← All roles

Linux Kernel Engineer

Apple· Software and Services
Apply on company site
Hybrid (Milford, NH)Full-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Join Apple’s Linux Kernel Engineering team to own the kernel lifecycle end to end, including CI infrastructure, automated validation, 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.
  • Own kernel releases from development through production.

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/Bash

Benefits

  • EEO and inclusive workplace commitments
  • Accessibility and reasonable accommodations information available in company resources
Last updated Sep 11, 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.

AirPods Max 2Apple ArcadeApple CardApple Fitness+Apple MusicApple TVApple TV+Apple Watch Series 11
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Apple