Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

Team Red Dog is hiring a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer for our client a leading international cloud and software provider and industry-leading technology partner. This hybrid role (Hillsboro OR) sits at the core of systems engineering driving low-level software development validation and performance optimization for next-generation Azure compute platforms. You will work hands-on with Linux kernel development device driver programming and system-level debugging to ensure hardware-software integration at scale. The impact is immediate and meaningfulyour work directly enables the reliability performance and scalability of cutting-edge cloud infrastructure.

Top Required Skills (Must Haves):

1. Strong Linux kernel development and device driver programming (C/C) used to build enhance and debug low-level system functionality supporting hardware integration.
2. Deep understanding of operating system internals and hardware-software interaction critical for diagnosing system performance issues and ensuring stability across platforms.
3. Proficiency with kernel build systems Git and open-source workflows enables efficient collaboration version control and upstream contributions.
4. Low-level debugging and performance optimization experience required to resolve kernel crashes bottlenecks and hardware compatibility challenges.

Opportunity Overview:
This is a unique opportunity to work on Microsofts Cobalt SoC compute products powering Azure infrastructure. The role offers deep exposure to hardware-level engineering and open-source contributions allowing engineers to influence the performance and reliability of cloud-scale systems. Youll collaborate with highly technical teams solving complex problems at the intersection of silicon and software.

How you will make an impact:
Develop enhance and maintain Linux kernel components supporting next-generation SoC hardware
Design and implement device drivers for seamless hardware integration
Troubleshoot kernel-level issues including crashes performance bottlenecks and compatibility challenges
Support validation and release of Azure compute platforms
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure system reliability and scalability
Contribute to open-source initiatives and upstream Linux development

The expertise you bring:
Bachelors degree in Computer Science Software Engineering or related field
5 years of experience in Linux kernel development and systems programming
Strong C/C programming skills
Experience with device driver development and low-level debugging
Familiarity with Git and open-source contribution workflows
Solid understanding of operating systems hardware architecture and system performance tuning

What makes a candidate highly successful in this role:
Hands-on experience contributing to Linux open-source projects or upstream kernel development
Ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues
Strong problem-solving mindset with attention to performance and reliability
Proven track record working on hardware-software integration or SoC environments
Clear communication skills when working across engineering teams

Why Work with Team Red Dog
At Team Red Dog people are at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to personalized service and our deep experience in matching talented professionals with meaningful roles at some of the worlds most inspiring companies is what sets us apart. We take the time to understand your unique skills strengths and passionsbecause we believe your career should reflect who you are.
Whether youre looking to grow pivot or simply find a place where your work truly matters we offer opportunities that empower you to make a positive impact. With excellent benefits a supportive team and a role where you can thrive while doing what you love were here to help you take the next step with confidence. Join usand discover what it means to be genuinely valued in your career.

Generous benefits package for qualified employees includes:
Health insurance (medical dental vision and life)
Employer-matched 401K plan
Paid time off
Paid holidays

Estimated Start Date: Immediately
Location: Hillsboro OR (Hybrid 3 days onsite)
Job #:2515
Job Type and Estimated Duration: W2 contract opportunity with potential for extension up to 18 months subject to performance budget and client discretion
Rate: $56 to $61 hourly

Team Red Dog is committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone regardless of race ethnicity gender age religion sexual orientation disability or any other characteristic. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process reach out to and we will work to ensure an accessible experience. We strictly adhere to federal state and local laws to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
We offer competitive compensation aligned with U.S. industry standards and our final offer will reflect the candidates location job-specific skills experience and knowledge.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.
Team Red Dog is an E-Verify employer.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background check.
Please no solicitations from C2C or recruiting firms.

Required Experience:

Senior IC