2

Remote Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

System Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site +1

$175K - $362.50K/yr

... the Linux kernel * Ability to read hardware data sheets, register definitions etc. to program ... Remote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home-tech setup, and remote wifi ...

Compiler Engineer

Cupertino, CA ยท On-site +1

$105K - $260K/yr

San Francisco Bay Area, Cupertino, or Fully Remote Position: Compiler Engineer Status: Full time ... Linux application and kernel performance optimization - knowledge of perf, oprofile, flame graphs ...

Principal Graphics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA ยท Remote

$143.30K - $177.10K/yr

We allow developers to, with no modifications to their code, transform existing mobile apps into ... kernel, HAL, SurfaceFlinger, System Services, GMS, Android Build System). * Android/Linux graphics ...

Work with Linux systems (systemd, networking, tuning, kernel parameters). * Work with Asterisk in ... Remote work flexibility - work from anywhere. * B2B contract with competitive gross compensation in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Remote Linux Kernel Developer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$118.6K

$175.1K

$206.7K

How much do remote linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote linux kernel developer in Santa Clara, CA is $175,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,300.00 and $193,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Linux Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Linux Kernel Developer, you need a deep understanding of C programming, operating system concepts, and kernel architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with Git, Linux kernel build systems, debugging tools like GDB, and contributing to open-source repositories is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, clear written communication, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for remote collaboration and troubleshooting. These skills ensure the ability to develop, maintain, and optimize kernel code effectively while working independently within distributed teams.

What are some common challenges faced by remote Linux Kernel Developers when collaborating with distributed teams?

Remote Linux Kernel Developers often work with globally distributed teams, which can present challenges such as coordinating across time zones, maintaining clear communication, and ensuring code consistency. Effective collaboration typically relies on asynchronous communication tools, thorough code documentation, and participation in regular virtual meetings or code reviews. Developing strong self-management skills and familiarity with collaborative platforms like Git and mailing lists is essential to staying aligned with the team's goals and maintaining productivity.

What are Remote Linux Kernel Developers?

Remote Linux Kernel Developers are software engineers who specialize in developing, maintaining, and improving the Linux kernel while working from a location outside of a traditional office. Their work often involves writing, debugging, and optimizing kernel code, collaborating with open-source communities, and ensuring system stability and performance. These developers typically possess deep knowledge of C programming, operating system concepts, and hardware interfaces. Working remotely, they use various collaboration tools to contribute to projects and communicate with team members globally.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA? For Remote Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Remote Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Remote Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Waymo

Mountain View, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$213K - $263K/yr

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with the mission to be the world's most trusted driver. Since its start as the Google Self-Driving Car Project in 2009, Waymo has focused on building the Waymo Driver-The World's Most Experienced Driver-to improve access to mobility while saving thousands of lives now lost to traffic crashes. The Waymo Driver powers Waymo's fully autonomous ride-hail service and can also be applied to a range of vehicle platforms and product use cases. The Waymo Driver has provided over ten million rider-only trips, enabled by its experience autonomously driving over 100 million miles on public roads and tens of billions in simulation across 15+ U.S. states.

Waymo Onboard Infrastructure is responsible for low-level software and infrastructure on various components of the Waymo self-driving system. The team's scope covers everything from low-level system software to high-bandwidth data logging, IPC (low-latency and high-throughput), performance analysis, and full-system debugging. We work with the Hardware, Compute, Sensor, Perception, Behavior and Machine Learning teams to build the most performant and low-latency self-driving solution in the industry.

In this role, you will work on the System Software Team. The System Software team owns the primary compute node of Waymo's on-vehicle compute platform - an integrated embedded system. You will write Linux Kernel drivers (including creating appropriate user-space APIs) to communicate with custom hardware (e.g. custom ASICs and FPGAs). If you enjoy building embedded systems using novel compute hardware and working with engineering teams that will be direct consumers of your work, you'll be a great fit for this role.

In this hybrid role, you will report to the Technical Lead Manager.

You will:

  • 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 Kernel device drivers and other components for high-performance embedded systems including custom ASICs and accelerators.
  • Work with a variety of engineering teams and SoC partners to take on ambiguous problems.

You have:

  • BA/BS degree in Computer Science, or relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience
  • Proficiency in C and C++
  • 5+ years of programming experience in an asynchronous environment with multiple processes, threads, timers, and interrupts
  • Experience with Linux kernel and device driver development
  • Working knowledge of hardware bring-up and debugging, including the ability to read schematics/datasheets and use common tools (oscilloscopes, multimeter, logic analyzers)

We prefer:

  • Experience with early-silicon development tools, e.g. emulators, simulators and FPGAs
  • Experience with common hardware protocols/interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or I2C)
  • Experience working with multiple types of industry partners (CM, ODM, OEM, or ISV)
  • Working knowledge of complex hardware-accelerated compute pipelines (GPUs, ML accelerators, image/data processors)
  • Experience with bootloaders or programming in a BIOS
  • Experience with building and maintaining testing infrastructure for OS and other low level code.
  • Experience with performing safe and robust software and firmware updates.

The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.

Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.

Salary Range
$213,000โ€”$263,000 USD