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Linux Kernel Engineer

Apple· Software and Services
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Hybrid (Seattle, Washington)$142.3k - $263.3kFull-timePosted 6mo ago

About the role

Join Apple’s Linux Kernel Engineering team to own the kernel lifecycle end to end, from CI infrastructure and automated validation to driver enablement, debugging, and production-quality releases across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, and operate CI and validation pipelines that compile, test, and release Linux kernels across multiple hardware platforms and Linux distributions.
  • Lead triage of kernel regressions, investigate crashes and performance issues, drive fixes to resolution, and qualify new hardware at the kernel layer.
  • Collaborate with engineers across Apple to port, maintain, and upstream device drivers, shepherd kernel changes into production, and continuously raise the bar on kernel quality, automation, and release discipline.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Computer Science or equivalent skills and work experience.
  • At least 5+ years experience developing or maintaining the Linux kernel or low-level system software (e.g., kernel modules, device drivers, or core OS components).
  • Proven ability to debug kernel level issues (panics, hangs, performance regressions) using tools such as perf, ftrace, bpftrace, crash, gdb, or similar.
  • Deep understanding of kernel tuning for stability and performance across many subsystem domains.
  • Hands-on experience developing CI/CD systems integrating operating system components and managing kernel releases.
  • Strong programming skills in C, plus proficiency in at least one of Rust, Go, Python, or Bash.
  • Solid understanding of operating system fundamentals: processes, memory management, filesystems, networking, scheduling, interrupts, and hardware/driver interactions.
  • Experience working in a RHEL based Linux environment, including RPM packaging and the RHEL kernel back port and release process.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams (SRE, platform, hardware, security).
  • Proven track record of upstream contributions to the Linux kernel project or similar upstreams.

Skills

Required:Linux kernel development and maintenanceKernel debuggingCI/CD for OS componentsC programmingRust/Go/Python/BashOperating system fundamentalsRHEL packaging and kernel back portCollaboration and communicationUpstream contributions

Benefits

  • Discretionary employee stock programs (RSUs) and eligibility for Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and access to discounted products and free services.
  • Tuition reimbursement for education related to advancing your career at Apple.
  • Potential discretionary bonuses or commission payments and relocation assistance.
Last updated Aug 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Apple

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

Discover the innovative world of Apple and shop everything iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV, plus explore accessories, entertainment, and expert device support.

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