Linux Kernel Senior/Lead Software Engineer

Arista; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Arista Networks is seeking a Linux Kernel Senior/Lead Software Engineer to drive kernel features for EOS, integrate new CPUs/NICs, and contribute upstream while mentoring a team of kernel engineers in a fast‑paced data‑center networking environment.

You will work with hardware and kernel communities, deliver robust kernel solutions, and ensure performance and scalability across Arista products. Excellent communication and independent work ethic are essential.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent in CS/EE with relevant years of experience.
• Expert C programming experience required; C++ and Python desirable.
• Extensive Linux kernel troubleshooting and development experience.
• Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture and upstream patching process.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Track kernel developments and identify features beneficial to Arista.
• Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++, and Python.
• Collaborate with hardware teams to qualify new CPUs and NICs.
• Contribute features to the mainline Linux kernel with the community.
• Integrate new Kernel versions into EOS and internal development.
• Provide technical leadership across features, projects, and tools.
• Analyze customer networks with support engineers to fix issues.
• Work with System Test to diagnose and fix test failures.
• Mentor junior engineers in Arista’s software environment.

Skills

C programming

C++

Python

Linux kernel

IP networking

X86 architecture

Independent work

Education

BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 8 years experience

MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 6 years experience

Ph.D. Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience

Job description

Linux Kernel Senior/Lead Software Engineer

Full-time

Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software‑defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work‑Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.

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 Ph.D. 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 is 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

Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment‑related decisions in a non‑discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.