Linux Engineer Jobs in California
Linux Engineer jobs in California are among the most actively recruited technical roles in the country, concentrated in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, and semiconductor manufacturing across every seniority level from junior administrator to principal engineer. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Google, Cisco, and Qualcomm maintain large engineering operations that rely on Linux-based infrastructure. The most in-demand specialties are kernel development, DevOps automation, and site reliability engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?
Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.
Staff Software Engineer (Linux Kernel)
Aliso Viejo, CA
Role Overview
Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC seeks a Staff Software Engineer (Linux Kernel) in Aliso Viejo, CA to develop new Linux kernel drivers and features for servers and embedded hardware.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent, and two (2) years of experience leading platform-enabling efforts for processors using Linux Kernel; upstreaming code contributions to Linux kernel systems; programming Client Integrated GPUs, Discrete GPUs, and Datacenter GPUs using C/C++, Rust, Python, and source code management tools including Git; developing low-level Linux kernel systems; analyzing technical problems, debugging, and troubleshooting computer systems; developing device drivers and software for servers and embedded systems; developing and utilizing hardware and software architectures for AI and machine learning systems; performing advanced debugging techniques including tracing using performance tools including EBPF; connecting high speed components by employing PCI Express standards and advanced PCIE protocol analyzer and oscilloscopes tools; and in the execution of duties, utilizing C, C++ and Linux Kernel.
- Telecommuting and/or working from home may be permissible pursuant to company policies.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$242,349.00 – $297,400.00/year
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.
Why Sony Interactive Entertainment?
Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. As a subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation, we’re part of a proud legacy of innovation and excellence. SIE is a dynamic technology company, delivering cutting-edge hardware and network services to more than 100 million people and an entertainment leader, home to some of the most beloved and recognizable intellectual properties (IP) in the world. Our role at SIE is to create and nurture the experiences under the PlayStation brand, a name synonymous with entertainment excellence and creativity.
Staff Software Engineer (Linux Kernel)
Aliso Viejo, CA
Role Overview
Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC seeks a Staff Software Engineer (Linux Kernel) in Aliso Viejo, CA to develop new Linux kernel drivers and features for servers and embedded hardware.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field or equivalent, and two (2) years of experience leading platform-enabling efforts for processors using Linux Kernel; upstreaming code contributions to Linux kernel systems; programming Client Integrated GPUs, Discrete GPUs, and Datacenter GPUs using C/C++, Rust, Python, and source code management tools including Git; developing low-level Linux kernel systems; analyzing technical problems, debugging, and troubleshooting computer systems; developing device drivers and software for servers and embedded systems; developing and utilizing hardware and software architectures for AI and machine learning systems; performing advanced debugging techniques including tracing using performance tools including EBPF; connecting high speed components by employing PCI Express standards and advanced PCIE protocol analyzer and oscilloscopes tools; and in the execution of duties, utilizing C, C++ and Linux Kernel.
- Telecommuting and/or working from home may be permissible pursuant to company policies.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package.
The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$242,349.00 – $297,400.00/year
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and your data protection rights.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.
We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.
See All 56 Linux Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Linux Engineer JobsLinux Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Linux Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Manufacturing
- Science & Research
- Telecommunications
- Electronics & Hardware
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in linux engineer jobs across California.
- Proficiency in major Linux distributions such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, or CentOS
- Experience designing and managing cloud infrastructure on AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure
- Strong scripting skills in Python, Bash, or Ruby for automation and system administration
- Hands-on experience with containerization tools including Docker, Kubernetes, or OpenShift
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a closely related field
- Familiarity with configuration management tools such as Ansible, Puppet, or Chef
Linux Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a linux engineer in California?
Linux engineering has no state-issued license in California, so the path runs through education and vendor certifications. Most California employers expect at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems, combined with credentials such as Red Hat Certified Engineer or CompTIA Linux+. Building hands-on lab experience through personal projects or open-source contributions strengthens an application significantly, and California's large community college system offers IT programs that prepare candidates for entry-level roles.
How much do linux engineers make in California?
Linux engineers in California earn a median of about $134,440 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,340 for the lowest 10% to over $222,690 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire linux engineers in California?
Employers hiring linux engineers in California right now include Tesla, Qualcomm, and KLA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's density of technology headquarters, defense contractors, and cloud service providers means linux engineering roles appear across industries well beyond software, including aerospace, biotech, and financial services.
Which California cities have the most linux engineer jobs?
Santa Clara, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale have the most linux engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because it hosts the global headquarters of major cloud and infrastructure companies, while Los Angeles draws volume from entertainment technology, aerospace primes, and a growing startup ecosystem, and San Diego's concentration of defense contractors and biotech firms drives consistent demand for enterprise Linux skills.
Are there remote linux engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 46% of linux engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves managing servers and cloud environments rather than on-site hardware. Roles focused on cloud operations, DevOps pipelines, and site reliability engineering tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions requiring hands-on data-center work remain largely on-site.
How can I get hired as a linux engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an IT support or systems administrator role that runs on Linux, which large California employers use as a feeder position for engineering tracks. Companies like Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and major Bay Area tech firms run internship and rotational programs for candidates without full professional experience. Earning a Red Hat Certified System Administrator credential or completing an associate-level Linux program at a California community college gives a candidate a measurable edge when applying to those entry roles.
Where can I find and apply to linux engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to linux engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 56 Linux Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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