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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

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Windows Kernel Developer information

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$58.7K

$131K

$216.9K

How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows kernel developer in Maryland is $130,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,800.00 and $155,300.00 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 Maryland? The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland are:
What are popular job titles related to Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland? For Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Maryland are:
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel Developer job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,993 per year, or $63 per hour.
Software Reverse Engineer (TS/SCI)- Senior & Mid

Software Reverse Engineer (TS/SCI)- Senior & Mid

Vexterra Group

Bethesda, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Vexterra Group is searching for a Senior Software Reverse Engineer to support a Government Customer in Bethesda, Maryland. The role involves analyzing and reverse-engineering potentially malicious software, producing technical reports, and providing actionable intelligence on security vulnerabilities.
Responsibilities:
• Isolate, review, analyze, and reverse-engineer potentially malicious programs
• Write and produce high quality technical reports related to the scope, nature, and characteristics of the malicious software suitable for distribution to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Work deep within the boot process, kernel, and system internals to devise novel solutions using tools like IDA Pro, debuggers, and in-target probes to examine behavior of binaries
• Analyze software and firmware using reverse engineering techniques to understand security vulnerabilities, working closely with teammates who value innovation and execution
• Share knowledge by clearly articulating ideas through papers and presentations to technical staff, management and customer decision makers
• Take advantage of opportunities to participate in working groups, customer meetings, proposal writing, and conferences
• Provide detailed understanding of how various attacks work at the memory and register level
• Perform in-depth analysis (dynamic/static) on malicious software (i.e., bots, worms, Trojans) resident on Microsoft® Windows and UNlX® based platforms to provide actionable intelligence; as appropriate, provide remediation recommendations
• Analyze, disassemble, and reverse engineer malicious code; document and transition results in reports, presentations and technical exchanges
• Using existing framework and within design, prototype, document, test and transition malicious code analysis methods and tools appropriate for operational use
• Proactively identify, define and advocate reverse engineering and analysis processes, approaches and concepts to enhance/improve technical exploitation efforts
• Adequately explain, present, demonstrate [when applicable] and document the operational impact of a particular 'vulnerability
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Engineering with at least six (6) years experience; OR
• Master of Science in Computer Science or Engineering with at least (4) four years experience; OR
• PhD degree in Computer Science or Engineering with at least (2) years experience
• Active TS SCI + CI Polygraph
• Two (2) Years experience with computer forensic software packages such as EnCase, FTK, or Sleuth Kit/Autopsy
• Advanced or Expert experience with reverse engineering and network security tools, including Ida Pro, Immunity Debug, WinDdg, VIM, Emacs, Trace32/JTAG, GDB, make, ctags, git, mercurial, and/or Wireshark
• Expert level Programming knowledge/experience with either Windows Kernel, C, C++, Python or Assembly Language and the ability to work in a team environment
• Advanced or Expert level experience in hardware configuration and network/data communications
• Advanced or Expert level experience in software development and scripting
• Advanced or Expert level experience conducting intelligence analysis and writing finished intelligence reporting with high quality and with minimal revision
• Thorough understanding of compiler specifics, operating system concepts, security models, and the causes of most vulnerabilities and how to exploit them Preferably, experience coding and disassembling software on both Windows and Linux or other BSD and Unix variants
• Advanced or Expert knowledge of the types and techniques of cyber exploitation and attack, including virus, worm, Trojan horse, logic bomb, and sniffer to identify, quantify, prioritize, and report vulnerabilities in enterprise architecture, networks, communications, applications, and systems
• Ability to establish defense mechanisms to detect and deflect Cyber-attacks on networks and communications systems and structures and design and evaluate applications that are secure from known and potential methods of Cyber-attack
• Ability to coordinate systems implementation activities with key personnel to ensure the successful transition from development to implementation and operation, present and defend a position, and to communicate with government and contractor team members
• Experience with virtualization, driver programming, and debugging
• Previous experience with ethical hacking and/or testing vulnerabilities
• Advanced or Expert experience with diagnosing and debugging software systems
Company:
Vexterra Group is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Small-Disadvantaged Business and 8a certified Digital Forensics and Engineering firm Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Vausseroux, FRA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.