Software Engineer - Platform Core (C++/Linux)

TL;DR

Software Engineer - Platform Core (C++/Linux): Building and maintaining a high-reliability Linux-based operating system for a supercomputer network fabric with an accent on high-performance device drivers and system reliability. Focus on optimizing hardware capabilities, resolving complex system anomalies, and designing the next generation of supercomputer hardware.

Location: Must be based in Palo Alto, California or Seattle, Washington, USA

Salary: $180,000 - $440,000 USD

Company

xAI's mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge.

What you will do

• Build and maintain a lean, high-reliability Linux-based OS underpinning the supercomputer network fabric.
• Develop high-performance device drivers to extract maximum physical capability from network and compute hardware.
• Manage deployment and operation of the platform, performing rigorous root-cause analysis of anomalies.
• Improve tools for observability and configuration management.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to design and bring up the OS and software stack on next-generation supercomputer hardware.

Requirements

• Hands-on systems programming experience in C or C++.
• Strong OS fundamentals, including scheduling, memory management, and I/O.
• Understanding of computer networking within the OS stack and common network devices.
• Must be based in or able to work from Palo Alto, CA or Seattle, WA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice to have

• Deep knowledge of the Linux kernel and its networking stack.
• Proficiency with debugging tools such as ftrace, perf, Wireshark, eBPF, and gdb.
• Experience with bare-metal hardware bring-up using JTAG or bootstrapping Linux kernels.
• Track record of optimizing device drivers with DMA and cache coherency considerations.
• Familiarity with hardware interfaces like Ethernet, PCIe, I2C, and SPI.
• Experience with system hardening, product security, and secure boot schemes.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive compensation including base salary and equity.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Flat organizational structure emphasizing initiative, engineering excellence, and a hands-on approach.