Skill Profile

Kernel Development

This skill defines expectations across roles and levels.

Embedded & IoT Embedded Programming

Roles

where this skill appears

Levels

structured growth path

Mandatory requirements

the other 5 optional

Embedded & IoT

Embedded Programming

2/22/2026

Choose your current level and compare expectations. The items below show what to cover to advance to the next level.

What is Expected at Each Level

The table shows how skill depth grows from Junior to Principal. Click a row to see details.

Role	Required	Description
Systems Programmer (C/C++)		Understands the fundamentals of Kernel Development. Applies basic practices in daily work. Follows recommendations from the team and documentation.

Role	Required	Description
Systems Programmer (C/C++)		Independently develops kernel modules: works with VFS, memory management API, scheduling. Understands RCU, spinlocks, completion, uses kernel debugging infrastructure.

Role	Required	Description
Systems Programmer (C/C++)		Designs kernel subsystems: implements new file systems, network protocols, security modules. Optimizes scheduler for specific workloads, works with mm subsystem.

Role	Required	Description
Systems Programmer (C/C++)		Defines kernel component architecture for the platform. Establishes kernel customization strategy, conducts kernel patch reviews, coordinates upstream contributions.

Role	Required	Description
Systems Programmer (C/C++)		Shapes enterprise kernel development strategy. Defines kernel version policy, LTS strategy, approaches to custom kernel for products, mentors lead kernel developers.

Junior 1 requirements

Systems Programmer (C/C++)

Understands the fundamentals of Kernel Development. Applies basic practices in daily work. Follows recommendations from the team and documentation.

Middle 1 requirements

Systems Programmer (C/C++)

Independently develops kernel modules: works with VFS, memory management API, scheduling. Understands RCU, spinlocks, completion, uses kernel debugging infrastructure.

Senior 1 requirements

Systems Programmer (C/C++)

Designs kernel subsystems: implements new file systems, network protocols, security modules. Optimizes scheduler for specific workloads, works with mm subsystem.

Lead / Staff 1 requirements

Systems Programmer (C/C++)

Defines kernel component architecture for the platform. Establishes kernel customization strategy, conducts kernel patch reviews, coordinates upstream contributions.

Principal 1 requirements

Systems Programmer (C/C++)

Shapes enterprise kernel development strategy. Defines kernel version policy, LTS strategy, approaches to custom kernel for products, mentors lead kernel developers.

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