ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Windows Kernel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualcomm

Windows Performance Engineer, Staff

San Diego, CA · On-site

$134.80 - $202.20/hr

Work closely with software architects, OS and kernel developers, CPU architects and SOC architects ... Experience with Windows OS, Visual Studio/LLVM compiler, and Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA ...

Zealogics Inc

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Professionally resolve hardware issues • HPC Rack, Build, cable, configure, and provision Linux kernel, windows server. • HPC Operating System Installation/provision - Windows Server, Linux, Unix ...

Qualcomm

#Embedded Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

In-depth knowledge of Windows development environment and functionality and architecture especially driver module. * Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills in Linux Kernel. Familiar with ARM ...

Zealogics.com

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

HPC Rack, Build, cable, configure, and provision Linux kernel, windows server. * HPC Operating System Installation/provision - Windows Server, Linux, Unix. * Troubleshooting and resolving hardware ...

Zealogics.com

HPC engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

HPC Rack, Build, cable, configure, and provision Linux kernel, windows server. * Troubleshooting and resolving hardware problems on Linux cluster hardware and networking equipmentand applying logical ...

Fiery

Senior Software Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$134K - $177K/yr

Responsibilities : • Designing, developing, and maintaining system-level software across Windows ... internals, and kernel/user-mode interactions to solve complex engineering problems. • ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Driver Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Play a key role in the development of User & Kernel Mode Drivers that can be executed on a host CPU running Windows or Linux, or embedded on a RISC-V CPU running Linux * Coordinate with the GPU ...

Bolt Graphics

GPU Driver Lead

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Lead the development of User & Kernel Mode Drivers that can be executed on a host CPU running Windows or Linux, or embedded on a RISC-V CPU running Linux * Lead an internal team of driver engineers ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsWindows Kernel JobsWindows Kernel Jobs in California

Windows Kernel information

See California salary details

$10

$55

$66

How much do windows kernel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for windows kernel in California is $55.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $60.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Windows Kernel?

A Windows Kernel job involves working with the core of the Windows operating system, which manages hardware, processes, memory, and security. Professionals in this role typically develop, debug, or enhance kernel-mode drivers, system components, and low-level OS functionality. This requires expertise in C/C++, debugging tools like WinDbg, and a deep understanding of Windows internals. These roles are critical for ensuring system stability, performance, and security in various applications, including cybersecurity, virtualization, and hardware communication.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Windows Kernel position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Windows Kernel engineer, you need deep expertise in C/C++ programming, operating system internals, and computer architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with debugging tools like WinDbg, experience with kernel-mode development, and knowledge of Windows hardware abstraction layers are valuable, as are certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills for diagnosing and addressing complex system issues. These abilities are crucial for developing reliable system-level code and collaborating efficiently with cross-functional engineering teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by Windows Kernel engineers, and how do they address them?

Windows Kernel engineers frequently encounter complex issues such as debugging low-level system crashes, resolving compatibility problems with hardware or drivers, and ensuring the security and stability of the operating system core. Addressing these challenges requires strong analytical skills, familiarity with specialized debugging tools, and the ability to work methodically under pressure. Collaboration with other engineers, hardware teams, and QA professionals is common to quickly isolate and resolve intricate problems. Continuous learning is also important, as kernel-level technology and security standards are constantly evolving. This dynamic environment provides opportunities to grow both technically and professionally.

What are popular job titles related to Windows Kernel jobs in California?

For Windows Kernel jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Windows Kernel jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Windows Kernel jobs in California are:

Windows Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,679 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Windows Performance Engineer, Staff

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$134.80 - $202.20/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Qualcomm rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

General Summary

Qualcomm is looking for an experienced Windows Power/Performance Developer with passion for analyzing and optimizing software running on Windows on Snapdragon. The senior developer will own and drive analysis of complex system level performance aspects and propose solutions to optimize performance without impacting power consumption to deliver best‑in‑class software performance for next‑generation Windows on Snapdragon desktop devices using Qualcomm SoC’s. Work closely with software architects, OS and kernel developers, CPU architects and SOC architects to define performance optimization strategies.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
  • 2+ years of work experience with programming language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Responsibilities
  • In‑depth analysis of key software benchmarks and applications to identify optimization opportunities.
  • Implement software optimizations to ensure performance criteria are met.
  • Develop and enhance analysis tools and instrumentation to assist in analysis, identifying performance gaps and optimization options.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners for analysis and optimizations.
  • Identify risks associated with designs, approaches, and other work efforts.
  • Solve complex technical problems that affect significant areas of products.
  • Make decisions based on incomplete, contradictory, and ambiguous requirements and information that affect policies and multiple teams in the software development process.
  • Act as a tech lead on projects and own the outcome of the project.
  • Lead others with technical credibility.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field.
  • 5+ years of Software Engineering with focus in Power/Performance or related work experience.
  • Experience in C/C++, ARM assembly.
  • Familiarity with C#, Java, Javascript, Python is a plus.
  • Strong familiarity with ARM architecture.
  • Good understanding of CPU Architecture, Memory and Bus architecture and how that impacts software performance; experience in performance characterization and software optimization techniques.
  • Ability to debug complex problems across multiple layers of Hardware, OS, compiler, and drivers.
  • Experience with Windows OS, Visual Studio/LLVM compiler, and Windows Performance Analyzer (WPA) tools; experience in Compiler and JIT technologies is a plus.
  • Experience optimizing for popular CPU software benchmarks is a plus.
Compensation and Benefits

Pay range: $134,800.00 – $202,200.00. Additional compensation includes a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants. Qualcomm also offers a highly competitive benefits package to support your success at work, at home, and at play.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. Please contact disability‑accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm’s toll‑free number for reasonable accommodations to support your participation in the hiring process.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Qualcomm employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Qualcomm logo

About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

View All Qualcomm Jobs

Apply