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Linux Kernel Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration. * Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure ...

Senior Systems Engineer (Linux)

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Analyze and address all operating system performance, resource optimization, storage allocation, and kernel tuning implications. * Architect and implement robust, high-availability Linux clusters ...

Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration. * Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure ...

Experience with Linux system administration, preferably Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8 or later ... kernel, tcpdump) * Knowledge of common AddOns or third party tools. (Aria/vRealize Suite, SRM ...

New

Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration. * Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure ...

New

Linux Systems Administrator

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Apply and test kernel updates, package upgrades, and security patches in production and development environments. * Monitor Linux systems for performance, security, and availability, resolving issues ...

Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration. * Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure ...

Linux Systems Administrator

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$86K - $138K/yr

Apply and test kernel updates, package upgrades, and security patches in production and development environments. * Monitor Linux systems for performance, security, and availability, resolving issues ...

Apply and test kernel updates, package upgrades, and security patches in production and development environments. * Monitor Linux systems for performance, security, and availability, resolving issues ...

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Showing results 1-20

Linux Kernel information

See Washington salary details

$114.4K

$168.8K

$199.3K

How much do linux kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for linux kernel in Washington is $168,827.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $154,600.00 and $186,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Linux Kernel job?

A Linux Kernel job involves working on the development, maintenance, and optimization of the Linux kernel, which is the core component of the Linux operating system. Professionals in this role may focus on areas such as device drivers, memory management, file systems, or security. They typically work with programming languages like C and tools such as Git for version control. These roles are common in industries like embedded systems, cloud computing, and operating system development. Strong knowledge of Linux internals and debugging skills are essential for success in this field.

What are some common challenges faced by Linux Kernel Developers, and how can they be addressed?

Linux Kernel Developers often encounter complex issues such as debugging low-level code, maintaining backward compatibility, and efficiently diagnosing hardware-software interactions. Navigating the vast and collaborative open-source community also requires effective communication and adherence to coding standards. These challenges can be addressed by actively participating in kernel mailing lists, leveraging advanced debugging tools, and continuously updating your knowledge through community resources. Being proactive in code reviews and engaging with other developers can also streamline problem-solving and ensure high-quality code contributions. Embracing collaborative best practices helps create robust and maintainable kernel modules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Linux Kernel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Linux Kernel Developer, you need strong proficiency in C programming, expertise with operating system concepts, and a solid understanding of hardware integration, often backed by a degree in Computer Science or a related field. Familiarity with git version control, debugging tools like gdb, and experience contributing to open-source projects or relevant Linux Foundation certifications are common requirements. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate within globally distributed teams set top performers apart. These capabilities are essential for navigating the complexities of kernel-level development, ensuring high-quality contributions, and driving innovation in the Linux ecosystem.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Linux Kernel jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Kernel jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Kernel jobs in Washington are:
Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Freddie Mac

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

At Freddie Mac, our mission of Making Home Possible is what motivates us, and it's at the core of everything we do. Since our charter in 1970, we have made home possible for more than 90 million families across the country. Join an organization where your work contributes to a greater purpose.
Position Overview:
Our constantly evolving IT department is in search of a Senior Engineer of Infrastructure Engineering with excellent time management skills and a proven record of setting and meeting results-oriented goals! We're looking for a hands-on experienced engineering professional with a strong engineering mindset who can lead and transform the current environment, automate existing procedures and stay at the forefront of new technologies! This role handles Linux engineering, including developing new solutions, automating controls, ensuring compliance, managing changes, and improving the platform's sustainability, efficiency, security, and value. This individual will have responsibilities across multiple Linux distributions in our on premises and public cloud environments.
Our Impact:
We assure Stability, Availability and Reliability for 1000's of servers to support a wide range of applications in a hybrid Cloud environment while striving to prevent service impacts in a multifaceted and constantly evolving ecosystem. We assure rapid recoverability from any impacts to business and services. We work together to strategize and transform IT with Automation and Process Engineering.
Your Impact:
  • Serve as a key member of the IT Infrastructure Engineering Team.
  • Develop and mentor teams of engineers to proactively ensure platform stability and security.
  • Identify, influence, and implement technology, process, and skill changes to modernize infrastructure.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure clear communication, risk reduction, and accountability for team performance.
  • Apply an engineering mindset to solve complex technical challenges and drive continuous improvement.
  • Drive automation initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability of IT infrastructure.
  • Ensure adherence to security protocols and best practices across all infrastructure operations.

