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Windows Kernel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ThreatLocker

Senior Kernel Software Developer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this ...

REDLattice

Windows CNO Developer

Dulles, VA · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...

New

REDLattice

Windows CNO Developer

Dulles, VA · On-site

Design, develop, and maintain low-level kernel-mode components, drivers, and subsystems for Windows platforms. * Reverse engineer Windows binaries, including legitimate and malicious software, to ...

New

Nightwing

Windows Vulnerability Research

Sterling, VA · On-site

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

Nightwing

Windows Application Developer

Sterling, VA · On-site

... Windows kernel concepts, memory management, and process/thread handling • Experience working in secure or regulated environments • Strong documentation and communication skills Company

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How much do windows kernel jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for windows kernel in the United States is $55.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.08 and $61.54 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.

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States with the most job openings for Windows Kernel jobs include:

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Windows Kernel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Windows Kernel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,200 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Senior Kernel Software Developer

ThreatLocker

Orlando, FL • On-site

$51 - $67.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

ThreatLocker rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

ThreatLocker is a leader in endpoint protection technologies, providing enterprise-level cybersecurity tools to improve the security of servers and endpoints. The ThreatLocker platform with Application Allowlisting, Ringfencing, Storage Control, Elevation Control, Endpoint Network Control, Configuration Management, and Operational Alert solutions are leading the cybersecurity market toward a more secure approach of blocking the exploits of application vulnerabilities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Windows Kernel Driver Engineer with extensive experience in filter driver development and Windows system internals to join our cybersecurity product team. In this role, you will build and maintain critical kernel-mode components that power next-generation threat detection, prevention, and response capabilities on Windows systems. The role will be based in Orlando, FL and is an in-office position.

JOB SCOPE

The Kernel Developer will be responsible for, but not limited to:

  • Design and develop kernel-mode filter drivers (file system minifilter, registry filter, network filter, etc.) to support security monitoring and enforcement.
  • Investigate and reverse-engineer Windows internals to implement low-level security features and bypass-resistant protections.
  • Collaborate with the threat research, detection, and user-mode engineering teams to develop scalable and stealthy security solutions.
  • Perform in-depth kernel debugging, crash dump analysis, and performance tuning using WinDbg, ETW, and related tools.
  • Develop robust, secure, and maintainable driver code that meets Microsoft's signing and certification standards.
  • Monitor Windows platform changes to ensure compatibility and stability across OS versions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience writing Windows kernel-mode drivers, particularly filter drivers.
  • Expert knowledge of Windows system internals (memory management, I/O subsystem, object manager, etc.).
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Windows Driver Kit (WDK), and kernel debugging tools.
  • Experience in the cybersecurity domain, especially endpoint protection, EDR, anti-malware, or kernel-level monitoring.
  • Solid understanding of code injection techniques, hooking, kernel-mode exploits, and mitigation strategies.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a security-first engineering mindset.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with malware analysis, reverse engineering, or rootkit detection.
  • Familiarity with Windows kernel threat models and secure coding practices.
  • Exposure to Microsoft kernel-mode signing, WHQL, and driver submission processes
  • Contributions to the infosec community (research, publications, open-source projects, talks)

WORKING CONDITIONS

The duties described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. If necessary, reasonable accommodation may be requested and will be evaluated for its relationship to the essential functions that must be performed.

  • Job will generally be performed in an office environment but may require travel to visit company offices and/or property locations.
  • While performing duties of this job, would occasionally require to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects and tools.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.

A background check and drug/substance screening are required after a conditional offer. Employment will proceed only upon receiving clear results from both.

ThreatLocker also conducts randomized drug and substance testing approximately every 60 days, in line with the same screening standards.

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