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Senior Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Geneva Trading

Junior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

This role is for the curious mind-the engineer who doesn't just want to write a strategy but wants to understand exactly how the Linux kernel handles every packet that strategy sends. Core ...

Cna

Senior Unix/Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Guide engineering and operations for Linux/UNIX and Windows Server across physical and virtual footprints; ensure best practices for reliability, security, and performance. * Define and maintain OS ...

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Thorough understanding of Linux (kernel, modules, filesystems) with special emphasis on the network ... Infrastructure Engineer pay range $125,000-$200,000 USD Why us? Founded in Chicago in 2004, Simplex ...

CNA

Senior Unix/Linux Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Guide engineering and operations for Linux/UNIX and Windows Server across physical and virtual footprints; ensure best practices for reliability, security, and performance. * Define and maintain OS ...

Old Mission

C++ Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $300K/yr

In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel, systems programming * A passion for solving challenging problems * Strong systems knowledge and prefer some experience in developing low latency systems

Ensono

Senior Patching Engineer - Linux

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $135K/yr

Implement and maintain standardized patching processes across Windows, Linux, and non-Windows environments. * Use Tanium to deploy OS and thirdparty patches, perform compliance assessments, and ...

Ensono

Senior Patching Engineer - Linux

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$80K - $135K/yr

Implement and maintain standardized patching processes across Windows, Linux, and non-Windows environments. * Use Tanium to deploy OS and third-party patches, perform compliance assessments, and ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL

Linux Systems Engineer ID: 1018 Location: Chicago, IL More about this job > Description SG is a ... Work-Life Balance - no excessive overtime Mentorship from senior engineers Experience with ...

SG Cap Trading

Linux Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Join our infrastructure team as a Linux Systems Engineer, where your expertise in Python, Bash, and ... Work-Life Balance - no excessive overtime Mentorship from senior engineers Experience with ...

Jump Trading

Campus FPGA Engineer (Intern)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$250K/yr

Linux kernel and driver programming * Robotics, Telecommunications, or High Speed Networking * Raspberry Pi or Arduino * Excellent marks in courses such as computer architecture, digital design ...

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$145K/yr

What you will do as a Senior Systems Engineer at Akuna: We are looking for a versatile and driven ... Advanced Linux knowledge including, but not limited to, kernel bypass, kernel tuning, and ...

Canonical

Software Engineer - OpenStack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We are hiring a Software Engineer for our OpenStack Engineering team. This is an exciting ... Ubuntu Linux - kernel or userspace, Kubernetes, OpenStack, Ceph, AI/ML, QEMU/KVM, LXC/LXD, Python ...

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Senior Linux Kernel Engineer information

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How much do senior linux kernel engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior linux kernel engineer in Chicago, IL is $60.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $74.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the salary of Linux kernel engineer?

The salary of a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Skilled engineers with expertise in kernel development, C programming, and Linux systems can earn higher compensation, especially in tech hubs or with specialized certifications.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Linux Kernel Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in kernel development, and often working in high-demand industries or companies can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Compensation may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options, especially in large tech firms or startups with significant funding.

How much do kernel engineers make?

Senior Linux Kernel Engineers typically earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Advanced skills in C programming, kernel development, and familiarity with tools like Git can influence salary levels.

What is the difference between Senior Linux Kernel Engineer vs Linux Device Driver Developer?

AspectSenior Linux Kernel EngineerLinux Device Driver Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Computer Science, Linux kernel certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science, Linux kernel or driver development courses
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, kernel development teamsHardware integration, driver development teams
Industry UsageOperating system development, embedded systemsHardware manufacturers, embedded systems, IoT devices
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Senior Linux Kernel Engineer focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing the Linux kernel itself, often working on core system functionalities. In contrast, a Linux Device Driver Developer specializes in creating and maintaining drivers that enable hardware components to communicate with the Linux kernel. While both roles require deep Linux kernel knowledge and similar credentials, their work environments and focus areas differ. The senior engineer works on kernel internals, whereas the driver developer concentrates on hardware integration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Junior Software Engineer

Junior Software Engineer

Geneva Trading

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Founded in 1999, Geneva Trading is a premier global principal trading firm with strategically located offices in Chicago, Dublin, and London. Our relentless focus on trading excellence combined with technological innovation has equipped us with a best-in-class proprietary trading platform, enabling us to compete at the highest levels in the global markets. Rooted in a culture of integrity, collaboration, and an unwavering passion for progress, we foster an environment of personal and professional excellence. Our nimble organizational structure and entrepreneurial spirit attract top-tier talent with a passion for innovation, laying the foundation and driving our consistent success in the industry.
Junior Software Engineer (Trading Systems & OS)
Location: Chicago, IL (Loop)
Team: Proprietary Trading Group
The Opportunity
Geneva Trading is seeking a Junior Software Engineer with a systems-programming pedigree to join our Chicago headquarters. In this role, you will be an integral part of a specialized development staff that works side-by-side with Traders and Quantitative Researchers. We aren't looking for a "back-office" developer; we need a problem solver who wants to sit at the intersection of code and the markets. You will use your understanding of Operating Systems and low-level architecture to ensure our strategies are the fastest and most reliable in the world. This role is for the curious mind-the engineer who doesn't just want to write a strategy but wants to understand exactly how the Linux kernel handles every packet that strategy sends.
Core Responsibilities
  • Collaborative Development: Work daily within a tight-knit unit of Traders and Quants to translate high-frequency strategies into production-ready code.
  • Systems-Level Optimization: Build and tune trading applications using Modern C++, with a heavy focus on OS-level performance (e.g., CPU affinity, memory management, and kernel bypass).
  • Research & Diagnostic Tooling: Leverage Python to build high-speed data pipelines, backtesting frameworks, and real-time monitoring tools to analyze strategy behavior.
  • Deep-Dive Problem Solving: Act as the "systems expert" for the desk-diagnosing jitter, race conditions, or latency spikes by digging into the Linux stack (schedulers, interrupts, and syscalls).
  • Execution Excellence: Maintain a "zero-error" mindset, ensuring the absolute correctness of trading logic in a high-stakes, real-time environment.

The Technical Profile
  • Education: BS/MS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a strong academic focus on Operating Systems.
  • Language Proficiency: C++: Professional-level understanding of pointers, memory layout, and concurrency.
  • Python: Ability to write clean, efficient code for data analysis and automation.
  • OS Fundamentals: Deep knowledge of Linux/Unix internals. You should understand how the OS manages hardware resources and how to optimize that interaction for speed.
  • The "Curious" Mindset: A natural drive to deconstruct complex systems. You are the person who reads the man pages and enjoys figuring out the "why" behind a system's behavior.

The Geneva Environment
  • High-Touch Collaboration: You are part of the trading desk's heartbeat, where feedback loops between code and market impact are measured in microseconds.
  • Intellectual Rigor: Solve non-trivial puzzles alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.
  • Chicago Culture: Work in our state-of-the-art Chicago office, enjoying the energy of the trading floor combined with a flat, meritocratic structure.

Compensation
Base Salary Range: $80,000 - $130,000, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.
Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, education, and qualifications. In addition to base salary, Geneva Trading offers a competitive total rewards package, including a comprehensive benefits program. Learn more about our employee incentives here: https://www.genevatrading.com/employee-incentives/
Application expected to close on 5/15/26
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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