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Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GlobalLogic Inc.

Embedded System Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Systems Programming: Proactive development experience in Modern C++ (11/14/17) within an embedded ... Kernel & Low-Level Linux : Deep understanding of the Linux kernel, device drivers, and core OS ...

Elliot Partnership

Senior Linux Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

* Senior Linux Systems Engineer - (Kernel & Performance) * New York, NY (Hybrid, 3 days in office ... Develop, debug, and maintain low-level systems software, potentially including kernel modules, eBPF ...

Waymo

Sr Software Engineer, Telematics

Mountain View, CA

$144K - $190K/yr

Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to design, develop, and deploy ... Low-Level Software: Experience in Linux kernel and device driver development. * Wireless ...

AeroVironment

Platform Software Engineer, Senior

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$116K - $154K/yr

This engineer will own complex technical work, drive platform design and implementation, solve ... Contribute to low-level Linux platform integration, including kernel-adjacent software, device ...

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Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer information

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$129.5K

How much do low level linux kernel engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for low level linux kernel 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 does a low level Linux kernel engineer do?

A Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing the core components of the Linux operating system, particularly the kernel. They work on tasks such as device drivers, memory management, process scheduling, and ensuring system stability and performance. These engineers often interact closely with hardware, debugging at the kernel level, and contributing to open-source Linux kernel projects. Their expertise ensures that Linux-based systems run efficiently and reliably on a wide variety of hardware.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a low level Linux kernel engineer?

To thrive as a Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer, you need deep expertise in C programming, computer architecture, operating system internals, and a solid background in Linux kernel development, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with source control systems like Git, debugging tools such as GDB and perf, and experience in kernel patching or upstream contributions are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications are critical for efficiently diagnosing complex system issues, improving kernel performance, and ensuring robust, maintainable code in demanding technical environments.

What are some common challenges faced by low level Linux kernel engineers when working on driver development?

Low Level Linux Kernel Engineers often encounter challenges such as debugging hardware-software interactions, ensuring compatibility across different kernel versions, and managing strict timing or resource constraints. Troubleshooting in kernel space can be complex, as errors may lead to system instability or crashes, requiring careful use of debugging tools and techniques. Additionally, collaboration with hardware teams and staying updated with upstream kernel changes are critical to ensure robust and maintainable driver code.

What are popular job titles related to Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs?

For Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Low Level Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,500 per year, or $55 per hour.

Principal Linux Kernel Engineer - NVIDIA CPU Server Platforms

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Nvidia
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Nvidiaexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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

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