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Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Our partner is looking for a Lead Linux Kernel Engineer - Ubuntu based in Netherlands. This is a senior technical leadership opportunity focused on shaping the architecture, development, and delivery ...

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 Sep 13, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $167,438 per year, or $80.5 per hour.

Principal Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

San Jose, CA • On-site

$180K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 4 hours ago


Key responsibilities

  • Own kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems, from architecture through production release

  • Lead software enablement for platform bring-up across new silicon and system configurations

  • Drive issues to root cause across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers with hardware, firmware, and validation teams


Job description

SambaNova is a leader in next-generation AI infrastructure, delivering a full-stack inference platform for customers worldwide. At the core of SambaNova's technology is the RDU (Reconfigurable Dataflow Unit) - a chip built on a dataflow architecture rather than the traditional GPU model. Its decode performance is especially strong for agentic workloads like multi-turn agents, code generation, and long-running applications. RDUs are packaged into SambaRack, rack-scale hardware that lets customers deploy state-of-the-art models with better performance, greater energy efficiency, and faster time to value.
About the role SambaNova is seeking a Principal Engineer to own kernel-level drivers and low-level software for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems within the DataScale® platform and RDU architecture. This role is central to delivering reliable, high-performance AI systems at scale. This is a hands-on Linux kernel and device driver role; it is not an application or platform software role.
You will lead software bring-up of new silicon, deliver production drivers across the IO, memory, and network data paths, and debug complex issues spanning kernel, firmware, and hardware. This role suits an engineer with deep kernel and driver expertise and strong hardware fluency, who can operate in ambiguity and execute with high ownership.
Responsibilities
  • Own kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems, from architecture through production release
  • Own the RDMA and network data path, including queue-pair management, congestion control, QoS, and packet classification
  • Lead software enablement for platform bring-up across new silicon and system configurations
  • Drive issues to root cause across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers with hardware, firmware, and validation teams
  • Own PHY and link bring-up in coordination with hardware teams, working from specifications and register documentation
  • Build tools, test scripts, and frameworks for device and NIC verification, performance analysis, and manufacturing test
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks across driver, network stack, and system layers at data center scale
  • Set code quality standards through design and code review, and mentor engineers on the team

Required Qualifications
  • MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
  • Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and kernel driver development
  • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel networking, including network driver development and the RDMA protocol
  • Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills, with scripting in Python or shell
  • Experience with two or more high-speed IO or interconnect technologies such as PCIe, Ethernet, or CXL
  • Proven ability to lead hardware-software co-debug from first silicon to production
  • Ability to read and distill hardware specifications and register-level documentation
  • Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on RDMA data-path or driver implementation experience
  • Experience with virtual switching and data center networking at scale
  • Experience writing test scripts to verify NIC behavior
  • Firmware development experience
  • Exposure to pre-silicon validation using FPGA or emulation platforms
  • Background in high-performance computing or accelerator-based systems

Base Salary Range:
Base Pay Range
$180,000-$255,000 USD
Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.
EEO PolicySambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions
SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.