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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Francisco, CA

Slope

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance‑critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

OpenAI

Host Systems Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$266K - $445K/yr

You will work close to the hardware on performance-critical software, including Linux kernel ... Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for ...

Cintrifuse

Browser Security Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Experience with Linux kernel, microVMs (Firecracker, Cloud-Hypervisor, Kata, gVisor, etc.), or ... interview (virtual)Half-day on-site (in-person) working with our team on relevant technical ...

Crusoe

Senior Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

The ideal candidate possesses a mastery of Linux kernel systems and low-level optimization, with a ... Programming Proficiency : Expert-level skills in Go, C, and C++ (Rust is also a strong asset)

Crusoe

Senior Performance Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

The ideal candidate possesses a mastery of Linux kernel systems and low-level optimization, with a ... Programming Proficiency : Expert-level skills in Go, C, and C++ (Rust is also a strong asset)

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Showing results 21-40

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 7, 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.

Host Systems Software Engineer

Slope

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the Team

OpenAI’s Hardware organization develops custom silicon and system-level solutions for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. The team works across hardware, systems architecture, and software to build infrastructure that enables high-performance, AI-native computing at scale. In close partnership with research, software, and external vendors, we bring up new platforms, integrate emerging technologies, and develop the host-side systems software needed to make these systems performant, reliable, and production-ready.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced systems software engineer to help define and build the host software stack for our custom next-generation AI systems. You will work close to the hardware on performance‑critical software, including Linux kernel drivers, high‑throughput I/O paths, and system‑scale networking and RDMA.

This role spans architecture, implementation, platform bring‑up, debugging, and performance optimization. You will work across hardware and software boundaries to make new systems usable end to end, from low‑level device interfaces through userspace tooling and production validation.

In this role you will:

  • Design, implement, and debug host‑side systems software for AI infrastructure, including Linux kernel drivers and supporting userspace components.

  • Build and optimize software paths for high‑throughput, low‑latency communication, including RDMA and related networking functionality.

  • Develop software around PCIe, DMA, NICs, accelerators, memory movement, and device interaction.

  • Bring up new hardware platforms and diagnose complex issues across kernel, firmware, networking, and hardware boundaries.

  • Build tooling for integration, testing, diagnostics, observability, qualification, and performance characterization.

  • Collaborate with hardware, networking, and platform teams to define interfaces and integrate new capabilities.

  • Work with external vendors where needed to integrate technologies and drive issues to resolution.

  • Contribute across the systems software stack as the platform and team evolve.

  • Help shape the technical direction and engineering practices for a growing systems software stack.

You might thrive in this role if you have:

  • Experience building low‑level or performance‑critical systems software.

  • Strong programming skills in C or C++, with proficiency using Python and Linux tooling for automation and debugging.

  • Strong Linux systems fundamentals and the ability to debug across hardware and software boundaries.

  • Hands‑on experience in at least one relevant area, such as Linux kernel drivers, kernel networking, RDMA, PCIe, DMA, NIC software, accelerator software, or high‑performance I/O.

  • Experience owning complex software projects from design through implementation, bring‑up, and validation.

  • Ability to thrive in ambiguity, work across subsystem boundaries, and build systems from scratch.

  • Strong cross‑functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing Linux kernel drivers or other OS‑level performance‑critical components.

  • Familiarity with RDMA or RoCE, ibverbs, kernel networking, or congestion‑control concepts such as ECN and DCQCN.

  • Experience with PCIe, DMA, peer‑to‑peer communication, SR‑IOV, IOMMU, dma‑buf, or related accelerator and I/O subsystems.

  • Experience bringing up accelerators, NICs, SoCs, or custom hardware platforms.

  • Experience profiling and optimizing high‑throughput, low‑latency systems.

  • Familiarity with Rust or experience using Rust for systems programming.

To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates for this role may need to meet certain legal status requirements as provided in those laws and regulations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.

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