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Linux Kernel Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Linux Kernel Engineer

Durham, NH

Join our Linux Kernel Engineering team and play a central role in the reliability, performance, and ... software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components). Proven ability to debug ...

AMD

Linux Kernel SW Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Linux Kernel SW Engineer to join their server software and solutions engineering team, where the role involves enabling AMD x86-64 architecture features in Linux and ...

Waymo

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to develop system software components from early prototyping to production launch of driverless vehicles * Develop and test Linux ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are building the enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and ... Requirements Linux Kernel Development Experience System programming in C/C++. Solid networking ...

VAST Data

Linux Kernel Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

We are building the enterprise software infrastructure to capture, catalog, refine, enrich, and ... Requirements Linux Kernel Development Experience System programming in C/C++. Solid networking ...

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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 Aug 7, 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?

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 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.

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 83% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.

Linux Kernel Engineer

Apple

Durham, NH

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple, we craft experiences that have transformed entire industries. The diversity of our people and ideas fuels innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could build here.
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 to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases.
You will partner closely with platform, infrastructure, and SRE teams to ensure every kernel we ship is stable, observable, and ready for real world workloads at scale.
Description
In this role, you will design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
You will lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer. You will collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline. Your work will have direct impact on the stability, performance, and debuggability of systems that power critical Apple services.
If you enjoy deep kernel debugging, building robust CI systems, and owning kernel releases from development through production, we would like to hear from you.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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