Qualifications:
  • College degree or equivalent experience; advanced studies/degree preferred.
  • Typically, 5 - 7+ years of expert-level experience engineering new technical solutions.
  • Extensive experience architecting, deploying, and managing AWS cloud environments, including EC2, EKS, S3, IAM, CloudFormation, Lambda, and other AWS native services.
  • Experience with Linux engineering, including lifecycle management, kernel patching, maintenance, and systems integration.
  • Automation development experience including application of Infrastructure as Code and DevOps principles using SDLC best practices.
  • Experience with Ansible Automation Platform (AAP) and scripting languages (Python, Perl, Shell, etc.) to automate engineering and operations tasks.
  • Strong communication skills to set clear goals and relay accomplishments to management.
  • Willingness to participate in on-call rotation and provide support during off-hours as needed.

Keys to Success in this Role:
  • Expert in engineering new solutions; elevates team members through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and makes significant contributions to strategy and objectives; provides knowledge leadership across areas of responsibility and thinks beyond individual sphere.
  • Deep expertise in AWS cloud architecture, automation, and operational excellence, including EC2, EKS, S3, Lambda, CloudFormation, Terraform, and Linux.
  • Champions automation as a core strategy for operational excellence.
  • Demonstrates expertise in kernel patching, vulnerability remediation, patching, and strict adherence to security protocols.
  • Proactively identifies AWS cloud optimization opportunities, implements best practices for security, reliability, and cost management, and leads cloud migration initiatives.
  • Stays current with AWS service updates and emerging technologies, continuously improving the team's cloud capabilities.
  • Strong familiarity with AWS security best practices, including IAM policies, KMS encryption, Security Hub, and compliance frameworks (CIS, NIST, PCI DSS).
  • Expertise in vulnerability remediation, patching, and maintaining secure systems in compliance with security protocols.
  • Experience implementing monitoring, logging, and alerting using AWS native tools such as CloudWatch, CloudTrail, and Config.
  • Ability to lead current technical trends and anticipate future technological needs for team growth.

Current Freddie Mac employees please apply through the internal career site.
We consider all applicants for all positions without regard to gender, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, physical and mental disability, pregnancy, ethnicity, genetic information or any other protected categories under applicable federal, state or local laws. We will ensure that individuals are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
A safe and secure environment is critical to Freddie Mac's business. This includes employee commitment to our acceptable use policy, applying a vigilance-first approach to work, supporting regulatory mandates, and using best practices to protect Freddie Mac from potential threats and risk. Employees exercise this responsibility by executing against policies and procedures and adhering to privacy & security obligations as required via training programs.
CA Applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Notice to External Search Firms: Freddie Mac partners with BountyJobs for contingency search business through outside firms. Resumes received outside the BountyJobs system will be considered unsolicited and Freddie Mac will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. If interested in learning more, please visit www.BountyJobs.com and register with our referral code: MAC.
Time-type:Full time
FLSA Status:Exempt
Freddie Mac offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and market-leading benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.
This position has an annualized market-based salary range of $122,000 - $184,000 and is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

Freddie Mac logo

About Freddie Mac

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Today, Freddie Mac makes home possible for one in four home borrowers and is one of the largest sources of financing for multifamily housing. Join our smart, creative and dedicated team and you'll do important work for the housing finance system and make a difference in the lives of others.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1970