Linux Kernel Engineer

X4 Group Ltd; City Of London; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tech firm is seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Engineer to join their fully remote team and work on the open-source enablement of a next-gen multi-core processor. The role involves kernel development, driver integration, and collaboration with hardware teams, offering a chance to significantly impact open-source Linux projects. Competitive compensation above €100k/year and flexible working hours included.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Work from anywhere in Europe

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Linux kernel development (ideally 5.x or 6.x series).
• Proven expertise in kernel subsystems: memory management, I/O, interrupt handling, and scheduling.
• Skilled in device driver development for complex peripherals.

Responsibilities

• Develop custom Linux kernel 6.x fork for a multi-core SoC.
• Integrate drivers for high-speed interfaces like PCIe and USB.
• Collaborate with silicon validation engineers and firmware developers.

Skills

Linux kernel development

Device driver development

Low-level Linux tools

Fluent English

Fluent English

Tools

git

perf

ftrace

Job description

Overview

Fully Remote | Linux Kernel Engineer | Open Source Silicon Enablement | Multi-Year Engagement | Work from anywhere in Europe

Deep Kernel Engineering Meets Real Hardware — Help Bring Up a Next-Gen SoC

We're hiring experienced Linux kernel and driver engineers to work on the open source enablement of a cutting-edge, multi-core custom processor being developed by a globally recognized semiconductor innovator. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to Linux kernel development at the architectural level, supporting a powerful heterogeneous SoC that includes application, real-time, and low-power compute domains, as well as custom accelerators and high-bandwidth peripherals.

You'll be part of a long-term (2+ year) project, fully remote (EU-based), working with a technically elite team. This is not vendor patching — it's open source-first engineering, with real opportunity to upstream drivers and kernel features, and work across mainline 6.x series kernels, including the latest kernel releases.

Responsibilities

• Custom Linux kernel 6.x fork tailored for a novel multi-core SoC with mixed Cortex-A, Cortex-R, and Cortex-M cores
• Driver development and subsystem integration for high-speed interfaces: PCIe, USB 3.x, MIPI, Ethernet, and CAN
• Enabling custom hardware accelerators through Linux-compatible interfaces (e.g., DMA, interrupt routing, shared memory)
• Upstreaming modules and contributing to Linux subsystems where appropriate (camera, networking, AI, embedded bus, etc.)
• Backporting select kernel features and security patches to match silicon validation and release cycles
• Close collaboration with board bring-up teams, silicon validation engineers, and firmware developers

You Should Bring

• Strong experience with Linux kernel development (ideally 5.x or 6.x series)
• Proven expertise in kernel subsystems: memory management, I/O, interrupt handling, and scheduling
• Skilled in device driver development, especially for complex peripherals or custom IP
• Familiar with upstream Linux workflows—patch review, submission, and kernel community etiquette
• Experience with backporting techniques and tools (git, quilt, patch stack maintenance)
• Confident using low-level Linux tools: perf, ftrace, kgdb, crash, dmesg, etc.
• Fluent written and spoken English for technical collaboration

Bonus Points

• Experience in semiconductor or board bring-up environments
• Past mainline kernel contributions
• Knowledge of Yocto, Buildroot, or similar embedded Linux toolchains
• Familiarity with custom SoC designs, MMUs/IOMMUs, or hardware acceleration pipelines
• Exposure to multi-core, heterogeneous compute architectures

Why This Role Stands Out

• Work on an next-generation processor architecture— multi-core, multi-domain, with custom accelerators and subsystems
• Engage in real open source work—with upstream contribution and long-term maintainability in mind
• Operate on the latest Linux kernel versions, shaping how new hardware interacts with the evolving kernel landscape
• Real hardware bring-up— early silicon, validation boards, and production platforms
• Join a long-term project with technical autonomy, deep engineering culture, and competitive compensation (well above €100k/year equivalent)
• Fully remote within the EU with flexible working hours

If you're a Linux kernel specialist who enjoys architecting drivers, working close to hardware, and contributing to the open source community — this is the kind of project engineers wait years for.

Apply now to help build the future of Linux on next-gen silicon