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Windows Kernel Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legato, LLC

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms.Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

Legato, LLC

Windows CNO Developer (BZ)

Washington, DC · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. Perform reverse engineering of Windows binaries (both legitimate and malicious) to ...

Nightwing

Windows Application Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Application Developers to support the design, development ... Familiarity with Windows kernel concepts, memory management, and process/thread handling

Nwis

Windows Application Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

Nightwing is seeking experienced Windows Application Developers to support the design, development ... Familiarity with Windows kernel concepts, memory management, and process/thread handling

Parallels

Staff Windows System Developer C++

$50.25 - $67.50/hr

They are seeking an experienced Staff Windows System Developer to design and develop cross-platform ... Windows kernel driver development (Installable File Systems) • Linux kernel device drivers • ...

Upwind Security

Windows Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

Work closely with frontend, backend, and DevOps teams to deliver exceptional features Requirements ... Experience developing Windows Kernel Drivers * Experience developing Windows Security modules ...

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How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for windows kernel developer in the United States is $134,970.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $160,000.00 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.

More about Windows Kernel Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Windows Kernel Developer jobs? Cities with the most Windows Kernel Developer job openings:
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Windows Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,970 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Windows Developer with Security Clearance

Ring0 Technologies, Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Ring0 Technologies ("Ring Zero") is hiring a Windows developer with kernel and reverse engineering experience. The developer will be working supporting CNO development of Cyber solutions to real-world problems. We are looking for someone who is passionate about Cybersecurity who can think "outside the box" to solve challenging problems. In this position you will be able to leverage your knowledge of OS security features, Reverse Engineering, Vulnerability Analysis, Networking, Firmware, and Windows Internals Required Skills
* Windows kernel development
* Python and C or C++ programming languages
* Understanding and experience with debuggers
* CNO tools development
* Reverse Engineering
* Demonstrated understanding of Windows Low Level Systems development and API
* Hands-on experience with debugging tools such as:
GDB (GNU Debugger): Used primarily for debugging applications written in C/C++. Candidates should be proficient in setting breakpoints, inspecting memory, controlling execution flow, analyzing core dumps, and performing step-by-step debugging.
PyDB (Python Debugger): A Python-specific debugger used for inspecting and controlling Python programs during runtime. Candidates should be familiar with debugging Python scripts, tracing code execution, setting Desired Skills
* Knowledge of basic dynamic malware analysis/triage
* Cyber-focused target development and research experience, technical analysis
* Application of computer networking and telecommunication architecture, OSI model, communication protocols, and common hacker TTPs experience
* TCP/IP, IPv6, routing concepts, network mapping, subnetti
* Programming or reverse engineering x86, x64, ARM, MIPS, or PowerPC assembly
* Programming and debugging tools such as: IDA Pro, gcc, gdb, OllyDbg
* Experience with software vulnerabilities such as stack overflows, heap overflows, numeric overflows, input validation

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