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Software Engineer Kernel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kernel Senior Software Engineer, Fuchsia

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

As a Software Engineer on the Zircon Kernel team, you will design, implement, and maintain core operating system components including low-level context switching, thread scheduling, virtual memory ...

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Collaborate closely with hardware engineers throughout the ASIC design process.. * Implement driver ... kernel memory mapping, page table configuration, and IOMMU. * Familiarity with hardware-software co ...

Kernel Driver Software Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Collaborate closely with hardware engineers throughout the ASIC design process.. * Implement driver ... kernel memory mapping, page table configuration, and IOMMU. * Familiarity with hardware-software co ...

Showing results 21-40

Software Engineer Kernel information

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$50.5K

$134K

$177K

How much do software engineer kernel jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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 a software engineer kernel 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 is a software engineer kernel?

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.
More about Software Engineer Kernel jobs

What cities are hiring for Software Engineer Kernel jobs?

Cities with the most Software Engineer Kernel job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Engineer Kernel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,968 per year, or $64.4 per hour.

Linux Kernel Software Engineer

Arista Networks

Nashua, NH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. Weย  believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.

Job Description

Who You'll Work With

Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS.ย  This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base.ย ย 

Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.

Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.

What You'll Do

  • Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
  • Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
  • Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
  • Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
  • Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
  • Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
  • Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
  • Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
  • Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment.
Qualifications
  • BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 2 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 1 years experience, or equivalent work experience
  • Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. ย Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable.
  • Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
  • Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures.
  • Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
  • Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong software design and implementation skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in small teams.
  • Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
  • Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

#LI-SP1

Additional Information

Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer.ย  Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law.ย  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.