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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 Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior linux kernel engineer in the United States is $58.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $72.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a Linux engineer?

The average salary for a Linux engineer varies based on experience, location, and skills, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually. Senior Linux Kernel Engineers with advanced expertise and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 in some regions.

How much does a canonical Linux kernel engineer make?

A senior Linux kernel engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Skilled engineers with expertise in kernel development, debugging, and performance tuning are in high demand and may receive higher compensation packages.

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, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically requires advanced expertise, certifications, and a strong track record in systems programming and performance optimization.

What is a kernel engineer?

A kernel engineer is a software professional who designs, develops, and maintains the kernel of an operating system, such as Linux. They work on core system components, device drivers, and performance optimization, often using programming languages like C and tools such as debugging and version control systems.

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.

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Senior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Linux Kernel Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 35% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,228 per year, or $58.8 per hour.
Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer - CSP Engagements

Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer - CSP Engagements

Nvidia Corporation

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join our CSP Engagements team, focusing on system software for Datacenter products such as GB200. This role combines deep technical expertise in embedded firmware, Linux kernel development, and middleware development, with customer-facing responsibilities to enable cloud service providers with next-generation computing platforms. You will work at the intersection of hardware and software, driving technical solutions from concept through deployment.
What you'll be doing:
  • Design and develop software solutions for data center servers including Linux kernel modifications, device drivers, and system optimizations for GB200 and next-gen platforms.
  • Lead hardware bring-up activities, BSP development, and hardware-software co-design for Cloud Service Provider deployments.
  • Partner directly with CSPs to deliver technical solutions, co-develop & co-debug features and optimizations, and provide support during new product introductions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams in designing end-to-end solutions spanning firmware, OS, middleware, and applications with focus on AI/ML and HPC workloads.
  • Perform advanced system debugging, root cause analysis, and performance optimization for large-scale data center environments.
  • Collaborate with AE, FAE, and Solution Architect teams to deliver integrated customer solutions and technical documentation.

What we need to see:
  • Deep expertise in data center server architectures, HPC systems, and hardware-software co-design.
  • Expert knowledge of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, communication protocols (PCIe, USB, Ethernet).
  • Deep understanding of computer architecture, microprocessor concepts, and expert knowledge of ARM (aarch64) and x86 architectures.
  • Ability to debug kernel crash dumps and all types of lock-up issues. Hands-on experience with GDB, kdump, and eBPF tracing to debug multiprocessor systems. Good understanding of ARM and Intel assembly.
  • Strong understanding of PCIe virtualization and IOMMU.
  • Deep understanding of NUMA architectures including memory topology, processor-memory locality, and performance optimization for multi-CPU systems in data center environments.
  • Strong programming skills in C/C++, Python, plus experience with virtualization, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures.
  • Skilled in complex system-level debugging, performance analysis, and test design.
  • BS or MS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience). 10+ years of system software development experience.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:
  • Experience with GPU computing (CUDA), deep learning workloads
  • Expertise in Out of Band and In-band management architectures
  • Knowledge of Memory fabric and CXL architectures

NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us. If you're creative, hardworking and self-motivated, we want to hear from you!
Do you want to join a team of highly motivated and experienced program managers who drive the successful introduction of NVIDIA's next generation GPU/CPU based products? We work closely with internal leaders in Software, Hardware, Firmware, Marketing and Operations to ensure the SW team delivers outstanding products while operating across multiple functional units and all levels of management to achieve Time-To-Market. As part of the team, your knowledge of driver, firmware, diagnostics and the SW stack development processes and priorities will enable you to swiftly make the course adjustments needed to keep these complex projects on track!
Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.
You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 21, 2026.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.
NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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