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Linux Kernel Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NVIDIA

Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$142.80K - $188.20K/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

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 ...

Nvidia

Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143.90K - $189.70K/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 ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel Corporation

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an ...

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Linux Kernel Software Engineer information

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

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel software 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux Kernel Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in C programming, operating systems concepts, and kernel architecture, usually backed by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, kernel debugging tools (such as GDB and perf), and knowledge of kernel build systems are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure reliable, secure, and efficient kernel development, which is fundamental for system stability and innovation.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Kernel Software Engineers when contributing to open-source projects?

Linux Kernel Software Engineers often face challenges such as navigating the complex and evolving codebase, adhering to rigorous coding standards, and ensuring their contributions are compatible across diverse hardware and distributions. Effective communication with the global developer community is crucial, as code reviews and feedback are integral parts of the process. Additionally, engineers must stay up to date with the latest kernel developments and security practices to maintain high-quality, reliable contributions.

What does a Linux Kernel Software Engineer do?

A Linux Kernel Software Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing the core component of the Linux operating system—the kernel. Their work involves writing and debugging low-level code, contributing to new features, fixing bugs, and ensuring optimal hardware compatibility and performance. They often collaborate with open-source communities, hardware vendors, and other software engineers to ensure the kernel runs efficiently across a variety of devices. Additionally, they may review code submissions, write documentation, and help troubleshoot complex system issues.

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

AspectLinux Kernel Software EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, Linux kernel knowledge, C programming skillsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related, embedded systems experience, C/C++ skills
Work EnvironmentDeveloping and maintaining Linux kernel code, working in Linux-based environmentsDesigning firmware and software for embedded devices, often real-time systems
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, open-source projectsConsumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices, industrial equipment

While both roles require C programming and involve working with hardware-related software, Linux Kernel Software Engineers focus on developing and optimizing the Linux kernel itself, whereas Embedded Software Engineers develop software for specific hardware devices and embedded systems. The roles often overlap in skills but differ in scope and application.

More about Linux Kernel Software Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel Software Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel Software Engineer jobs are:
Linux Kernel Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Linux Kernel Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 78% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.
Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Arista Networks Inc

Austin, TX

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS. This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base.
Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.
Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.
What You'll Do
  • Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
  • Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
  • Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
  • Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
  • Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
  • Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
  • Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
  • Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
  • Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.
Qualifications
  • BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 years experience, or equivalent work experience
  • Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable.
  • Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures.
  • Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
  • Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong software design and implementation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
  • Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

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Additional Information
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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