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Windows Kernel Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Windows CNO Software Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $184K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

US citizenship is required Desired skills - Experience with writing effective Windows Kernel-level code and extensions (such as device drivers for networking, storage, audio, video, etc.) - Software ...

Responsibilities : • Experience with low-level programming (C/C++) • Experience developing in scripting languages (Python) • Systems software development experience (Linux/Windows kernel ...

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA

$122K - $253K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Windows kernel internals * Familiarity with common reverse engineering tools and debuggers * Understanding of modern exploit mitigations and bypass techniques * Experience supporting ...

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

$122K - $253K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Windows kernel internals * Familiarity with common reverse engineering tools and debuggers * Understanding of modern exploit mitigations and bypass techniques * Experience supporting ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

... Linux/Windows kernel drivers) • Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions • Effective communication with customers and teammates • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Highly experienced in systems software development (Linux/Windows kernel drivers) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with customers and ...

CNO Developer - Hybrid - TS

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$145K - $199K/yr

Relevant qualifications: -Experience with C/C++ -Experience with Python -Experience with low-level programming -Experience with Linux or Windows kernel drivers Desired: -Experience with embedded ...

CNO Developer - Hybrid - TS/SCI

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$145K - $199K/yr

Relevant qualifications: -Experience with C/C++ -Experience with Python -Experience with low-level programming -Experience with Linux or Windows kernel drivers Desired: -Experience with embedded ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Highly experienced in systems software development (Linux/Windows kernel drivers) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with customers and ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Highly experienced in systems software development (Linux/Windows kernel drivers) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with customers and ...

Systems software development experience (Linux/Windows kernel drivers) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with customers and teammates

Systems software development experience (Linux/Windows kernel drivers) * Successfully developed cutting edge end-to-end cyber solutions * Effective communication with customers and teammates

Showing results 21-40

Windows Kernel information

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 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 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.

Infographic showing various Windows Kernel job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Windows CNO Software Engineer

Lockheed Martin

Herndon, VA • On-site

$104K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Lockheed Martin rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 391 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description


As a leader in defense technology cybersecurity. Lockheed Martin designs innovative, custom fit capabilities that strengthen both offensive and defensive cyber operations for customer missions. We are seeking Cyber Network Operations (CNO) Windows Developers who want to solve technical challenges and build tools used in real-world applications.
Why the CNO Developer role at Lockheed Martin Space:
  • Mission critical impact: Develop state-of-the-art tools and platforms that help our customers to gather intelligence, protect critical infrastructure and outpace evolving threats.
  • Technical expertise: Apply your deep knowledge in traditional computing (Windows/Linux/MacOS), mobile technology (Android/iOS), wireless technology, IoT, ICS/SCADA, enterprise technologies, and special-purpose embedded and real-time systems.
  • Innovation lab environment: Work closely with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team and have direct access to senior cyber strategy leaders.
  • Professional growth: Expand your technical depth through mentorship from senior CNO developers, attend specialized cyber training, and earn certifications while contributing to patented solutions.

If you are passionate about building resilient, high impact cyber tools that help our customers to keep the nation's customer assets safe, join our team.
Basic Qualifications
- Experience performing Software Development and writing in software languages such as: C, C++, Python
- Demonstrated experience developing, testing and debugging code at the operating system level (kernel development experience is desired)
- Demonstrated experience in tool development and operating system architecture of the Windows platform
Experience using Visual Studio IDE, Windows SDK, and Windows DDK, WInDBG or equivalent
- Demonstrated understanding of network protocols and data flows
- Active TS clearance with SCI eligibility; US citizenship is required
Desired skills
- Experience with writing effective Windows Kernel-level code and extensions (such as device drivers for networking, storage, audio, video, etc.)
- Software development experience including design, implementation, testing, analysis and debugging supporting CNO/CNE.
- Experience in vulnerability research and applying various analysis techniques
- Experience in reverse engineering in various architectures (i.e. x86, ARM)
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of low level operating systems development and API(s)
- Experience with writing effective OS level code and extensions (such as device drivers for networking, storage, audio, video, etc.)
- Demonstrated experience performing Software Configuration Management
- Demonstrated experience writing unit test when developing new software and fixing bugs
#LMSpaceSoftwareEng #SpaceNSS #LMSpaceCyberEng #SpaceCYBPrograms
EEO
Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration.
*
Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about.
As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Other Important Information
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings.
Work Schedule Information
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
National Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $104,900 - $184,920. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.
Premium Pay Statement
Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in most major metropolitan areas in California, Massachusetts, and New York is $120,600 - $209,070. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

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As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912