H-1B Visa Linux Software Engineer Jobs

Linux Software Engineers are among the most consistently sponsored H-1B roles in the U.S. tech sector, with demand concentrated in cloud infrastructure, embedded systems, and kernel development. Employers filing LCAs for these roles typically classify them under SOC codes tied to software developers, which means your degree field and job duties both need to align clearly with a specialty occupation.

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Overview

Open Jobs45+
Top Visa TypeH-1B
Work Type82% On-site
Median Salary$126K
Top LocationSanta Clara, CA
Most JobsQualcomm

Showing 5 of 45+ Linux Software Engineer jobs

Neptune Medical
Senior/Staff Linux Software Engineer
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Neptune Medical
Added 1mo ago
Senior/Staff Linux Software Engineer
Neptune Medical
Burlingame, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Embedded Systems Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Backend Engineering
$185,000/yr - $225,000/yr
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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OpenAI
Linux Kernels Software Engineer
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OpenAI
Added 3w ago
Linux Kernels Software Engineer
OpenAI
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
$342,000/yr - $555,000/yr
On-Site
15+ yrs exp.
None
51-200

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Pure Storage
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
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Pure Storage
Added 1mo ago
Linux Kernel Software Engineer
Pure Storage
Santa Clara, California
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Backend Engineering
$167,000/yr - $246,000/yr
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
None

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Artech, LLC
Embedded Software Engineer - Linux Video Technology
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Artech, LLC
Added 1w ago
Embedded Software Engineer - Linux Video Technology
Artech, LLC
San Diego, California
Software Engineering
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
Not listed
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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NVIDIA
Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer
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NVIDIA
Added 1mo ago
Senior Linux Kernel Systems Software Engineer
NVIDIA
Santa Clara, California
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
Embedded Systems Engineering
Backend Engineering
$184,000/yr - $356,500/yr
On-Site
8+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 45+ Linux Software Engineer jobs

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Tips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Linux Software Engineer

Align your resume to SOC codes

Linux Software Engineer roles are typically filed under software developer SOC codes. Review the O*NET occupation profile for your target title and mirror its language in your resume so your duties match what the employer certifies on the LCA.

Verify prevailing wage before negotiating

Run your target job title, location, and experience level through the OFLC Wage Search before your first offer call. Your employer's LCA must certify at least the prevailing wage, so knowing Level I through Level IV ranges gives you a real floor to negotiate from.

Target E-Verify enrolled employers early

If you're on OPT or cap-gap, you must work for an E-Verify enrolled employer for STEM OPT eligibility. Confirm enrollment during the recruiter screen, not after an offer, since switching employers mid-process resets your timeline.

Search H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate

Filter by Linux or systems engineering roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have active LCA filing history for this occupation. That data tells you which companies have actually sponsored the role, not just which ones say they're open to it.

Request premium processing before your start date

USCIS standard H-1B adjudication can run several months. If your OPT expires before your H-1B start date, ask your employer to file with premium processing. The 15-business-day guarantee reduces status gap risk for roles with hard project deadlines.

Document proprietary kernel or system work carefully

USCIS RFEs for Linux roles often challenge whether the position requires a specific degree rather than general IT skills. Your employer's support letter should describe the complexity of your kernel, driver, or system architecture work in concrete technical terms, not just job titles.

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Linux Software Engineer H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Linux Software Engineer roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?

Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or computer engineering. Generic IT support or systems administration roles can face RFEs if the employer's job description doesn't establish that a specific technical degree is a minimum requirement. The more the role involves kernel development, device drivers, or complex systems architecture, the stronger the specialty occupation argument.

Which employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Linux Software Engineers?

Cloud infrastructure providers, semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and enterprise software firms are the most consistent sponsors for Linux-focused roles. Embedded systems and networking hardware companies also file regularly because Linux expertise is core to their product development, not peripheral. Use Migrate Mate to browse employers with verified LCA filing history specifically for software engineering and systems roles, so you're targeting companies that have actually sponsored the position before.

How does the H-1B cap lottery affect Linux Software Engineer job offers?

Most Linux Software Engineer positions at for-profit companies are subject to the annual H-1B cap and lottery, which opens each April for an October 1 start date. If you're not selected, your status and work authorization don't begin until the next lottery cycle. Some employers at universities, nonprofit research institutions, or cap-exempt organizations can file outside the lottery, so it's worth confirming cap status during the offer process.

What happens to my H-1B if I switch from one Linux role to another employer?

H-1B portability under AC21 lets you start working for a new employer as soon as they file a new H-1B petition, as long as your prior petition was approved and you've been in valid H-1B status for at least 180 days. The new employer must file before your current status expires. If the SOC code or job duties change significantly, USCIS treats it as a new petition rather than a straightforward transfer.

What documentation does my employer need to support an H-1B petition for this role?

Your employer needs a certified LCA from DOL, an I-129 petition, and a support letter that describes the specific technical duties of the Linux role and explains why a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or computer science field is required. For roles involving proprietary kernel work or embedded firmware, the support letter should detail the complexity of the systems involved. USCIS may also request evidence of your academic credentials, particularly if your degree is from a non-U.S. institution.

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