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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nvidia

Infrastructure Systems Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$126K - $165K/yr

NVIDIA's Kernel Infrastructure team is looking for a Hands-On Systems Engineer to manage ... Deep Linux and Windows system administration with strong debugging capabilities across the hardware ...

Nvidia

Senior Software Engineer, Networking

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Linux/QNX/Android/Windows is your calling then you have reached right place! If Security, Ethernet ... Kernel Expertise : Deep knowledge of Linux orQNX internals, specifically regarding driver ...

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Windows Kernel Developer information

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$59.7K

$133.2K

$220.6K

How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 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:
Windows Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel Developer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,202 per year, or $64 per hour.
Senior Systems Software Engineer - GPU Software

Senior Systems Software Engineer - GPU Software

Nvidia

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

NVIDIA is searching for a creative and highly motivated engineer with expertise in systems software to join the GPU Software team. You will design key aspects of our production GPU kernel drivers and embedded SW that impacts our products both in the datacenter and in gaming markets.

What you'll be doing:

  • Design, develop and verify features for our next generation GPU driver architecture; collaborating with hardware engineers and fellow software engineers

  • Help identify and solve performance bottlenecks in our driver, both in markets of scale like datacenter as well in gaming markets where applications need to run as fast as possible

  • Get opportunities to collaborate and communicate effectively with teams from all around the globe

What we need to see:

  • BS or MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields(or equivalent experience)

  • 10+ years of relevant software development experience

  • Proven leadership skills and strong ownership of past projects

  • Hands on technical experience and demonstrated excellence in an environment with complex software and hardware designs

  • Exceptional C programming and low-level driver experience; background and strength with complex system-level debugging

  • Kernel experience with Linux, Android, Chrome, or Windows systems

  • Familiarity and comfort with computer system architecture, microprocessor, and microcontroller fundamentals (caches, buses, memory controllers, DMA, etc.)


Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • Experience as a maintainer or contributor to large open source software projects

  • Knowledge of virtualization platforms (XenServer, KVM, Hyper-V)

  • Familiarity with kernel level security concepts; this includes testing techniques and a familiarity with static code analysis, dynamic analysis, fuzzing, negative testing and other techniques

  • Experience with embedded system SW concepts, e.g.: RTOS and overlay programming models

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world's most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people on the planet working for us. If you're creative, passionate and self-motivated, we want to hear from you! NVIDIA is leading the way in groundbreaking developments in Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing and Visualization. The GPU, our invention, serves as the visual cortex of modern computers and is at the heart of our products and services.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until March 15, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.
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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993

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