Senior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Details:Job Description: 

We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an emphasis on x86 architectures, device drivers, and platform-level integration. The successful candidate will support early platform enablement across both presilicon and postsilicon environments, including FPGA-based validation platforms and production silicon.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with Silicon Architects, SoC design teams, firmware engineers, and other software developers to enable operating system support for new hardware capabilities. The position requires strong Linux kernel expertise, deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, and the ability to debug complex system-level issues during early platform bring-up. Contributions to upstream Linux kernel subsystems and participation in open-source development are highly valued.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules and device drivers for x86-based platforms.
Support platform bring-up activities and early boot enablement in both presilicon (FPGA/emulation) and postsilicon environments.
Work with FPGA platforms and simulation environments for early hardware validation and driver development.
Collaborate with SoC design, firmware, and platform teams to define OS and kernel requirements for new hardware features.
Develop and enhance kernel subsystems related to device drivers, memory management, power management, scheduling, and platform interfaces.
Implement and debug kernel functionality including ACPI integration and hardware interface protocols.
Diagnose and resolve kernel-level issues during system boot, device initialization, and runtime operation.
Backport patches, apply security updates, and maintain stable kernel branches as part of platform productization.
Contribute patches and enhancements to upstream Linux kernel subsystems when applicable.
Optimize system performance through power/performance tuning, memory management improvements, and system-level profiling.
Maintain kernel configuration, build environments, and development workflows using Git-based version control systems.
Work with cross-functional engineering team

PROFESSIONAL TRAITS
Strong analytical thinking and system-level problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including SoC design, firmware, and platform engineering groups.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment.
Strong attention to detail with disciplined debugging and troubleshooting practices.
Adaptability to work across different hardware platforms and development phases.
Passion for low-level systems development, including personal experimentation with Linux kernel builds, debugging, or open-source contributions.
Commitment to high-quality engineering practices and maintainable code.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 6+ years of relevant experience, OR
Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
The experience must include:
Linux Kernel Development1:
Strong experience in Linux kernel development with emphasis on x86 platform architecture.
Hands-on experience developing and debugging Linux kernel drivers and kernel subsystems.
Experience working with one or more Linux kernel subsystems such as:
Device drivers and platform drivers
Memory management
Power management and ACPI
Scheduler or interrupt handling
Virtualization or I/O subsystems
Presilicon Development Environment1
Experience working in presilicon environments including:
FPGA setup, configuration, and usage for early hardware validation.
Driver development and validation on FPGA platforms.
Hardware/software co-validation using simulation or emulation environments.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Development Tools
Proficiency with Git-based development workflows.
Experience submitting or maintaining upstream Linux kernel patches.
Familiarity with Linux kernel build systems and configuration management.
Debugging and Performance
Strong debugging skills using kernel-level diagnostic tools.
Experience with system performance analysis, power optimization, and memory management.
Open Source and Upstream Development
Demonstrated upstream contributions to Linux kernel subsystems.
Experience participating in Linux kernel community discussions or open-source development processes.
Experience submitting patches, reviewing discussions, or engaging with the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML) or subsystem maintainers is highly valued.
Intel Platform Experience
Familiarity with Intel platform technologies and architectural features such as VT-x, VT-d virtualization, and platform power management frameworks.
Additional Experience
Knowledge of kernel security frameworks and kernel hardening techniques.
Familiarity with containerization or virtualization technologies.
Experience supporting hardware bring-up across multiple silicon generations.

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, California, FolsomAdditional Locations:US, California, Santa Clara, US, Oregon, HillsboroBusiness group:The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $173,660.00-245,160.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.