Linux Kernel Engineer

PGS Worldwide is seeking a Linux Kernel Engineer in Owego, NY for a 7 month contract-to-hire role supporting a leading aerospace & defense company. This role focuses on developing a kernel-level solution to intercept VFS operations, manage memory, and offload data to cryptographic accelerators. You will work closely with hardware, security, and software teams to deliver high-performance, secure system capabilities.Required SkillsMinimum 2 years of experience developing, building, and debugging Linux kernel modules using C (kbuild/DKMS)Strong knowledge of Linux internals including process scheduling, memory management, and synchronizationProficiency in systems-level C programming and kernel coding practicesExperience with secure coding practices in kernel space (memory safety, race conditions, error handling)Experience with SELinux, AppArmor, or similar LSM frameworksAbility to produce clear technical documentation and collaborate across teamsAbility to obtain and maintain a security clearancePreferred Skills Experience working with VFS and kernel probes (kprobe/kretprobe)Experience with memory management techniques such as page pinning and user page handlingExperience with scatter-gather DMA and related kernel structures and APIsExperience with Linux Crypto API and asynchronous cryptographic operationsExperience with kernel key management and secure key handlingExperience designing user space communication interfaces (netlink, ioctl, shared memory, etc.)Experience with kernel testing and profiling tools (kselftest, kunit, perf, ftrace, bpftrace)Experience with hardware crypto offload technologies (e.g., Intel QAT, ARM TrustZone, FPGA-based accelerators)Familiarity with trusted execution environments such as OP-TEE or Intel SGXExperience with high-performance user space I/O frameworks such as DPDKExperience working in regulated environments such as aerospace or defenseWhat You'll Do Design and implement kernel-level solutions to intercept VFS read/write operationsManage memory operations including page pinning and scatter-gather DMA table creationIntegrate cryptographic acceleration for secure data offloadCollaborate with hardware, security, and software teams to ensure system performance and complianceDevelop and maintain kernel modules aligned with coding standards and security requirementsTest, debug, and optimize kernel-level performance and reliabilityDocument design, implementation, and validation processesJob ID: 20942Military veterans and transitioning military members are encouraged to apply to all PGS Worldwide positions. All of our jobs are military-friendly, and we work with leaders in Aerospace who rely on your military expertise to support mission-critical programs nationwide. As a Veteran Founded company, we know that the military has given you the skills and training you need to succeed in positions like this, and we want to support your success in the civilian sector however we can. We thank you for your service and humbly offer our own in return by helping you take your career to the next level.