers to influence hardware architecture and interfaces for clean, upstream-friendly Linux support.

  • Represent NVIDIA in the Linux open-source community by collaborating with subsystem maintainers, driving upstream reviews, and advocating for NVIDIA technologies.

  • Lead the architecture and implementation of Linux kernel support for next-generation CPU and SoC features, identifying opportunities to simplify software through hardware and firmware design improvements.

  • Establish best practices for upstream development, code quality, kernel review processes, and long-term maintainability while mentoring engineers across the organization.

  • Collaborate with Linux distributions, ecosystem partners, and internal engineering teams to enable NVIDIA CPU platforms and shape future Linux kernel capabilities.

What we need to see:

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.

  • 14+ years of experience developing Linux kernel software.

  • Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals and multiple kernel subsystems.

  • Recognized contributor with an established reputation in the Linux kernel community, including experience reviewing and influencing upstream kernel development.

  • Strong understanding of CPU architecture, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, synchronization, virtualization, ACPI, PCIe, and device drivers.

  • Experience leading complex cross-functional software initiatives.

  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction across engineering organizations.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Current or former Linux kernel maintainer for a major upstream Linux kernel subsystem.

  • Experience enabling Linux on new CPU or SoC architectures.

  • Familiarity with ARM64 or server-class CPU platforms.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 9, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993