ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement Jobs

Qualcomm

#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA · On-site

Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig ... Ubuntu). * Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior ...

Nvidia

OR

Drive Linux bring-up and continuous enablement for DGX Station on DGX OS / Ubuntu, including kernel ... Prior experience working with OEM/ODM partners or silicon vendors on Windows and Linux platform ...

Qualcomm

Staff Software Engineer - Linux

San Diego, CA · On-site

... Ubuntu, RHEL/Fedora). The position bridges silicon and firmware enablement with modern open-source ... Advanced Linux experience with the ability to debug complex issues spanning kernel, boot, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsUbuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement Jobs

Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement information

See salary details

$11K

$114.5K

$129.5K

How much do ubuntu linux kernel engineer silicon enablement jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for ubuntu linux kernel engineer silicon enablement in the United States is $114,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement?

An Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement is a specialized software engineer who works on adapting and optimizing the Linux kernel for new hardware platforms, especially those involving cutting-edge silicon like CPUs, GPUs, and SoCs. Their role involves collaborating with silicon vendors to ensure that Ubuntu Linux runs efficiently and reliably on new hardware. They also contribute to upstream kernel development, debug hardware-specific issues, and help integrate hardware enablement patches into Ubuntu releases. This position is crucial for ensuring that Ubuntu supports the latest processor architectures and features.

How does an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer specializing in Silicon Enablement typically collaborate with hardware vendors and upstream communities?

As an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer focused on Silicon Enablement, you will work closely with hardware vendors to ensure that new silicon features and chipsets are properly supported in the Linux kernel. This often involves reviewing hardware documentation, developing or adapting kernel drivers, and submitting patches upstream. Close collaboration with the broader open-source community is also essential to align with mainline kernel standards and ensure long-term maintainability. Effective communication and coordination with both internal teams and external partners are key to successfully enabling and optimizing new hardware on the Ubuntu platform.

What is the difference between Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement vs Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer?

AspectUbuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon EnablementUbuntu Linux Kernel Engineer
FocusOptimizing Linux kernel for specific silicon hardware platformsDeveloping, maintaining, and debugging Linux kernel code
Work EnvironmentEmbedded systems, hardware-specific teams, silicon vendorsSoftware development teams, open-source communities
CredentialsLinux kernel expertise, hardware knowledge, possibly certificationsLinux kernel development experience, certifications beneficial
Industry UsageHardware manufacturers, silicon vendors, embedded systemsSoftware companies, open-source projects, general Linux development

The main difference is that the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement specializes in tailoring the Linux kernel for specific hardware platforms and silicon chips, whereas the Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer focuses on general kernel development and maintenance across various hardware. Both roles require strong Linux kernel knowledge, but the Silicon Enablement role emphasizes hardware-specific optimization and integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement, and why are they important?

To excel as an Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement, you need expertise in Linux kernel development, C programming, and a solid understanding of computer architecture and device drivers, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Git, build systems, kernel debugging utilities, and experience with silicon platforms and board bring-up are essential, as are contributions to upstream kernel projects. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across hardware and software teams make a candidate stand out. These skills ensure reliable hardware enablement, optimal kernel performance, and seamless integration of new silicon into Ubuntu distributions.
What cities are hiring for Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement jobs? Cities with the most Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement job openings:
What states have the most Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement jobs? States with the most job openings for Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement jobs include:
Ubuntu Linux Kernel Engineer Silicon Enablement jobs near you
#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

#Senior Software Engineer - Linux

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 186 rated software companies

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Innovation Center, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
** This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship. **
Drive Linux innovation for Qualcomm's next-generation server-class CPUs Join our Linux Platform team to build and optimize Linux distribution support and infrastructure that empowers internal developers and test teams, while preparing upstream readiness for major data center and enterprise environments. This role focuses on platform support, packaging, integration, and CI/CD automation across major Linux distributions, bridging internal enablement with open-source community standards.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
  • Strong background in computer science fundamentals and software engineering principles.
  • Proficiency in Bash and Python for automation and tooling, working knowledge of C/C++
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Mature interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
  • Proven ability to debug complex Linux systems across kernel and userspace.
  • Ability to quickly learn new tools and workflows in a fast-evolving environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in non-linear, dynamic environments.
  • Proficiency with Git and experience in GitHub-based workflows (or similar), including integration with modern CI/CD systems for open-source or large-scale projects.
  • Deep experience with enterprise Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL/Fedora, Ubuntu/Debian) and build frameworks, including packaging, update mechanisms, and upstream integration, and data center deployment practices.
  • Familiarity with Linux packaging systems (Debian, RPM) and CI/CD automation tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins).
  • Working knowledge of Linux kernel configuration and platform enablement (e.g., ACPI, UEFI, kconfig).
  • Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel or userspace projects is a strong plus.
  • Familiarity with virtualization, containerization, and orchestration tools (QEMU, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes) is desirable.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with team members to bring up Linux kernel and userspace on new server-class hardware, ensuring core functionality and stability.
  • Implement and maintain build, packaging, and test workflows within the team's CI/CD infrastructure.
  • Assist in developing internal Linux distribution integration
  • Debug and triage issues related to build failures, packaging, and platform bring-up.
  • Work with hardware and firmware engineers to resolve platform-specific issues (e.g., bootloader, ACPI, secure boot).
  • Support upstream readiness efforts by testing and validating changes needed for major Linux distributions (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu).
  • Contribute patches and collaborate with upstream communities under guidance from senior team members.
  • Document processes and share knowledge to enable other internal developers.

Level of Responsibility:
  • Works under supervision with moderate autonomy.
  • Decision-making may affect work beyond immediate work group.
  • Requires strong communication skills and ability to influence and negotiate across teams.
  • Tasks require planning, prioritization, and creative problem-solving.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$111,300.00 - $166,900.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

View All Qualcomm Jobs

Apply