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Software Engineer Kernel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

OR

$122K - $161K/yr

... engineers to develop groundbreaking technologies in the inference systems software stack! We build ... This means designing and building things like new abstractions, efficient attention kernel ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

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 ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

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 ...

Intel

Linux Kernel Engineer

Folsom, CA · On-site

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 ...

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Software Engineer Kernel information

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$50.5K

$134K

$177K

How much do software engineer kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer kernel in the United States is $133,968.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,500.00 and $153,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Software Engineer Kernel, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Engineer Kernel, you need expertise in C/C++ programming, operating system concepts, and low-level debugging, often supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, kernel build tools, and platforms such as Linux or Windows kernel environments is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing robust, efficient, and secure kernel components that form the foundation of stable operating systems.

What are typical challenges faced by Software Engineer Kernel specialists when working on operating system development?

Software Engineer Kernel specialists often encounter challenges such as debugging complex low-level issues, ensuring system stability, and maintaining compatibility with a wide range of hardware. They must frequently collaborate with hardware engineers and other software teams to resolve cross-disciplinary problems. Additionally, kernel engineers need to manage strict performance and security requirements, which requires a deep understanding of system architecture and careful code optimization.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Kernel vs Software Engineer Firmware?

AspectSoftware Engineer KernelSoftware Engineer Firmware
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related; often requires knowledge of OS conceptsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering; embedded systems knowledge
Work EnvironmentOperating system development, kernel modules, system-level programmingEmbedded devices, hardware interfaces, low-level programming
Industry UsageOperating system companies, hardware manufacturers, tech firmsConsumer electronics, automotive, IoT devices
Search & ComparisonOften compared due to low-level programming focus and system impactDifferent focus on hardware interaction and embedded systems

Software Engineer Kernel and Software Engineer Firmware both work with low-level programming, but the Kernel role focuses on operating system core development, while Firmware engineers develop embedded software for hardware devices. Their skills overlap in C programming and hardware knowledge, but their work environments and end goals differ significantly.

What are Software Engineer Kernels?

Software Engineer Kernels are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the core part of an operating system known as the kernel. The kernel is responsible for managing hardware resources, facilitating communication between hardware and software, and ensuring system stability and security. Kernel engineers often work with low-level programming languages like C or C++ and focus on tasks such as device driver development, memory management, process scheduling, and performance optimization. Their work is critical for the reliability and efficiency of computers, servers, and embedded systems.
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What cities are hiring for Software Engineer Kernel jobs? Cities with the most Software Engineer Kernel job openings:
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Software Engineer Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Kernel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,968 per year, or $64.4 per hour.
Senior AI Software Engineer, Kernel Libraries

Senior AI Software Engineer, Kernel Libraries

NVIDIA

Santa Clara, CA

$142K - $188K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

We're looking for outstanding AI systems engineers to develop groundbreaking technologies in the inference systems software stack! We build innovative AI systems software to accelerate for AI inference. As a member of the team, you'll develop libraries, code generators, and GPU kernel technologies for NVIDIA's hardware architecture. This means designing and building things like new abstractions, efficient attention kernel implementations, new LLM inference runtimes components, and kernel code generators to accelerate large language models, agents, and other high-impact AI workloads.

What you'll be doing:

  • Innovating and developing new AI systems technologies for efficient inference

  • Designing, implementing, and optimizing kernels for high impact AI workloads

  • Designing and implementing extensible abstractions for LLM serving engines

  • Building efficient just-in-time domain specific compilers and runtimes

  • Collaborating closely with other engineers at NVIDIA across deep learning frameworks, libraries, kernels, and GPU arch teams

  • Contributing to open source communities like FlashInfer, vLLM, and SGLang

What we need to see:

  • Masters degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience); PhD are preferred

  • 6+ years (academic/ industry) experience with ML/DL systems development preferable

  • Strong experience in developing or using deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, JAX, TensorFlow, ONNX, etc) and ideally inference engines and runtimes such as vLLM, SGLang, and MLC.

  • Strong Python and C/C++ programming skills

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Background in domain specific compiler and library solutions for LLM inference and training (e.g. FlashInfer, Flash Attention)

  • Expertise in inference engines like vLLM and SGLang

  • Expertise in machine learning compilers (e.g. Apache TVM, MLIR)

  • Strong experience in GPU kernel development and performance optimizations (especially using CUDA C/C++, cuTile, Triton, or similar)

  • Open source project ownership or contributions

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.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/benefits/) .

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until June 6, 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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