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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 ...

Nwis

Windows Application Developer

Sterling, VA

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

Nightwing

Windows Application Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

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

Upwind Security

Windows Engineer

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

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 ...

Reveille Technologies

Firmware Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Windows Kernel Driver Engineer Location : Redmond, WA Required Candidate Capabilities : * Professional experience with Windows drivers or system software * Proven kernel debugging and dump analysis

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Windows Kernel Developer information

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How much do windows kernel developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 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.

Are kernel engineers in demand?

Kernel engineers, including Windows Kernel Developers, are in high demand due to the critical role they play in operating system stability, security, and performance. Companies in technology, cybersecurity, and hardware often seek professionals with expertise in low-level programming, debugging, and system architecture, making this a valuable and sought-after skill set.

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.

How much do kernel developers make?

Kernel developers, including those working on Windows or Linux, typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in low-level programming and system architecture can earn higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or large organizations.

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.

Is kernel dev hard?

Kernel development, such as for the Windows operating system, is considered challenging due to its complexity, low-level programming requirements, and the need for a deep understanding of hardware and system architecture. It often requires proficiency in languages like C and C++, experience with debugging tools, and knowledge of operating system principles, making it suitable for experienced developers. The work environment demands attention to detail and careful testing to ensure system stability and security.

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's the salary of kernel?

A Windows Kernel Developer's salary typically ranges from $90,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Skilled developers with expertise in low-level programming, driver development, and system architecture tend to earn higher salaries, especially in tech hubs or large organizations.
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Windows Kernel Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,970 per year, or $64.9 per hour.
Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

Senior Kernel Engineer (remote)

LaBine and Associates

Miami Gardens, FL • On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Senior Kernel Software Developer

Our cybersecurity client builds advanced technologies that form the foundation of digital resilience. Their platform empowers enterprises to defend critical infrastructure against sophisticated adversaries by engineering protection at the deepest levels of the operating system. Through kernel-level innovations, they ensure stability, performance and security without compromise.

They are looking for a SENIOR KERNEL SOFTWARE DEVELOPER with deep expertise in Windows internals and driver engineering and cybersecurity experience. This individual will architect and maintain low-level system components that serve as the cornerstone of their security platform. You will be at the forefront of creating advanced defense capabilities that operate where attackers least expect resistance - the kernel.

Core Responsibilities

  • Architect and implement Windows kernel-mode drivers (file system, registry, network, and related filter technologies) to enable monitoring, policy enforcement, and defensive controls.
  • Research and leverage Windows operating system internals to design robust, bypass-resistant protections.
  • Collaborate with research teams, user-space developers, and product engineers to integrate kernel-level modules into broader security workflows.
  • Perform advanced debugging and crash analysis, using tools such as WinDbg, ETW, and custom diagnostics to identify root causes and performance bottlenecks.

Required Qualifications:

  • Prior exposure to the cybersecurity sector
  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Windows kernel development, with a focus on driver and filter driver design.
  • Expert-level understanding of Windows internals (memory management, I/O processing, process and thread management, object manager, etc.).
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++, Windows Driver Kit (WDK), and modern kernel debugging methodologies.
  • Proven experience within the security space—such as EDR, anti-malware, intrusion detection, or kernel-based monitoring solutions.
  • Familiarity with exploitation techniques, hooking, and rootkit behaviors, combined with strategies to counter them.
  • Demonstrated ability to engineer secure, reliable, and high-performance kernel modules.

Preferred Expertise

  • Background in reverse engineering, malware research, or kernel exploit analysis.
  • Experience with Microsoft WHQL testing, driver signing, and kernel submission pipelines.
  • Contributions to security research communities, open-source kernel projects, or technical publications.
  • Knowledge of secure development lifecycle practices and defensive coding strategies for low-level software.

Why is This a Great Opportunity

  • Cutting-Edge Technical Mission - You get to work at kernel level, deep in the OS, designing low-level security infrastructure and solving hard engineering problems, doing “real” technical work rather than just surface-level features.
  • Strong Growth Potential & Learning Curve
  • High Impact Role
  • Collaboration & Cross-Functional Integration
LaBine and Associates logo

About LaBine and Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LaBine and Associates is a full service talent acquisition firm specializing in executive search for a myriad of industries. Through our partnerships with experienced associates, we can also provide staffing support, expert consultants, and interim executives for your company’s needs. We have deep industry knowledge with understanding in multiple industries. Our specialists include experts in banking/finance, HR/Legal, Technology, Health Care, Life Sciences, Engineering, Energy, Supply Chain, Mining, Agribusiness and manufacturing.

Industry

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Mateo, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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