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Rust Linux Kernel Jobs in San Francisco, CA (NOW HIRING)

Slope

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance‑critical software, including Linux kernel ... Familiarity with Rust or experience using Rust for systems programming. To comply with U.S. export ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Familiarity with Rust or experience using Rust for systems programming. Equal Opportunity Employer ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $445K/yr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Familiarity with Rust or experience using Rust for systems programming. To comply with U.S. export ...

Crusoe

Senior Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Linux Kernel Mastery : Deep expertise in Linux system internals and kernel-level programming is essential for this role. * Programming Proficiency : Expert-level skills in Go, C, and C++ (Rust is ...

Crusoe

Senior Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Linux Kernel Mastery : Deep expertise in Linux system internals and kernel-level programming is essential for this role. * Programming Proficiency : Expert-level skills in Go, C, and C++ (Rust is ...

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Rust Linux Kernel information

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$119K

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$207.4K

How much do rust linux kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rust linux kernel in San Francisco, CA is $175,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,800.00 and $194,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rust Linux Kernel developer?

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?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Rust Linux Kernel jobs in San Francisco, CA?

For Rust Linux Kernel jobs in San Francisco, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rust Linux Kernel jobs in San Francisco, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rust Linux Kernel jobs in San Francisco, CA are:

What cities near San Francisco, CA are hiring for Rust Linux Kernel jobs?

Cities near San Francisco, CA with the most Rust Linux Kernel job openings:

Rust Linux Kernel jobs near you

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Anodize

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization
Summary
We're a well-funded, stealth startup building a new end-to-end personal computing platform. For this role, the primary responsibility is to build, optimize, and maintain the core virtualization and kernel stack that powers our platform. You will have deep ownership over host and guest kernel interactions, identifying performance bottlenecks, and implementing novel solutions to mitigate hardware virtualization overhead.
Whether it's tackling pathological memory access overhead by implementing advanced hugepage alignment techniques (e.g., coordinating host/guest hugepage backing to eliminate TLB misses), optimizing CPU scheduling, or improving I/O virtualization, your goal is to push the boundaries of virtualization performance, and contribute those improvements directly back to the broader Linux ecosystem.
Responsibilities
  • Virtualization Stack Ownership: Design, implement, and optimize host and guest OS features to maximize throughput and minimize latency in a hardware-accelerated virtualization environment.
  • Open Source Stewardship: Heavily engage with the upstream community. Prepare, submit, and shepherd kernel patches through Linux kernel mailing lists, advocating for our architectural improvements to become part of mainline Linux.
  • Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve systemic performance bottlenecks across the stack (e.g., implementing efficient hugepage alignment to reduce nested page walks, optimizing THP behaviors, etc.).
  • Systems Innovation: Track cutting-edge academic systems research (e.g., Eurosys, OSDI) and translate novel techniques into production-ready software implementations that drive measurable performance gains.
Minimum Requirements
  • Kernel Development: Proven track record in Linux kernel development, with deep expertise in the virtualization stack (KVM) or memory management.
  • Open Source & Upstreaming: Practical experience navigating Linux kernel mailing lists and a clear history of proposing, debating, and upstreaming meaningful patches.
  • Systems Programming: Strong software development skills with deep hands-on proficiency in C, Rust, Make, and associated systems toolchains.
  • Low-Level Debugging: Strong ability to profile, benchmark, and debug complex, deeply nested virtualization workloads to pinpoint systemic overhead.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active maintainer or contributor status in core open-source virtualization projects (e.g., Linux KVM, QEMU, rust-vmm, crosvm, libkrun, etc.).
  • Deep familiarity with the internal workings of the Linux memory management (mm) subsystem, virtual memory, and paging architecture.
  • Prior experience translating academic systems research into upstreamable mainline features.

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