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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

... kernel tuning, and customizing kernels • Deep understanding of virtualization and ... Windows environments is a plus • Experience working with SOAP and REST APIs a plus Company

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$145K/yr

Advanced Linux knowledge including, but not limited to, kernel bypass, kernel tuning, and ... Familiarity with Windows environments is a plus * Experience working with SOAP and REST APIs a plus

Akuna Capital

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

Advanced Linux knowledge including, but not limited to, kernel bypass, kernel tuning, and ... Familiarity with Windows environments is a plus * Experience working with SOAP and REST APIs a plus

Ecolab

Principal Platform Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

... kernel upgrades, and OSS note implementation. * Configure and manage Solution Manager technical ... Proficiency in operating systems including SUSE Linux and Windows for SAP deployments * Experience ...

CACI International

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL

Knowledge of Kernel * Software development skills in current languages such as: C, C++, JAVA ... Familiar with development in either Windows, Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems * Software ...

CACI International, Inc.

Software Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

Knowledge of Kernel * Software development skills in current languages such as: C, C++, JAVA ... Familiar with development in either Windows, Linux and/or Unix-based operating systems * Software ...

All JobsWindows Kernel Developer JobsWindows Kernel Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Windows Kernel Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.3K

$139K

$230.2K

How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows kernel developer in Chicago, IL is $139,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,300.00 and $164,800.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Windows Kernel Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Windows Kernel Developer jobs near you

Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer

Hudson Manpower

Skokie, IL • On-site

$160 - $170/day

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Hello,
We're hiring a Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer to work on low-level Windows OS customization for embedded wireless devices (e.g., cameras, USB) supporting Microsoft Teams.
Sr. Windows OS Software Engineer
Skokie, IL | Full-Time | On-Site (No Remote)
US Citizens/Green Card holders only | Relocation assistance available
Must Haves:
• Must have low level (kernal) Windows OS development experience
• Can you customize and configure the Windows OS platform to integrate with embedded devices ?
• Do you have an understanding in device driver development as well as OS image creation and deployment to a w/less device; ?
• C++ for windows experience ? is used for development.
• Have you done low level OS development ?
• Experience w/ Typescript of GraphQl ?
Responsibilities:
• Will customize and configure the Windows OS Platform to integrate with wireless
• embedded devices such as cameras, USB, etc to support the Windows TEAMS video
• p Platform
• The ideal candidate should have an understanding in device driver development as well
• as OS image creation and deployment to a wireless device; C++ for windows is used for
• development. Will not be tasked with driver development but must understand the
• process.
• Must have an understanding of Operating System internals and Windows kernel/module
• development
• Designs software and author code elements such as drivers, algorithms, middleware,
• and applications specifically for the Windows Platform
• Creates scripts to automate code generating tools, data processing, and verification of
• design
• Works with other functional team members to integrate technologies with company
• Platform and products
• Keeps abreast of new technologies, the state of the art, and communicate to the
• appropriate levels
• Writes so0ware networking components based on existing embedded software Platform and operating systems
• Applies OO/SOLID and secure coding design principles
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science / Computer Engineering or
• equivalent experience
• Experience performing low level Windows OS software development
• Understanding of Operating System internals
• Windows kernel/module development
• Knowledge of image creation
• Minimum of 2 years industry experience developing specifically for Windows
• Experience implemen7ng applica7ons, device drivers and/or frameworks for Windows
• Experience implementing client to server network communications, TCP/IP, sockets
• Experience working Visual Studio
• • Experience working with CMAKE and other cross Platform build tools.
• Experience with software development tools such as Integrated Development
• Environments, compilers/linkers, and debugging tools (emulator, profiler, etc.) required
• Experience solving problems following SOLID and OO design principles
• Must be proficient in Windows development with C++.
• Working knowledge of Windows Driver Kit (WDK) is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Microso0 Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
• is a plus.
• Development experience in TypeScript and NodeJS is a plus
• Developer experience with GraphQL is a plus
• Ability to integrate technologies to provide proof of concept demonstrations
• Experience in secure coding practice

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