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Senior Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stable Kernel

Senior Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

Stable Kernel is a technology services firm and custom software developer building scalable ... Senior Software Engineers may be classified as individual contributors or people managers with ...

Nvidia

Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Linux Kernel Software Engineer to join the Linux networking drivers R&D ... developer testing, and post-GA support. * Drive complex technical issues to closure that may occur ...

Stable Kernel

Senior Software Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$117K - $155K/yr

Stable Kernel is a technology services firm and custom software developer building scalable ... Senior Software Engineers may be classified as individual contributors or people managers with ...

Aptiv

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$13K - $160K/yr

Senior System Engineer - OS Kernel Location: Walnut Creek, CA ABOUT WIND RIVER Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four ...

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How much do senior kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior kernel developer in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Kernel Developer vs Kernel Engineer?

AspectSenior Kernel DeveloperKernel Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, experience in kernel developmentSimilar credentials, often with specialized Linux or OS certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, debugging, code optimizationDesign, implementation, testing of kernel modules and components
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, OS developersEmbedded systems, OS vendors, hardware integration

Both roles require strong knowledge of operating systems and kernel architecture. A Senior Kernel Developer typically focuses on advanced development and optimization, while a Kernel Engineer emphasizes designing and implementing kernel components. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and focus within kernel development projects.

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Senior Kernel Developer jobs near you

Senior Software Engineer - Kernel & Device Drivers

SambaNova

Austin, TX • On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
SambaNova is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop kernel-level drivers and low-level software for high-speed IO and memory subsystems within the DataScale® platform. The role involves enabling system bring-up, debugging complex issues, and delivering production-quality software that scales across systems.
Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO and memory subsystems
• Enable platform bring-up and support driver integration across new silicon and system configurations
• Write clean, maintainable, production-quality code and drive code reviews
• Support system bring-up from early silicon through production
• Debug complex issues across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers
• Drive issues to root cause and resolution in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Support PHY initialization and validation across high-speed interfaces
• Debug issues related to IO, memory, and PHY subsystems in coordination with hardware teams
• Interpret hardware specifications and schematics to guide bring-up and debug
• Develop tools and frameworks for performance analysis, validation, and manufacturing test
• Identify system bottlenecks and implement optimizations across driver and system layers
• Enable post-silicon validation through software automation and infrastructure
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
• Familiar with Linux kernel, drivers, user space libraries, and applications with strong Linux fundamentals
• Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills; scripting experience (Python, shell)
• Experience with high-speed IO or interconnects such as PCIe, Ethernet, or similar technologies
• Experience with system bring-up and hardware-software co-debug
• Experience with manufacturing test flows
• Familiarity with development tools such as Git, Docker, Jenkins, or Bazel
• Familiarity with build systems and toolchains (GCC, LLVM, Make, CMake)
• Strong ownership and ability to drive issues to resolution
• Clear communicator with a collaborative, problem-solving mindset
Preferred:
• Experience with PHY bring-up and initialization
• Ability to read and understand hardware specifications and register-level documentation
• Exposure to pre-silicon validation (FPGA, emulation) and post-silicon bring-up
• Familiarity with board schematics and low-level hardware interaction
• Solid debugging skills using logs, trace tools (GDB), JTAG, or hardware debuggers
• Background in high-performance or accelerator-based systems
Company:
SambaNova is an AI hardware and software company that specializes in providing infrastructure for AI and machine learning applications. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Palo Alto, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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