Job Details: Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Linux Kernel Developer to join our system software engineering team. This role focuses on developing, maintaining, and optimizing Linux kernel components with an emphasis on x86 architectures, device drivers, and platform-level integration. The successful candidate will support early platform enablement across both presilicon and postsilicon environments, including FPGA-based validation platforms and production silicon. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Silicon Architects, SoC design teams, firmware engineers, and other software developers to enable operating system support for new hardware capabilities. The position requires strong Linux kernel expertise, deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, and the ability to debug complex system-level issues during early platform bring-up. Contributions to upstream Linux kernel subsystems and participation in open-source development are highly valued. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES u2022 Develop and maintain Linux kernel modules and device drivers for x86-based platforms. u2022 Support platform bring-up activities and early boot enablement in both presilicon (FPGA/emulation) and postsilicon environments. u2022 Work with FPGA platforms and simulation environments for early hardware validation and driver development. u2022 Collaborate with SoC design, firmware, and platform teams to define OS and kernel requirements for new hardware features. u2022 Develop and enhance kernel subsystems related to device drivers, memory management, power management, scheduling, and platform interfaces. u2022 Implement and debug kernel functionality including ACPI integration and hardware interface protocols. u2022 Diagnose and resolve kernel-level issues during system boot, device initialization, and runtime operation. u2022 Backport patches, apply security updates, and maintain stable kernel branches as part of platform productization. u2022 Contribute patches and enhancements to upstream Linux kernel subsystems when applicable. u2022 Optimize system performance through power/performance tuning, memory management improvements, and system-level profiling. u2022 Maintain kernel configuration, build environments, and development workflows using Git-based version control systems. u2022 Work with cross-functional engineering team PROFESSIONAL TRAITS u2022 Strong analytical thinking and system-level problem-solving skills. u2022 Excellent written and verbal communication skills. u2022 Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including SoC design, firmware, and platform engineering groups. u2022 Ability to work independently while contributing effectively in a team environment. u2022 Strong attention to detail with disciplined debugging and troubleshooting practices. u2022 Adaptability to work across different hardware platforms and development phases. u2022 Passion for low-level systems development, including personal experimentation with Linux kernel builds, debugging, or open-source contributions. u2022 Commitment to high-quality engineering practices and maintainable code. Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience u2022 Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 6+ years of relevant experience, OR u2022 Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field with 4+ years of relevant experience. The experience must include: Linux Kernel Development1: u2022 Strong experience in Linux kernel development with emphasis on x86 platform architecture. u2022 Hands-on experience developing and debugging Linux kernel drivers and kernel subsystems. Experience working with one or more Linux kernel subsystems such as: u2022 Device drivers and platform drivers u2022 Memory management u2022 Power management and ACPI u2022 Scheduler or interrupt handling u2022 Virtualization or I/O subsystems Presilicon Development Environment1 Experience working in presilicon environments including: u2022 FPGA setup, configuration, and usage for early hardware validation. u2022 Driver development and validation on FPGA platforms. u2022 Hardware/software co-validation using simulation or emulation environments. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Development Tools u2022 Proficiency with Git-based development workflows. u2022 Experience submitting or maintaining upstream Linux kernel patches. u2022 Familiarity with Linux kernel build systems and configuration management. Debugging and Performance u2022 Strong debugging skills using kernel-level diagnostic tools. u2022 Experience with system performance analysis, power optimization, and memory management. Open Source and Upstream Development u2022 Demonstrated upstream contributions to Linux kernel subsystems. u2022 Experience participating in Linux kernel community discussions or open-source development processes. u2022 Experience submitting patches, reviewing discussions, or engaging with the Linux Kernel Mailing List (LKML) or subsystem maintainers is highly valued. Intel Platform Experience u2022 Familiarity with Intel platform technologies and architectural features such as VT-x, VT-d virtualization, and platform power management frameworks. Additional Experience u2022 Knowledge of kernel security frameworks and kernel hardening techniques. u2022 Familiarity with containerization or virtualization technologies. u2022 Experience supporting hardware bring-up across multiple silicon generations. Job Type: Experienced Hire Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America) Primary Location: US, California, Folsom Additional Locations: US, California, Santa Clara, US, Oregon, Hillsboro Business group: The Software Team drives customer value by enabling differentiated experiences through leadership AI technologies and foundational software stacks, products, and services. The group is responsible for developing the holistic strategy for client and data center software in collaboration with OSVs, ISVs, developers, partners and OEMs. The group delivers specialized NPU IP to enable the AI PC and GPU IP to support all of Intel's market segments. The group also has HW and SW engineering experts responsible for delivering IP, SOCs, runtimes, and platforms to support the CPU and GPU/accelerator roadmap, inclusive of integrated and discrete graphics. Posting Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance. Position of Trust N/A Benefits We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel (. Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $173,660.00-245,160.00 USD The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Work Model for this Role This role will require an on-site presence. Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.
Job Title
Linux Kernel Engineer