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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 ...

Career Renew

Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$165K - $225K/yr

We are the leading virtual staining company revolutionizing digital pathology adoption worldwide ... kernel engineering, TensorRT/ONNX export, and inference serving frameworks such as Triton ...

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 ...

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Lenovo

Operating System Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$178K - $211K/yr

... Linux, Android, Windows, or RTOS platforms. • Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required. • ... and kernel interfaces. • Passion for system design, OS architecture, and building clean ...

IMC Trading

Trading Engineer - Execution

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Linux operating systems, network configuration, and server management • Strong understanding of ... and kernel bypass technology • Proficiency in Python and Bash • Demonstrated curiosity and ...

Informatic Technologies

Java Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52.50 - $68/hr

Experience with Java/J2EE technologies, including the Java programming language, the Java Virtual ... Experience using Linux based operating systems * Experience using Maven, Jenkins, and Git

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All JobsVirtual Linux Kernel Developer JobsVirtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Virtual Linux Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$104K

$153.6K

$181.3K

How much do virtual linux kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual linux kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $153,555.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,600.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Virtual Linux Kernel Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Virtual Linux Kernel Developer, you need deep expertise in Linux kernel architecture, C programming, and operating system concepts, typically supported by a degree in Computer Science or related fields. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, debugging tools such as GDB, and experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., KVM, QEMU) are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective remote communication distinguish outstanding professionals in this role. These skills are crucial for developing robust kernel modules, diagnosing complex issues, and collaborating efficiently within distributed development teams.

What is the difference between Virtual Linux Kernel Developer vs Virtual Linux System Programmer?

AspectVirtual Linux Kernel DeveloperVirtual Linux System Programmer
Primary FocusDeveloping and maintaining Linux kernel codeWriting and optimizing system-level software for Linux
Required SkillsC programming, kernel architecture, debugging kernel modulesC, C++, system calls, device drivers
Work EnvironmentCollaborative development, version control, Linux environmentsSystem integration, testing, Linux-based systems
Industry UsageOpen-source projects, tech companies, hardware vendorsIT services, embedded systems, enterprise solutions

While both roles involve Linux and system-level programming, Virtual Linux Kernel Developers focus on kernel code development, whereas Virtual Linux System Programmers work on system software and application interfaces. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Virtual Linux Kernel Developers when debugging complex virtualization issues?

Virtual Linux Kernel Developers often encounter intricate challenges when debugging issues related to virtualization, such as timing discrepancies, non-deterministic behavior, and compatibility with diverse hypervisors. These issues can be difficult to isolate since they may only manifest under specific workloads or hardware configurations. Collaboration with systems engineers, QA teams, and sometimes upstream kernel communities is usually essential to identify root causes and implement robust solutions. Being comfortable with low-level debugging tools, kernel logs, and patch testing in virtual environments is key to overcoming these challenges.

What does a Virtual Linux Kernel Developer do?

A Virtual Linux Kernel Developer specializes in designing, developing, and maintaining the core components of the Linux operating system, particularly in virtualized environments. This includes working on kernel modules, optimizing performance for virtual machines, and fixing bugs related to virtualization technologies. They often collaborate with open-source communities and contribute to projects that enhance Linux's compatibility with different hypervisors and cloud platforms. Their role is critical in ensuring the efficiency, security, and stability of Linux systems running in virtualized settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Virtual Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Senior Unix/Linux Engineer

Senior Unix/Linux Engineer

CNA

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
This position will play the role of the Service Owner Consultant as an individual contributor responsible for engineering, automating, and modernizing enterprise compute platforms across Linux/UNIX and Windows environments in a hybrid context (private cloud + public cloud). The role delivers platform outcomes using Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and repeatable automation - creating and maintaining version-controlled Terraform and Ansible assets that enable consistent provisioning, configuration, and lifecycle operations at scale.
This position operates in a fully outsourced delivery model and works day-to-day with MSP engineers to implement changes, run upgrades, execute IaC pipelines, deliver automation, and resolve complex incidents - providing technical direction, validation, and escalation support while remaining an individual contributor.
A key expectation is to help evolve operations toward AI-enabled run-the-business, including practical use of AI Agents / agentic frameworks for triage, remediation workflows, and CMDB hygiene - implemented with appropriate controls and operational rigor.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Key Responsibilities
1) MSP Collaboration (Individual Contributor Technical Oversight)
  • Work directly with MSP engineers to execute platform work: define technical requirements, review/validate changes, and ensure runbooks and automation/IaC are usable and repeatable.
  • Provide escalation support for complex incidents/problems; partner with MSP on root-cause analysis and ensure preventive actions are captured (automation, standards, documentation).

