System Software Architect - OS and Kernel Direction

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

Job summary

ByteDance is seeking an architect to lead system software initiatives for large-scale data center infrastructure. You will guide OS/kernel adaptations for new server shapes, ensuring reliability and performance while working with cross-functional teams worldwide.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, collaboration, and delivering robust software solutions that reduce infrastructure costs. A strong background in computer systems and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a technical field.
• 5+ years in server/system software or OS development.
• 2+ years in technical direction or team leadership.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead system software efforts for new server shapes in ByteDance Data Centers.
• Collaborate across teams to adapt OS/kernel for new hardware.
• Drive innovation and strategic planning for OS/kernel domains.
• Provide technical leadership to UK and global teams.

Skills

Server system software

Computer system architecture

Operating systems

GPU computing systems

Networking

System troubleshooting

Application performance analysis

Technical leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in CS/CE/EE

Tools

NVIDIA system software stacks

AMD system software stacks

TPU system software stacks

CUDA-like implementations

NCCL-like implementations

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.

The team is looking for a self-motivated and innovative architect for the large scale Data Center system software domain. This individual will play an important role in the collaboration with the local SRE team and business lines to provide the systems software solution, improve system reliability, availability, stability and system performance to lower the cost of their infrastructure resources.

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-like software implementations.
• Experience with 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.