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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

#Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

The Core Platform Kernel Services software team develops and deploys drivers and Kernel Services ... Experience with Windows OS, Visual Studio/LLVM compiler and Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA ...

You don't need to be a kernel developer, but you need to be able to reason about what's happening ... Windows and Mac), endpoint security agents that break things, IT approval workflows, and the ...

HPC Rack, Build, cable, configure, and provision Linux kernel, windows server. * HPC Operating ... Programming language: Python, Shell * Virtualization and containerization * Computer network

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Windows Kernel Developer information

See California salary details

$59.7K

$133.2K

$220.6K

How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows kernel developer in California is $133,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,600.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows Kernel Developer job?

A Windows Kernel Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and debugging software that interacts with the Windows operating system at the kernel level. This includes creating drivers, improving system performance, and ensuring security. They work with low-level programming languages like C and C++ and require a deep understanding of Windows internals, memory management, and concurrency. Their role is critical in industries such as cybersecurity, device driver development, and enterprise software solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Windows Kernel Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows Kernel Developer, you need strong programming skills in C/C++, deep knowledge of operating system concepts, and experience with kernel-mode debugging and Windows internals, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with tools like WinDbg, Visual Studio, and the Windows Driver Kit (WDK), as well as certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Operating System Fundamentals, is valuable. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills, enabling you to solve complex technical challenges and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These capabilities are crucial for designing robust, secure, and high-performance system software that operates at the core of Windows environments.

What are some typical challenges a Windows Kernel Developer can expect to face on the job?

As a Windows Kernel Developer, you will often encounter complex debugging scenarios, where identifying and addressing low-level issues such as memory corruption, race conditions, or system crashes can be challenging. Working closely with hardware teams, application developers, and QA engineers, you'll need to interpret intricate technical details and integrate kernel changes without disrupting system stability. The environment may require handling urgent production issues and keeping up with Microsoft's evolving kernel architecture and security models. However, these challenges offer valuable opportunities to deepen your expertise and have a direct impact on system reliability and performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California? For Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Windows Kernel Developer jobs in California are:
#Senior Software Engineer - Kernel Services

#Senior Software Engineer - Kernel Services

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA

$111K - $166K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Qualcomm rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 186 rated software companies


Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software Engineering
General Summary:
** This position is not eligible for Qualcomm immigration sponsorship. **
Qualcomm is seeking an embedded software engineer with 2 to 6 years of experience for the Core Platform Kernel Services Software team.
The Core Platform Kernel Services software team develops and deploys drivers and Kernel Services responsible for achieving System level Debug, Diagnostic, and IPC to multiple subsystems on Qualcomm SOCs. These SOCs serve customers across the Mobile Handset, Compute, Automotive, XR/AR, Cloud AI, IoT and IIOT market segments. The team owns, maintains and develops drivers across multiple operating systems including, QuRT OS, Windows, Linux, QNX, FreeRTOS, Zephyr among others.
The multiple number of drivers and Services constantly evolve and find utility in various applications across multiple tiers of application across chipsets. The team works actively with OEMs, ODMs, Carriers, OS providers, etc. to perform requirements analysis towards catering to new and complex use cases on a regular basis. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to all stages of software development, documentation, design, implementation and testing.
The opportunity to significantly contribute to a team that is central to every chipset that Qualcomm produces puts a great deal of responsibility to deliver high quality and highly performing solutions on a regular basis. The successful candidate should have a growth mindset willing to constantly learn new technologies and adapt to new requirements from evolving use cases. It is an expectation from all successful candidates to innovate and efficiently productize these innovations to achieve market differentiation across our product families.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
Ideal candidates will demonstrate the following:
  • Experience in C and data structures, especially in embedded systems
  • Familiar with ARM CoreSight architecture will be a plus.
  • Good understanding of CPU Architecture
  • Able to debug complex problems across multiple layers of hardware, OS, compiler, and drivers
  • Familiarity with ETM will be a plus.
  • Experience on Python will be a plus.
  • Assembly and C++ language experience is a plus.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$111,300.00 - $166,900.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985