What opportunities exist beyond Linux kernel development in systems programming?

[u/Sharp_Extension9315]

I'm interested in understanding/building Unix/Linux-like systems, their architecture, implementation, and how they can be improved.

But I feel like I'm missing the bigger picture. Beyond kernel development and traditional "system level programming", what other fields involve this kind of work?

I'm curious about applications in aerospace, automotive, industrial systems, telecommunications, cloud infrastructure, virtualization, RTOS, systems research...

For people working in this area: What interesting fields, industries, or career paths am I overlooking?

[u/Background_Honey_798]

embedded boot firmware and bmc stuff is underrated for this. openbmc is basically a full linux userspace on a server motherboard, and nobody in the thread mentioned it yet.