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.
Find Linux Software Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 33+ Linux Software Engineer jobs
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
The Qualcomm Cloud AI team is looking for a Linux device driver engineer for QCR-100 and related accelerators. These products accelerate image reprocessing and AI workloads. The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers.
Familiarity with SoC systems including bus subsystems, DMA, PCIe and peripherals, synchronization mechanisms, as well as low speed peripherals will be beneficial.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Required Skills and Aptitudes
- Experience with Linux kernel driver development, kernel modules, sysfs and debugging techniques
- Experience with development in C
- Experience with git
- Willingness to work in a structured software development environment
- Ability to work on low-level implementation (code & test)
Desirable Skills and Aptitudes
- 4+ years of relevant experience
- Experience with Linux kernel PCIe stack
- DKMS-based management of kernel modules
- DEB or RPM packaging
- TCP/IP understanding (MTU, IP addressing, DHCP, kernel networking/netdev)
- Strong understanding of DMA, IOMMU
- Experience with 'SoC-as-a-Device' architectures or embedded Linux systems connected via PCIe.
Minimum Qualifications: •
- 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
- Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
- PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :
$121,400.00 - $202,200.00The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Job Area:
Engineering Group, Engineering Group > Software EngineeringGeneral Summary:
The Qualcomm Cloud AI team is looking for a Linux device driver engineer for QCR-100 and related accelerators. These products accelerate image reprocessing and AI workloads. The engineer will develop and extend Linux kernel driver code related to PCIe device setup, firmware loading, MHI bus, DMABUF importation, and DMA transfers.
Familiarity with SoC systems including bus subsystems, DMA, PCIe and peripherals, synchronization mechanisms, as well as low speed peripherals will be beneficial.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
- 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
Required Skills and Aptitudes
- Experience with Linux kernel driver development, kernel modules, sysfs and debugging techniques
- Experience with development in C
- Experience with git
- Willingness to work in a structured software development environment
- Ability to work on low-level implementation (code & test)
Desirable Skills and Aptitudes
- 4+ years of relevant experience
- Experience with Linux kernel PCIe stack
- DKMS-based management of kernel modules
- DEB or RPM packaging
- TCP/IP understanding (MTU, IP addressing, DHCP, kernel networking/netdev)
- Strong understanding of DMA, IOMMU
- Experience with 'SoC-as-a-Device' architectures or embedded Linux systems connected via PCIe.
Minimum Qualifications: •
- 2+ years of work experience with Programming Language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 4+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
- Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
OR
- PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience.
Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here . Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies : Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits :
$121,400.00 - $202,200.00The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer – and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link .
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers .
See All 33 Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Fintech
- Insurance
- Science & Research
- Telecommunications
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 Tesla, Google, and Qualcomm, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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, Palo Alto, 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 29% of linux software engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 33 Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Linux Software Engineer Jobs