Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

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corporate_fareGoogleplaceSunnyvale, CA, USA

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Experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders; deep expertise in domain.

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XIn most instances, this position requires in-person interviews as part of the hiring process.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent practical experience.

• 8 years of experience programming in C++.

• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.

• 5 years of experience building and developing large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or experience with compute technologies, storage, or hardware architecture.

• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.

• Experience with computer architecture, operating system and Kernel programming.

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.

• 3 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.

• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross-functional, or cross-business projects.

• Experience with Linux Kernel, CPU scheduling, memory management and virtualization.

About the job

Googles software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. Were looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google's needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

Google's Kernel Resource Management team is hiring a Staff Software Engineer to shape the future of our compute infrastructure. In this role, you will drive the technical strategy and architecture for core Linux kernel subsystems, primarily focusing on memory management and CPU scheduling. Your work will directly impact Googles global fleet by maximizing efficiency, scaling throughput, and innovating in advanced areas like low-overhead virtualization, memory tiering, and kernel security hardening. If you are an expert in OS kernels and computer architecture with a track record of leading high-impact systems engineering initiatives, join us to solve complex, low-level software challenges at an unprecedented scale.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what's possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

Were the driving force behind Googles groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $207000 - $300000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Drive the technical strategy and architecture for essential Linux kernel subsystems, including memory management, CPU scheduling, BPF, and filesystems.
• Own the scoping and strategy for critical systems engineering initiatives, guiding technical teams through ambiguous, low-level software challenges to meet the demands of Googles compute infrastructure.
• Partner with Tech Leads, Engineering Managers, and cross-functional leadership across Platform Infrastructure and Google Cloud to align project roadmaps and establish clear technical boundaries.
• Oversee end-to-end project execution to ensure teams successfully deliver on critical technical milestones.
• Advocate for testing methodologies, system optimizations, and performance profiling to eliminate code regressions, reduce failure rates, and uphold fleet efficiency and data integrity.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Googles Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Googles EEO Policy, Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal, Belonging at Google, and How we hire.

If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.