2) Hybrid Compute Platform SME (Linux/UNIX/Windows)
  • 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 configuration standards, gold images, hardening alignment, patching approaches, and runbook content-implemented by MSP teams.
  • Provide deep technical consultation on troubleshooting (performance, storage, networking dependencies, auth, patch failures) and validate remediation plans.

3) IaC Governance & Design Oversight (Terraform/Ansible)
  • Own technical patterns and guardrails for Terraform modules and Ansible playbooks used in production; ensure assets are reusable, parameterized, and well-documented for MSP execution.
  • Perform design and code reviews of IaC delivered by MSPs; ensure state practices, idempotency, logging, validation, and rollback/restore approaches are defined and followed.
  • Working with CNA's Architecture team, define reference architectures and blueprints for provisioning and lifecycle workflows; partner with MSPs to implement via pipelines and runbooks.

4) Automation Strategy & Orchestration
  • Drive automation strategy to reduce toil in provisioning, configuration, patch orchestration, compliance checks, and drift remediation; prioritize use cases with measurable operational impact.
  • Establish operational safety standards for automation (input validation, least privilege, error handling, observability, and auditability) and ensure MSP adoption.
  • Guide development patterns for scripting (shell, Python, PowerShell) used by MSPs; review approach and quality rather than writing most scripts personally.

5) Modernization & Lifecycle Management (LCM)
  • Lead the technical design and validation for lifecycle upgrades (OS and dependent components up to app readiness coordination), including validation and rollback readiness.
  • Drive end-of-life/end-of-support remediation technical plans and ensure MSP execution adheres to standards and change governance.
  • Guide consolidation and rationalization efforts (workload moves, decommissions) with a focus on reliability, risk reduction, and cost outcomes.

6) Private Cloud / Virtualization (Preferred VxRail)
  • Provide SME guidance for private cloud compute platforms and virtualization operations; hyperconverged experience preferred (VxRail).
  • Guide cluster lifecycle activities (capacity inputs, node adds/replacements, compatibility alignment, upgrades) in coordination with platform owners and MSP teams.

7) CMDB & Discovery Alignment (Servers & Storage)
  • Ensure technical requirements for accurate CMDB representation of servers and storage are defined (CI attributes, relationships, ownership, lifecycle status).
  • Partner with CMDB/ITOM stakeholders and MSPs to improve data quality via discovery and connector-driven inputs; validate reconciliation and hygiene outcomes.
  • Drive exception handling standards (orphan cleanup, duplicates, lifecycle integrity) to support auditability and service visibility.

8) AI-Enabled Operations (Practical Adoption)
  • Identify practical AI use cases that reduce toil and improve MTTR (incident summarization, guided triage, remediation recommendations, automation triggers).
  • Support operationalization of AI agents/agentic frameworks integrated with IT operations workflows (ITSM, automation, CMDB hygiene) with guardrails and auditability.

Required Qualifications
  • 7+ years of hands-on experience administering directory or identity services in a large enterprise environment.
  • Extensive prior hands-on experience in enterprise Linux/UNIX and Windows server engineering/administration, enabling deep technical guidance and troubleshooting.
  • Proven ability to lead and influence technical outcomes in an outsourced/MSP operating model (executing through MSP resources, validating deliverables, escalating issues).
  • Strong technical depth in compute troubleshooting and design (root cause analysis, performance, patching, hardening, lifecycle upgrades, reliability engineering).
  • Infrastructure as Code experience (Terraform and Ansible) with a focus on standards, architecture, review, and operationalization in production environments.
  • Scripting literacy in shell, Python, and PowerShell (ability to review/guide code and patterns; hands-on background required even if not primary author).
  • Demonstrated experience driving modernization/lifecycle initiatives (OS upgrades and broader stack upgrades) with validation and rollback discipline.
  • Understanding of CMDB/server & storage mapping, CI lifecycle practices, and data-quality mindset.
  • Working knowledge of hybrid cloud concepts (private + public cloud).

Preferred Qualifications
  • BS degree in Computer Science is preferred.
  • Hyperconverged platform experience; VxRail preferred.
  • Experience aligning IaC/automation with ITSM/CMDB workflows (provisioning, discovery alignment, CI hygiene).
  • Practical exposure to AI-enabled operations / automation agents in production support contexts.
  • Experience designing reference architectures and standards for large-scale compute platforms (multi-environment, regulated, or highly available contexts).

#LI-KJ1
#Hybrid
In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $72,000 to $141,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.
CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com.

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