Principal Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

Responsibilities

• Own kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems, from architecture through production release
• Own the RDMA and network data path, including queue-pair management, congestion control, QoS, and packet classification
• Lead software enablement for platform bring-up across new silicon and system configurations
• Drive issues to root cause across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers with hardware, firmware, and validation teams
• Own PHY and link bring-up in coordination with hardware teams, working from specifications and register documentation
• Build tools, test scripts, and frameworks for device and NIC verification, performance analysis, and manufacturing test
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks across driver, network stack, and system layers at data center scale
• Set code quality standards through design and code review, and mentor engineers on the team
• Required Qualifications
• MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
• Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and kernel driver development
• Strong knowledge of Linux kernel networking, including network driver development and the RDMA protocol
• Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills, with scripting in Python or shell
• Experience with two or more high-speed IO or interconnect technologies such as PCIe, Ethernet, or CXL
• Proven ability to lead hardware-software co-debug from first silicon to production
• Ability to read and distill hardware specifications and register-level documentation
• Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Preferred Qualifications
• Hands-on RDMA data-path or driver implementation experience
• Experience with virtual switching and data center networking at scale
• Experience writing test scripts to verify NIC behavior
• Firmware development experience
• Exposure to pre-silicon validation using FPGA or emulation platforms
• Background in high-performance computing or accelerator-based systems
• Base Salary Range:
• Submission Guidelines Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.
• EEO Policy SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
• Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.