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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avride

Embedded Linux Kernel Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

About the role We are seeking a highly experienced Embedded Linux Software Engineer responsible for ... Proven, hands-on experience with embedded Linux kernel, including preempt_rt, device drivers and ...

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$165K - $242K/yr

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.

DigitalOcean

Staff Software Engineer, Kernel

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$191K - $239K/yr

We are looking for a Staff Engineer who is passionate about the Linux kernel. As a Staff Engineer ... Investigate and resolve virtual machine downtime and kernel issues in our production environment

CoreWeave

Systems Engineer, Kernel

New York, NY

$165K - $242K/yr

Linux Kernel (custom build), Ubuntu * Intel/AMD/ARM CPUs, Nvidia GPUs, DPUs, Infiniband and ... Strong C programming skills with the ability to write maintainable and upstream-quality code.

Avride

Embedded Linux Kernel Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

About the role We are seeking a highly experienced Embedded Linux Software Engineer responsible for ... Proven, hands-on experience with embedded Linux kernel, including preempt_rt, device drivers and ...

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 ...

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

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual linux kernel developer in the United States is $149,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,500.00 and $165,000.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs? Cities with the most Virtual Linux Kernel Developer job openings:
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Virtual Linux Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Linux Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,062 per year, or $71.7 per hour.
Principal Software Developer - 4 (Linux Kernel Engineer)

Principal Software Developer - 4 (Linux Kernel Engineer)

Oracle

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 204 rated software companies

Job description

The Oracle Cloud Linux team is seeking experienced Linux Kernel Developers to help advance the Linux operating system for large-scale cloud environments. This role involves contributing to Linux kernel and working on innovative projects across multiple kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, security, performance optimization, virtual memory management, architecture enablement, and live patching technologies.

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $114,600 to $234,600 per annum. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4


Key Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize kernel features across areas such as:

o Networking (Ethernet, InfiniBand, OFED, RoCE, DPDK, and related technologies)

o Storage and Filesystems (iSCSI, Fibre Channel, NFS, ZFS, Btrfs, block layer, and filesystem layer)

o Virtual Memory Management and Performance Optimization, including large page management and container workload performance

o Security technologies such as encryption, TPM integration, signed kernels/modules, Secure Boot, and bootloader security

Contribute to the upstream Linux kernel and drive enhancements for cloud-scale deployments.

Collaborate closely with hardware design teams on processor bring-up and architecture enablement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

Strong background in operating systems development.

Several years of hands-on Unix/Linux kernel development experience preferred.

Proficiency in C programming and kernel-level debugging.

Expertise in one or more Linux kernel subsystems, including networking, storage, memory management, security, or processor architecture.

Experience with open-source development practices and upstream kernel contributions is highly desirable.

Familiarity with Python and Bash scripting for development and automation tasks.

Preferred Experience

High-performance networking technologies such as RoCE, advanced Ethernet networking.

Filesystem and storage technologies including XFS, ZFS, NFS, iSCSI, Fibre Channel, and Linux block layer development.

Virtual memory management, performance tuning, and container optimization.

Security technologies including TPM, Secure Boot, kernel signing, and encryption frameworks.

Live patching technologies and kernel maintenance.

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About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media

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