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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

itechstack

Linux BSP Developer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

itechstack

Linux BSP Developer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

JD Kernel - Developer Engineer Skill Linux, C, C++ Mandatory Board Bring Up Mandatory Kernel Mandatory BSP , Android HAL/HIDL Mandatory Kernel Driver - Development Mandatory Automated Unit Testing ...

Kernel

Developer Advocate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Our API allows developers to instantly spin up secure browsers and automate anything on the web. We ... Kernel's co‑founders * 45‑minute interview (virtual) * Half‑day on‑site (virtual or ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Qualifications Additional Information All your ...

Brilliant

Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

Work on a variety of projects with custom built Linux on custom built hardware. Preferred candidate ... Kernel driver development experience preferred. Additional Information All your information will be ...

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All JobsLinux Kernel Developer JobsVirtual Linux Kernel Developer JobsVirtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Virtual Linux Kernel Developer information

See San Francisco, CA salary details

$119K

$175.6K

$207.4K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual linux kernel developer in San Francisco, CA is $175,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,800.00 and $194,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual Linux kernel developer?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA?

The most popular types of Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA?

For Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs in San Francisco, CA are:

What cities near San Francisco, CA are hiring for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs?

Cities near San Francisco, CA with the most Virtual Linux Kernel Developer job openings:

Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Linux Kernel Developer job openings in San Francisco, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $175,621 per year, or $84.4 per hour.

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization

Anodize

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Systems Engineer - Linux Kernel & Virtualization
Summary
We're a well-funded, stealth startup building a new end-to-end personal computing platform. For this role, the primary responsibility is to build, optimize, and maintain the core virtualization and kernel stack that powers our platform. You will have deep ownership over host and guest kernel interactions, identifying performance bottlenecks, and implementing novel solutions to mitigate hardware virtualization overhead.
Whether it's tackling pathological memory access overhead by implementing advanced hugepage alignment techniques (e.g., coordinating host/guest hugepage backing to eliminate TLB misses), optimizing CPU scheduling, or improving I/O virtualization, your goal is to push the boundaries of virtualization performance, and contribute those improvements directly back to the broader Linux ecosystem.
Responsibilities
  • Virtualization Stack Ownership: Design, implement, and optimize host and guest OS features to maximize throughput and minimize latency in a hardware-accelerated virtualization environment.
  • Open Source Stewardship: Heavily engage with the upstream community. Prepare, submit, and shepherd kernel patches through Linux kernel mailing lists, advocating for our architectural improvements to become part of mainline Linux.
  • Performance Optimization: Identify and resolve systemic performance bottlenecks across the stack (e.g., implementing efficient hugepage alignment to reduce nested page walks, optimizing THP behaviors, etc.).
  • Systems Innovation: Track cutting-edge academic systems research (e.g., Eurosys, OSDI) and translate novel techniques into production-ready software implementations that drive measurable performance gains.
Minimum Requirements
  • Kernel Development: Proven track record in Linux kernel development, with deep expertise in the virtualization stack (KVM) or memory management.
  • Open Source & Upstreaming: Practical experience navigating Linux kernel mailing lists and a clear history of proposing, debating, and upstreaming meaningful patches.
  • Systems Programming: Strong software development skills with deep hands-on proficiency in C, Rust, Make, and associated systems toolchains.
  • Low-Level Debugging: Strong ability to profile, benchmark, and debug complex, deeply nested virtualization workloads to pinpoint systemic overhead.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active maintainer or contributor status in core open-source virtualization projects (e.g., Linux KVM, QEMU, rust-vmm, crosvm, libkrun, etc.).
  • Deep familiarity with the internal workings of the Linux memory management (mm) subsystem, virtual memory, and paging architecture.
  • Prior experience translating academic systems research into upstreamable mainline features.

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