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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in San Jose, CA

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive, Inc.

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

SiFive

Linux Kernel Architect

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

In this role, you'll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on ... And you'll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V ...

Nutanix

Linux Peripheral Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$104 - $156/hr

Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Applications EngineeringGeneral Summary:As a Linux ... The role involves hands‑on kernel and driver development , debugging, and optimization in Linux ...

New

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 ...

New

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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer information

See San Jose, CA salary details

$118.4K

$174.7K

$206.3K

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual linux kernel developer in San Jose, CA is $174,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $160,000.00 and $193,400.00 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 Jose, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cities near San Jose, 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 Jose, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 49% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 49% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,699 per year, or $84 per hour.

Senior Staff Linux Kernel Engineer

Crusoe

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Crusoe is on a mission to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. As the only vertically integrated AI infrastructure company built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of the stack - from electrons to tokens - to power the world's most ambitious AI workloads. When you join Crusoe, you join a team that is building the future, faster.
We're in the midst of the greatest industrial revolution of our time. The demand for AI compute is boundless, and power is a bottleneck. We're solving that - with an energy-first approach that makes AI infrastructure better for the world and faster for the people innovating with AI.
We're looking for problem-solving, opportunity-finding teammates with a sense of urgency, who believe in the scale of our ambition and thrive on a path not fully paved - people who want to grow their careers alongside a team of experts across energy, manufacturing, data center construction, and cloud services.
If you want to do the most meaningful work of your career, help our customers and partners advance their AI strategies, and be part of a high-performing team that believes in each other, come build with us at Crusoe.
About the Role:
You will set the technical direction for Crusoe's Linux kernel team, owning the roadmap and architecting critical development projects. This role requires a balance of high-level architectural design and hands-on kernel coding. You will tackle the most complex kernel problems while mentoring and growing the engineers around you to deliver production-ready infrastructure at scale.
What You'll Be Working On:
  • Virtualization Architecture: Design and implement advanced virtualization technologies tailored for GPU-accelerated AI and HPC workloads. You will optimize the stack for low latency and high scalability across hypervisors and device emulation.
  • Linux Kernel & Driver Development: Develop and maintain upstream-first kernel code and device drivers. You will optimize memory management, scheduling, and I/O subsystems proactively to support hardware accelerators and high-throughput compute use cases.
  • Debugging & Security: Perform deep-dive root-cause analysis of issues across the OS and hardware layers. You will lead the triage and backporting for kernel CVEs while building automated tooling for vulnerability analysis.
  • Leadership: Lead and grow a high-performing systems team. You will drive engineering excellence through technical mentorship, comprehensive code reviews, and alignment with product and hardware teams.

What You'll Bring to the Team:
  • 10+ years of experience in systems software engineering with at least 3 years in a technical leadership role managing low-level systems or infrastructure teams.
  • Expert-level knowledge of Linux kernel internals (memory management, scheduler, I/O) and virtualization technologies (KVM, Xen, or QEMU).
  • Strong C programming skills and fluency with the kernel development workflow, including patch submission and debugging security vulnerabilities.
  • Proficiency in modern systems programming (Go, Rust, or Python) and familiarity with CI/CD and deployment automation tooling.

Bonus Points
  • Familiarity with accelerators (GPUs, TPUs) and related technologies like CUDA or ROCm.
  • Experience with high-performance networking (e.g., InfiniBand, RoCE) and tuning virtualization stacks for HPC workloads.

Benefits:
  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Restricted Stock Units
  • Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
  • Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
  • Employer contributions to HSA account
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
  • Professional development & tuition reimbursement
  • Mental health & wellness support
  • Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
  • Cell phone stipend
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
  • Volunteer time off
  • Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
  • Daily meals allowance
  • Additional perks & programs specific to location

Compensation Range
Compensation will be paid in the range of up to $250,000 -$300,000 + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant's knowledge, education, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Crusoe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

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