Manager, Kernel Software Engineering (Linux Kernel)

TL;DR

Manager, Kernel Software Engineering (Linux Kernel): Lead design and development of Linux kernel components including networking drivers and subsystems for high-performance AI and HPC systems with an accent on performance-critical paths, memory management, and concurrency. Focus on providing architectural guidance, driving upstream contributions, managing engineering teams, and collaborating with hardware and open-source communities.

Location: Remote position for employees residing within the United States.

Company

hirify.global delivers the world’s highest performance scale-out networking solutions for AI and HPC datacenters, integrating hardware, software, and system technologies.

What you will do

• Lead design and development of Linux kernel components, including networking/switch drivers, subsystems, and performance-critical paths.
• Provide architectural guidance on kernel interfaces, memory management, interrupt handling, DMA, and concurrency.
• Review complex kernel patches focusing on correctness, performance, maintainability, and upstream acceptance.
• Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of kernel-level issues across development, CI, and customer environments.
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of kernel engineers, including goal setting, performance feedback, and career development.
• Champion upstream development and participation in Linux kernel, FreeBSD, and DPDK communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Significant hands-on experience developing Linux kernel code (drivers or core subsystems); networking driver experience is a plus.
• Prior experience leading or managing technical teams with direct reports.
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel internals, including scheduling, memory management, locking, I/O paths, Ethernet, TCP/IP, SR-IOV, and network isolation.
• Proficiency in C and familiarity with kernel build, debug, and profiling tools.
• Experience working with open-source communities and upstream contribution processes.

Nice to have

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science or related discipline.
• Experience in performance-critical domains such as networking, storage, HPC, AI infrastructure, or embedded systems.
• Background in kernel networking (netdev, RDMA, InfiniBand/Ethernet), device drivers, or virtualization.
• Experience supporting products in customer-facing or production environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced startup environment emphasizing code quality, ownership, collaboration, and results focus.
• Competitive compensation including equity, cash, incentives, medical, dental, vision coverage, disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match, Open Time Off (OTO), paid holidays, sick time, bonding leave, and pregnancy disability leave.
• Dynamic, flexible work environment with onsite, hybrid, and fully remote roles.