10 of the Most Popular Types of Kernel Engineer Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Kernel Engineer jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Kernel Engineer Jobs

• Linux Kernel Developer

  Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000

  A Linux kernel developer uses computer code to create a program that functions as the core of a computer operating system. Your duties can include creating kernels for open-source operating systems for desktop computers, laptops, phones, and tablets. You can also develop programs for embedded systems for routers, smart devices, or automated machinery. Linux uses C programming languages, so you often write code in C and C++. In addition to your coding responsibilities, you also test and debug your programs. Your employer may ask you to develop applications, drivers, and other tools to use with your kernel.

• Freelance Linux Kernel Development

  Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000

  Freelance Linux Kernel Development is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Linux Kernel Development jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Linux Kernel Development job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Freelance Windows Kernel Developer

  Salary range: $39,000 - $39,000

  Freelance Windows Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer jobs pay between $39,000 (25th percentile) and $39,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Freelance Windows Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Junior Linux Kernel Engineer

  Salary range: $48,500 - $80,000

  Junior Linux Kernel Engineer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer jobs pay between $48,500 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Junior Linux Kernel Engineer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Linux Kernel Driver

  Salary range: $136,500 - $165,000

  Linux Kernel Driver is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Linux Kernel Driver jobs pay between $136,500 (25th percentile) and $165,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Linux Kernel Driver job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Windows Kernel Developer

  Salary range: $110,000 - $160,000

  Windows Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Windows Kernel Developer jobs pay between $110,000 (25th percentile) and $160,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Windows Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer

  Salary range: $63,500 - $106,000

  Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer jobs pay between $63,500 (25th percentile) and $106,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Linux Kernel Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Full Time Dpdk

  Salary range: $98,000 - $126,000

  Full Time Dpdk is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Full Time Dpdk jobs pay between $98,000 (25th percentile) and $126,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Full Time Dpdk job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Data Compiler

  Salary range: $41,500 - $154,000

  Data Compiler is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Data Compiler jobs pay between $41,500 (25th percentile) and $154,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Data Compiler job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Device Driver Developer

  Salary range: $84,000 - $134,500

  Device Driver Developer is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Device Driver Developer jobs pay between $84,000 (25th percentile) and $134,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Device Driver Developer job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.