> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1263040-software-engineer-linux-kernel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1263040-software-engineer-linux-kernel). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Software Engineer (Linux Kernel) - **Company:** Waymo LLC - **Location:** Mountain View, CA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $204,000.0 - $259,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Board Bringup, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Computing Platforms, BIOS, Booting (BIOS), C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Software Debugging, Programming Tools, Device Drivers, Emulators, Ethernet, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Linux Kernel, Machine Learning, PCI Express, System Software, Data Logging, Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) - **Published:** July 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://careers.withwaymo.com/jobs?gh_jid=7028511 ## About the Role * 5+ years of programming experience in an asynchronous environment with multiple processes, threads, timers, and interrupts * BA/BS degree in Computer Science, or relevant technical field or equivalent practical experience * Proficiency in C and C++ * Experience with Linux kernel and device driver development * Working knowledge of hardware bring-up and debugging, including the ability to read schematics/datasheets and use common tools (oscilloscopes, multimeter, logic analyzers) * Experience with early-silicon development tools, e.g. emulators, simulators and FPGAs * Experience with common hardware protocols/interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, or I2C) * Working knowledge of complex hardware-accelerated compute pipelines (GPUs, ML accelerators, image/data processors) * Experience working with multiple types of industry partners (CM, ODM, OEM, or ISV) * Experience with bootloaders or programming in a BIOS * Experience with building and maintaining testing infrastructure for OS and other low level code * Experience with performing safe and robust software and firmware updates ## Description * Waymo Onboard Infrastructure is responsible for low-level software and infrastructure on various components of the Waymo self-driving system * The team's scope covers everything from low-level system software to high-bandwidth data logging, IPC (low-latency and high-throughput), performance analysis, and full-system debugging * We work with the Hardware, Compute, Sensor, Perception, Behavior and Machine Learning teams to build the most performant and low-latency self-driving solution in the industry * In this role, you will work on the System Software Team. The System Software team owns the primary compute node of Waymo's on-vehicle compute platform - an integrated embedded system * You will write Linux Kernel drivers (including creating appropriate user-space APIs) to communicate with custom hardware (e.g. custom ASICs and FPGAs) * If you enjoy building embedded systems using novel compute hardware and working with engineering teams that will be direct consumers of your work, you'll be a great fit for this role * In this hybrid role, you will report to the Technical Lead Manager * Work on a small team of System Software and Linux Kernel Engineers to develop system software components from early prototyping to production launch of driverless vehicles * Develop and test Linux Kernel device drivers and other components for high-performance embedded systems including custom ASICs and accelerators * Work with a variety of engineering teams and SoC partners to take on ambiguous problems ## Related Videos - [Software defines the vehicle: Why customers and developers will love cars even more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1114-software-defines-the-vehicle-why-customers-and-developers-will-love-cars-even-more) - [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish) - [10M Data Records Lost, Underwater Computing, and Psychedelic Fish - Matthias Geniar](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1908-10m-data-records-lost-underwater-computing-and-psychedelic-fish-matthias-geniar) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree)