Hire the Top 3% of Freelance Kernel Developers

Toptal is a marketplace for dedicated Kernel developers, engineers, programmers, coders, architects, and consultants. Top companies and startups choose Toptal Kernel freelancers for their mission-critical development projects.

No-Risk Trial, Pay Only If Satisfied.

Hire Freelance Kernel Developers and Engineers

Chris Bainbridge

Freelance Kernel Developer
United KingdomToptal Member Since June 21, 2017

Chris is a senior Linux engineer with a PhD in machine learning. He specializes in software and system development, automation, and DevOps with extensive open source experience—contributing to the Linux kernel, Gentoo, Ubuntu, and Debian. His achievements include being the architecture lead of a Linux distribution, completing a P2V data center migration, and working with startups to develop an Android predictive keyboard and smartwatch.

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Ahmed Masud

Freelance Kernel Developer
United StatesToptal Member Since December 19, 2022

Ahmed is a senior systems architect with 33 years of experience in software engineering, applied computer science, and theoretical computer science, including algorithm design. He has been a number theory researcher, systems architect, technology team lead, and CTO. Ahmed's expertise ranges from designing software and software products from the ground up and taking them to market.

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Amaan Cheval

Freelance Kernel Developer
IndiaToptal Member Since October 9, 2019

Amaan is an ardent advocate of open-source and is the maintainer for the x86-64 BSP for RTEMS, an open-source real-time operating system used in space missions, including on NASA's Parker Solar Probe. He has also worked on an Intel x86 emulator that runs in the browser, sped up by a custom-made JIT compiler. He loves challenging problems, ranging from kernels and compilers to distributed systems, cryptography, and reverse engineering.

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Milos Vyletel

Freelance Kernel Developer
Czech RepublicToptal Member Since November 3, 2020

Milos is a talented DevOps specialist with over a decade of experience. He excels in projects involving Kubernetes and RedHat and has worked as a Kernal support engineer. Milos helped develop a custom, in-house Linux-based OS, maintained a fleet of 500+ bare metal servers, led security hardening efforts, and managed the entire deployment of projects, including upgrades and network layout. He is a results-oriented professional with the technical chops to deliver clean, high-functioning products.

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Milan Senesi

Freelance Kernel Developer
Czech RepublicToptal Member Since December 19, 2022

Milan is a seasoned senior software engineer with 14+ years of professional experience. He has successfully navigated a diverse range of work environments, including small firms and major tech corporations such as Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Additionally, he has contributed his expertise to high-frequency trading firms like Virtu and DRW. Currently, Milan is the lead developer in charge of a perpetual futures exchange at Enclave Markets.

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Fabiano Cardoso

Freelance Kernel Developer
BrazilToptal Member Since February 28, 2019

Fabiano is an architect/senior software engineer and technical lead with solid academic knowledge and experience designing C, C++, and Python applications. Additionally, he is an expert in UNIX and Windows with communication protocol TCP/IP. Fabiano has participated in all phases of a software development cycle—collecting requirements, writing specifications and designs, coding, testing, and training. He performs very well in teams and often mentors those around him.

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Jakiša Tomić

Freelance Kernel Developer
CroatiaToptal Member Since November 13, 2019

Jakiša has over 15 years of experience developing various types of apps for a range of operating systems. Most of his technical expertise is in C++ development, but he's also comfortable working with JavaScript, C#, and Java. As for environments, he knows the ins and outs of working with the Windows API, embedded programming, and distributed systems. He has a working knowledge of Linux/Unix systems, macOS, and mobile platforms like Android and iOS.

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Steven Kramer

Freelance Kernel Developer
NetherlandsToptal Member Since November 26, 2019

Steven has extensive experience in software development with skills in a variety of technologies gained through contributions to innovative, high-quality projects. He prides himself on raising the quality of projects he's worked on and teams he's worked with. Not afraid to start projects from scratch in a greenfield setting, nor from jumping in halfway through a project to speed it up, Steven focuses on providing high-quality solutions.

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Jens Stimpfle

Freelance Kernel Developer
GermanyToptal Member Since September 3, 2017

Jens writes programs that are maintainable and at the same time effortlessly performant. He has experience writing GUI and 3D applications, multithreaded and networked systems, as well as compilers. He prefers working with C, although he has a solid proficiency in many programming languages such as C++ and Python. Jens has a solid Unix and Linux background and is currently at home both on the Win32 and Linux platforms.

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Moataz Metwally

Freelance Kernel Developer
NetherlandsToptal Member Since November 22, 2022

Moataz is a solution-driven software architect with experience in embedded systems, security, and automotive, including Valeo, Volkswagen, JLR, and NXP. He has experience implementing a secure development lifecycle with security requirements, threat modeling, secure coding, and pen testing. His experience ranges from low-level embedded Linux to web development and reverse engineering.

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Eckart Schütz

Freelance Kernel Developer
CyprusToptal Member Since March 26, 2018

Eckart has 25 years of experience developing back-end software with C++ in the telecommunications and financial services industries. His expertise ranges from embedded systems to big data platforms and from libraries to software architecture.

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Toptal in the press

... allows corporations to quickly assemble teams that have the right skills for specific projects.

Despite accelerating demand for coders, Toptal prides itself on almost Ivy League-level vetting.

Our clients
Creating an app for the game
Conor Kenney
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Drilling into real-time data creates an industry game changer
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Testimonials
Tripcents wouldn't exist without Toptal. Toptal Projects enabled us to rapidly develop our foundation with a product manager, lead developer, and senior designer. In just over 60 days we went from concept to Alpha. The speed, knowledge, expertise, and flexibility is second to none. The Toptal team were as part of tripcents as any in-house team member of tripcents. They contributed and took ownership of the development just like everyone else. We will continue to use Toptal. As a startup, they are our secret weapon.

Brantley Pace

CEO & Co-Founder

I am more than pleased with our experience with Toptal. The professional I got to work with was on the phone with me within a couple of hours. I knew after discussing my project with him that he was the candidate I wanted. I hired him immediately and he wasted no time in getting to my project, even going the extra mile by adding some great design elements that enhanced our overall look.

Paul Fenley

Director

The developers I was paired with were incredible -- smart, driven, and responsive. It used to be hard to find quality engineers and consultants. Now it isn't.

Ryan Rockefeller

CEO

Toptal understood our project needs immediately. We were matched with an exceptional freelancer from Argentina who, from Day 1, immersed himself in our industry, blended seamlessly with our team, understood our vision, and produced top-notch results. Toptal makes connecting with superior developers and programmers very easy.

Jason Kulik

Co-Founder

As a small company with limited resources we can't afford to make expensive mistakes. Toptal provided us with an experienced programmer who was able to hit the ground running and begin contributing immediately. It has been a great experience and one we'd repeat again in a heartbeat.

Stuart Pocknee

Principal

How to Hire Kernel Developers Through Toptal

1

Talk to One of Our Industry Experts

A Toptal director of engineering will work with you to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics.
2

Work With Hand-Selected Talent

Within days, we'll introduce you to the right Kernel developer for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3

The Right Fit, Guaranteed

Work with your new Kernel developer for a trial period (pay only if satisfied), ensuring they're the right fit before starting the engagement.

FAQs

  • How are Toptal Kernel developers different?

    At Toptal, we thoroughly screen our Kernel developers to ensure we only match you with talent of the highest caliber. Of the more than 200,000 people who apply to join the Toptal network each year, fewer than 3% make the cut. You’ll work with engineering experts (never generalized recruiters or HR reps) to understand your goals, technical needs, and team dynamics. The end result: expert vetted talent from our network, custom matched to fit your business needs.

  • Can I hire Kernel developers in less than 48 hours through Toptal?

    Depending on availability and how fast you can progress, you could start working with a Kernel developer within 48 hours of signing up.

  • What is the no-risk trial period for Toptal Kernel developers?

    We make sure that each engagement between you and your Kernel developer begins with a trial period of up to two weeks. This means that you have time to confirm the engagement will be successful. If you’re completely satisfied with the results, we’ll bill you for the time and continue the engagement for as long as you’d like. If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be billed. From there, we can either part ways, or we can provide you with another expert who may be a better fit and with whom we will begin a second, no-risk trial.

Tap Into World-Class Talent

  • Trusted Experts Only

    Trusted Experts Only

    All of our talent are seasoned experts who ramp up quickly, readily contribute as core team members, and work with you to minimize onboarding time.

  • The Right Fit

    The Right Fit

    We have a knack for matching you with the right fit. Start working with your new hire on a no-risk trial period, paying only if satisfied.

  • Scale as Needed

    Scale as Needed

    Hire talent within 48 hours and scale your team up or down as needed, no strings attached.

  • Seamless Hiring

    Seamless Hiring

    We handle all aspects of billing, payments, and NDA’s. Let us take care of the overhead while you focus on building great products.

  • Flexible Engagements

    Flexible Engagements

    Choose the engagement type that suits your needs — hourly, part-time, or full-time — with the ability to change anytime.

  • Expert Talent Matching

    Expert Talent Matching

    Focus on your project and enjoy support from your dedicated account executive and expert talent matcher.

Top Kernel Developers Are in High Demand.

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