Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Arista Networks; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Income protection

Group Retirement Savings Plan

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

Arista Networks is seeking an experienced Linux Kernel software engineer to join its team in Vancouver. You will be responsible for developing and maintaining kernel features, tracking kernel developments, and mentoring junior engineers.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in C programming and troubleshooting within the Linux kernel, as well as a strong understanding of IP networking. A competitive salary, ranging from $120,000 to $195,000, is offered depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 8 years experience with a BS or 6 years with an MS in related fields.
• Expert knowledge in programming C.
• Significant experience troubleshooting in the Linux kernel.

Responsibilities

• Track developments in the Linux Kernel for Arista products.
• Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features using C, C++, and Python.
• Work with hardware engineers to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware.

Skills

Programming in C

Programming in C++

Programming in Python

Troubleshooting issues

Understanding of IP networking

Software design and implementation

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

BS in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering

MS in related fields

Job description

Job Description

Who You’ll Work With

Arista’s Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS. This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base. Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring‑up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products.

Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver.

What You’ll Do

• Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs.
• Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features.
• Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products.
• Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline.
• Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development.
• Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools.
• Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks.
• Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems.
• Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista’s software development environment.

Qualifications

• BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 8 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 6 years experience, or in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience or equivalent work experience
• Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. Knowledge of C++ and Python desirable.
• Significant hands‑on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel.
• Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation.
• Familiarity with the upstream Linux community’s patching process and procedures.
• Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles
• Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices
• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong software design and implementation skills.
• Ability to work independently and in small teams.
• Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely.
• Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures

Additional Information

The new hire base pay for this role has a pay range of $120,000 to $195,000 across Canada. Arista offers different pay ranges based on work location, so that we can offer consistent and competitive pay appropriate to the market. The actual base pay offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location.

The pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista’s Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. Employees are also entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, income protection and a Group Retirement Savings Plan. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.