Linux Kernel Developer (Mid-to-Senior Level)

Espace; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness care options

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Continuous learning

Job summary

E‑Space in Saratoga, CA is seeking a Linux Kernel Developer to own kernel-level quality as platforms scale. You will design, develop, and debug kernel code and low-level Linux components powering our hardware, working with embedded software, systems, and hardware teams to ensure stability and production-readiness.

The role involves driving kernel drivers, subsystems, memory management, and boot processes, with hands-on debugging, performance profiling, and upstream contributions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing in C with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals.
• Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules.
• Solid understanding of kernel subsystems such as memory management, scheduling, filesystems, and networking.
• Deep knowledge of the Linux boot process and bootloaders.
• Experience with concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space.
• Experience with embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot.
• Comfort working directly with hardware during bring-up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers.
• Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis.
• Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience.
• Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real-time operating systems.
• Familiarity with security-hardening practices for embedded Linux such as secure boot and kernel hardening.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send-email).
• Exposure to multiple CPU architectures including ARM, RISC-V, and x86.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system-level software.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules.
• Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms.
• Write and maintain device drivers for interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, and Ethernet.
• Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures.
• Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption.
• Work with bootloaders such as U-Boot and handle board bring-up for new hardware revisions.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration.
• Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs.
• Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems such as Yocto and Buildroot, and CI integration.
• Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that is practical and reusable.

Skills

Kernel internals

Linux device drivers

Kernel modules

C programming

Real-time Linux

Security hardening

Upstream Linux

Boot process

CI/CD

Tools

GDB

Ftrace

Perf

Kgdb

Job description

About the role

We’re looking for a Linux Kernel Developer who is comfortable working deep in the stack — from drivers and subsystems to boot and memory management — and who wants to own kernel-level quality as our products scale. In this hands‑on role you’ll design, develop, and debug kernel code and low‑level Linux components that power our hardware platforms while working closely with embedded software engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure our platforms are stable, performant, and production‑ready.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
• Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
• Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, and Ethernet
• Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low‑level system failures
• Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
• Work with bootloaders such as U‑Boot and handle board bring‑up for new hardware revisions
• Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring‑up and hardware/software integration
• Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
• Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems such as Yocto and Buildroot, and CI integration
• Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that is practical and reusable

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing in C with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals
• Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules
• Solid understanding of kernel subsystems such as memory management, scheduling, filesystems, and networking
• Deep knowledge of the Linux boot process and bootloaders
• Experience with concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space
• Experience with embedded Linux build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot
• Comfort working directly with hardware during bring‑up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers
• Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis
• Comfort working independently and taking ownership in a lean startup environment
• Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience
• Experience with real‑time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real‑time operating systems
• Familiarity with security‑hardening practices for embedded Linux such as secure boot and kernel hardening
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send‑email)
• Exposure to multiple CPU architectures including ARM, RISC‑V, and x86
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system‑level software

Compensation

This is a full‑time, exempt position based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation package will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Employment Sponsorship

E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Benefits

• Opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (U.S. only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off