Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California
Linux Software Engineer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, semiconductor firmware, and defense systems, with openings at every level from entry-level associate engineers through principal and staff engineers. The largest hiring metros are the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Google, Qualcomm, and Northrop Grumman maintain large engineering workforces and consistently recruit linux software engineers. The most in-demand specialties in California are kernel development, embedded systems, and cloud-native platform engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Neptune Medical, is an innovative, venture capital funded medical device startup headquartered in Burlingame, CA. We have already commercialized novel medical devices using our technology. Now the team at Neptune is building something truly unique: a fully flexible medical robot that enables doctors to reach deep into human anatomy. Triton Robotic Endoscopy will disrupt flexible endoscopy and set a new standard in outcomes for decades to come.
TITLE: Senior/Staff Linux Software Engineer – Robotics Platform
Position Summary:
The Senior/Staff Software Engineer is a key member of the software team who will be responsible for implementing a robust vision compute pipeline on a Linux platform and will actively work with the software and vision teams. As part of the software team responsible for the compute platform for the Triton robot, this candidate will be instrumental in the selection, evaluation and integration of the embedded Linux computers, FPGA bridges and high-speed SerDes links in the novel camera and display system. This member is expected to collaborate on and own parts of the vision software subsystem, helping build a robust and safe software while demonstrating the flexibility and enthusiasm to handle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and collaborative start-up environment. The ideal candidate will act with passion and intensity in a medical device start-up that is fast paced and collaborative and display the ability to perform to the requirements outlined below. For the right person, this position will be a tremendously exciting and career-defining opportunity, making core contributions to a genuinely new type of medical robotic platform.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and implement the compute platform for the vision pipeline for the Triton robot.
- Evaluate and prototype solutions for the control and vision subsystems using different computers and GPUs, optimizing for latency, efficiency and robustness.
- Design, develop, document, verify, and continuously improve software for video pipelines using NVIDIA Jetson embedded systems: control cameras and display low-latency video, record video, composite video streams, and share video and camera metadata.
- Work with deep-learning and computer-vision algorithms engineers to integrate new processing capabilities and AI applications into the product code.
- Work with peer engineers on software design and code reviews.
- Document software designs, reviews and processes.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- B.S. or M.S in CS, ECE, EE or related fields.
- 5-7 years designing and developing software applications for embedded Linux systems.
- Robust knowledge of C++ and Python.
- Experience with Linux kernel development and/or NVIDIA’s embedded software stack desired.
- Ability and flexibility to handle multiple responsibilities within the software team based on priorities.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
LOCATION:
Neptune Medical is located in Burlingame, CA, near the Millbrae Caltrain and BART Station.
COMPENSATION:
The starting base salary for this role is between $185,000 and $225,000 depending on experience. The actual base pay is dependent upon many factors, such as education, training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. This role may also be eligible for equity, benefits and 401(K) with matching.
Neptune Medical provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
See All 18 Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California
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Find Linux Software Engineer JobsLinux Software Engineer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Linux Software Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Qualcomm4

- Arista Networks2

- Aurora2

- Verkada2

- Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)1

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software14
- Automotive3
- Electronics & Hardware3
- Telecommunications3
- Artificial Intelligence2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in linux software engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Hands-on experience with Linux kernel internals, system calls, and low-level debugging tools
- Proficiency in C and C++, with Python or Bash scripting expected for automation and tooling
- Familiarity with containerization and orchestration platforms such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Experience with version control workflows in Git and collaborative code review processes
- Knowledge of networking protocols, security hardening, or embedded real-time operating environments
Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a linux software engineer in California?
There is no state-issued license required to work as a linux software engineer in California. The standard path is a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or electrical engineering from a California university system campus or private institution, followed by building a portfolio of Linux projects on GitHub. Many California employers also recognize candidates who complete rigorous bootcamps or open-source contributor histories in lieu of a traditional degree.
How much do linux software engineers make in California?
Linux software engineers in California earn a median of about $174,410 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $105,060 for the lowest 10% to over $272,670 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire linux software engineers in California?
Employers hiring linux software engineers in California right now include Qualcomm, Arista Networks, and Aurora, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor, defense, and hyperscale cloud companies means demand is distributed across both hardware-adjacent firmware roles and large-scale distributed systems positions.
Which California cities have the most linux software engineer jobs?
Santa Clara, Mountain View, and San Diego have the most linux software engineer openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its density of hyperscale cloud providers, enterprise software companies, and semiconductor firms, while San Diego's openings are driven heavily by defense contractors and wireless technology companies, and Los Angeles reflects growth in media technology, aerospace, and enterprise software.
Are there remote linux software engineer jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 22% of linux software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how portable most software development work is. Platform engineering, cloud infrastructure, and application-layer linux roles tend to be the most consistently remote, while embedded firmware and defense-cleared positions typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a linux software engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate or junior software engineer roles at California's large technology employers, which commonly recruit new graduates through university recruiting programs at UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Cal Poly. Contributing to open-source Linux projects and publishing that work publicly gives California hiring managers something concrete to evaluate. Entry roles with titles like systems engineer associate or platform engineer I at companies such as Cisco, Intel, or Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory regularly serve as on-ramps for candidates without commercial experience.
Where can I find and apply to linux software engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to linux software engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metro areas. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to each one.
See All 18 Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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