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Rust Linux Kernel Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rust Linux Kernel information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$104K

$153.6K

$181.3K

How much do rust linux kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for rust linux kernel in Chicago, IL is $153,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,600.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Rust Linux Kernel developers?

Rust Linux Kernel developers are software engineers who contribute to the Linux kernel using the Rust programming language. They focus on writing new kernel modules or components in Rust, aiming to improve safety, security, and maintainability compared to traditional C code. These developers typically have a deep understanding of both systems programming and the Linux kernel architecture. Their work is part of an ongoing effort to gradually integrate Rust into the kernel alongside existing C code.

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

To thrive as a Rust Linux Kernel Developer, you need deep knowledge of systems programming, strong proficiency in Rust and C, and experience with Linux kernel internals. Familiarity with build systems (e.g., Make), version control (Git), and relevant certifications such as Linux Foundation Certified Engineer are typically valuable. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure robust, secure, and maintainable kernel contributions while facilitating smooth teamwork in complex open-source environments.

What is the difference between Rust Linux Kernel vs C Linux Kernel Developer?

AspectRust Linux KernelC Linux Kernel Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of Rust programming, Linux kernel basicsProficiency in C, Linux kernel development experience
Work EnvironmentContributing to Linux kernel modules using Rust, Linux environmentDeveloping and maintaining Linux kernel code in C
Industry UsageEmerging in kernel development, experimental projectsStandard in Linux kernel development
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for language choice in kernel modulesTraditional role, baseline for kernel development

The main difference between a Rust Linux Kernel developer and a C Linux Kernel Developer lies in the programming language used. Rust developers focus on leveraging Rust's safety features for kernel modules, while C developers work with the traditional C language. Both roles require Linux kernel knowledge, but Rust is newer and less widespread in kernel development, making it an emerging area compared to the well-established C role.

What are some common challenges faced when working on Rust integration within the Linux kernel, and how do teams typically address them?

A frequent challenge in this role is bridging the gap between Rust and the existing C-based Linux kernel codebase. This includes ensuring memory safety, managing interoperability between the two languages, and adhering to strict kernel coding standards. Teams often address these challenges through extensive code reviews, collaborative discussions on kernel mailing lists, and by actively participating in the upstream kernel and Rust-for-Linux communities. Continuous learning and communication are essential, as both the Rust integration and kernel development methodologies are rapidly evolving.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Rust Linux Kernel jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Rust Linux Kernel job openings:
Infographic showing various Rust Linux Kernel job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,555 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Sr. Software Engineer II, Exchange Connectivity

Sr. Software Engineer II, Exchange Connectivity

NinjaTrader

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

What you'll do:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Sr. Software Engineer II with deep expertise in exchange connectivity and high-performance trading systems. This is a high-impact role focused on interfacing directly with multiple exchanges, handling real-time market data, order routing, and trade processing with low latency and high reliability.

You'll be part of the Exchange Connectivity team, owning the software that communicates directly with exchanges worldwide.

In this role you will:

  • Design, implement, and support exchange connectivity components across multiple asset classes and protocols
  • Develop and maintain market data handlers, order gateways, and contract/instrument reference data processors
  • Create APIs to expose exchange services to the broader organization via REST, WebSocket, event bus, or other mechanisms
  • Collaborate closely with the Trading OMS, FCM, and infrastructure teams
  • Optimize for low latency, high throughput, and fault tolerance across all trading and data flows

What you'll need:

  • 8+ years of experience in the trading industry, ideally with C++ or Rust
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Proven experience building exchange connectivity and market data systems across multiple venues
  • Strong understanding of network programming, multicast UDP, TCP, and asynchronous I/O
  • Deep knowledge of trading industry specifications (FIX, SBE, market data formats, etc.)
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to mentor others and drive change across teams
  • Experience supporting live trading systems in production - diagnosing connectivity issues, latency anomalies, and failover events
  • Strong sense of ownership, with the ability to deliver robust, tested, and observable software in mission-critical environments

Bonus Points for:

  • Capital markets experience
  • Performance profiling and tuning using perf, VTune, Wireshark, or similar tools to analyze and reduce latency
  • Low-latency systems development with deep experience optimizing for performance, throughput, and determinism in production trading environments
  • Building and maintaining real-time feed handlers for exchange protocols (ITCH, OUCH, FIX/FAST, CME MDP, Eurex ETI, etc.)
  • Familiarity with U.S. and international exchange APIs and connectivity protocols (CME, ICE, Eurex, CBOE, Binance, etc.)
  • Expert-level Linux knowledge, including performance tuning, kernel parameters, NUMA, and clock synchronization (PTP)
  • Building resilient distributed systems that handle failover, recovery, and state synchronization
  • Expertise in concurrency, multi-threading, and asynchronous programming
  • Familiarity with IBM MQ for exchange data transfer
  • Experience with low-latency networking, kernel bypass, or FPGA acceleration

Compensation:

The salary range for this role will be $140,000-$190,000 USD. In addition, this position will also receive an annual target bonus of 10%. Bonus pay at NinjaTrader is based on individual performance (50%) as well as company/team performance (50%).

Salary and bonus earnings are only two components of the total compensation package offered by NinjaTrader. NinjaTrader offers a 401(k) plan through ADP under which the company will match up to 3.5% of employee contributions. Annual paid time off allowance accrues at a rate of 18 days per year plus seven paid holidays.

Location:

This role is based in Chicago, IL. We are not open to remote candidates for this role.

Hybrid:

For Chicago-based employees, we follow a hybrid work schedule: In-office Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work on Mondays and Fridays. In addition to these weekly remote days, we offer:

  • 20 additional flex remote days annually
  • 5 Company Wide Office-Optional weeks tied to major holidays