System Software Architect - OS and Kernel Direction

Bytedance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ByteDance is seeking a Senior Systems Software Engineer to lead OS/kernel oriented development within the STE team in London. You will drive architecture decisions, guide cross-functional delivery, and mentor UK-based engineers while collaborating with global peers.

The role centers on server system software, performance optimization, and collaboration across hardware-software interfaces. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Server System Software, Computer System Architecture, OS, GPU computing, networking, troubleshooting, or performance optimization.
• 2+ years in technical direction or team leadership, including guiding new hires and delivering complex projects.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and technical leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts in Systems Software Technology to deliver solutions for new server shapes introduced to ByteDance Data Centers.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to advance engineering efforts and ensure successful project delivery for OS and kernel adaptation of new server shapes.
• Spearhead team innovation initiatives, including strategy development and execution of plans to address OS and Linux kernel challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to UK-based team members and project peers globally.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Job description

Responsibilities

About the Team
The System Technologies and Engineering (STE) team participates in the development and research in infrastructure system software technologies, such as Operating Systems and Linux kernel, GPU and System Interconnct System Software, Complicated System Issues Troubuleshooting and Solutions, System Performance optimisation, and collaborative design of next-generation hardware and software, etc. In addition, the team actively participates in open-source communities and incorporates cutting-edge technology and innovation into our products.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts in Systems Software Technology to deliver system software solutions for new server shapes introduced to ByteDance Data Centers annually, enhancing system reliability, availability, stability, and performance from a software perspective.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance engineering efforts and ensure successful project delivery for OS and kernel adaptation of new server shapes, meeting diverse requirements across ByteDance business units.
• Spearhead team innovation initiatives, including idea generation, strategy development, long-term team planning, and execution of action plans to address critical challenges in the OS and Linux Kernel domains.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to UK-based team members and project peers globally.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Server System Software, Computer System Architecture, Operating Systems, GPU Computing Systems, Networking, System Troubleshooting, or Application Performance Analysis and Optimization.
• 2+ years of experience in technical direction or team leadership, including guiding new hires and successfully delivering complex projects.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NVIDIA, AMD, or TPU system software stacks, particularly drivers and related software implementations.
• Experience with CUDA or CUDA‑like software implementations.
• Experience with NCCL or NCCL‑like software implementations.

About Us

Founded in 2012, ByteDance's mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. With a suite of more than a dozen products, including TikTok, Lemon8, CapCut and Pico as well as platforms specific to the China market, including Toutiao, Douyin, and Xigua, ByteDance has made it easier and more fun for people to connect with, consume, and create content.

Why Join ByteDance

Inspiring creativity is at the core of ByteDance's mission. Our innovative products are built to help people authentically express themselves, discover and connect – and our global, diverse teams make that possible. Together, we create value for our communities, inspire creativity and enrich life - a mission we work towards every day.

As ByteDancers, we strive to do great things with great people. We lead with curiosity, humility, and a desire to make impact in a rapidly growing tech company. By constantly iterating and fostering an "Always Day 1" mindset, we achieve meaningful breakthroughs for ourselves, our Company, and our users. When we create and grow together, the possibilities are limitless. Join us.

Diversity & Inclusion

ByteDance is committed to creating an inclusive space where employees are valued for their skills, experiences, and unique perspectives. Our platform connects people from across the globe and so does our workplace. At ByteDance, our mission is to inspire creativity and enrich life. To achieve that goal, we are committed to celebrating our diverse voices and to creating an environment that reflects the many communities we reach. We are passionate about this and hope you are too.