> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2853606-os-kernel-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2853606-os-kernel-engineer). 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).

---

# OS/Kernel Engineer

- **Company:** NIO
- **Location:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $143,200.0 - $186,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, File Systems, Formal Verification, Hypervisor, Real-Time Operating Systems, Reduced Instruction Set Computing, Software Engineering, Virtualization Technology, Computer Equipment, Information Technology
- **Published:** September 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.thejobnetwork.com/job/ee4cc82c-cb85-4787-a936-7f516a3bba88/senior-oskernel-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related fields.
 * Strong background and hands-on experience in operating system internals, virtualization, or system security.
 * Solid understanding of computer hardware architecture, with practical experience in at least one of the following: x86, Arm, or RISC-V.
 * Proficiency in C, assembly, and/or Rust. Proven ability to navigate, debug, and improve complex, low-level codebases.
 * Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve complex system-level performance, memory, and stability issues.
 * Ability to work independently on ambiguous technical problems while remaining a strong, communicative team collaborator., * Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
 * Familiarity with the latest academic research in systems (e.g., papers from SOSP, OSDI, ASPLOS) and a track record of applying these concepts to solve industry problems.
 * Experience modifying, extending, or building core system software components (such as custom kernel modules, hypervisors, real-time operating systems (RTOS), or network stacks).
 * Exposure to microkernel architectures or automotive/safety-critical operating systems.
 * Familiarity with formal verification methods or automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).

## Description

* Prototype and evaluate advanced systems software concepts, including kernels, file systems, drivers, and networking, to improve system performance, safety, and dependability.
 * Design, implement, and optimize critical low-level system components to fulfill strict real-time performance and safety goals.
 * Contribute to the long-term systems software architecture and help guide technical decisions within the smart EV infrastructure.
 * Collaborate closely with broader engineering teams to transition prototypes and advanced concepts into highly reliable, production-ready deployments.


## Related Videos

- [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle)
- [An alternative approach to digital sovereignty: Confidential Computing](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100043-an-alternative-approach-to-digital-sovereignty-confidential-computing)
- [Using AI Without Losing Your Skills](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2045-using-ai-without-losing-your-skills)
- [Possibilities with Web Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1575-possibilities-with-web-capabilities)
- [For the Cars and the Curious: Android Drift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/499-for-the-cars-and-the-curious-android-drift)
- [What I learned as a developer from accidents in space](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/642-what-i-learned-as-a-developer-from-accidents-in-space)

## Related Articles

- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)
- [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)
- [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)