Engineering Manager, Linux Team (Kernel)

TL;DR

Engineering Manager, Linux Team (Kernel): Leading and mentoring a high-performing team of kernel and systems engineers, overseeing the end-to-end delivery of the Linux Kernel and core OS components with an accent on fully automated continuous delivery and upstream advocacy. Focus on steering kernel development roadmap, innovating debugging systems, and fostering a "minimal patch" philosophy through open-source contributions.

Location: Hybrid, London, UK

Company

hirify.global runs one of the world’s largest networks, protecting and accelerating millions of websites and Internet applications.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of kernel and systems engineers, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of the Linux Kernel and core OS components with a focus on automated continuous delivery.
• Drive the hirify.global kernel development roadmap, balancing features with stability, security, and performance.
• Promote a "minimal patch" philosophy by encouraging upstream contributions to the Linux Kernel.
• Collaborate with hardware and service teams, optimizing workloads and onboarding new hardware.
• Lead the development of automated systems for kernel-level debugging and telemetry collection.
• Track and improve team impact using DORA metrics and team-specific capabilities.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience managing engineering teams, ideally in low-level systems, kernel development, or large-scale infrastructure environments.
• Deep understanding of Linux Kernel internals, x86/ARM architecture, and OS design fundamentals.
• Experience building or managing CI/CD pipelines for foundational software.
• Proven track record of engaging with the open-source community, understanding upstreaming dynamics.
• Operational empathy for global "reboot-limited" production environments, prioritizing stability and pre-production QA.
• Ability to translate complex kernel-level obstacles into actionable business insights.
• Resilience and a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset for challenging technical problems.

Culture & Benefits

• Be part of a mission to help build a better, free, and open Internet.
• Opportunity to develop new skills and grow within a diverse and inclusive team.
• Participation in initiatives like Project Galileo, Athenian Project, and 1.1.1.1 for public benefit.
• Work in an environment recognized among the World’s Most Innovative Companies.
• Provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.