Principal Linux Kernel Architect – CPU Server Platforms

newline; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 272,000 - 431,000; Full time

Job summary

NVIDIA in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer to drive upstream-first Linux kernel development for NVIDIA CPU server platforms. You will guide architecture, influence subsystems, and collaborate with CPU architects, firmware teams, and software engineers to implement next-generation CPU/SoC features.

You will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor engineers, and represent NVIDIA in the Linux community, shaping upstream reviews and kernel capabilities for future NVIDIA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 14+ years of experience developing Linux kernel software.
• Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals and multiple kernel subsystems.
• Recognized contributor with an established reputation in the Linux kernel community, including experience reviewing and influencing upstream kernel development.
• Strong understanding of CPU architecture, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, synchronization, virtualization, ACPI, PCIe, and device drivers.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional software initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction across engineering organizations.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms with an upstream-first development model.
• Lead the upstream enablement of NVIDIA CPU platforms across major Linux kernel subsystems while minimizing downstream maintenance.
• Track Linux kernel evolution and drive technical roadmaps across core subsystems including memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, RAS, CXL, networking, filesystems, and security.
• Partner with CPU architects, hardware designers, firmware teams, and software engineers to influence hardware architecture and interfaces for clean, upstream-friendly Linux support.
• Represent NVIDIA in the Linux open-source community by collaborating with subsystem maintainers, driving upstream reviews, and advocating for NVIDIA technologies.
• Lead the architecture and implementation of Linux kernel support for next-generation CPU and SoC features, identifying opportunities to simplify software through hardware and firmware design improvements.
• Establish best practices for upstream development, code quality, kernel review processes, and long-term maintainability while mentoring engineers across the organization.
• Collaborate with Linux distributions, ecosystem partners, and internal engineering teams to enable NVIDIA CPU platforms and shape future Linux kernel capabilities.

Skills

Linux kernel expertise

Communication skills

Cross-functional leadership

CPU architecture knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D. in CS/CE or equivalent

Job description

NVIDIA in Santa Clara, CA seeks a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer to drive upstream-first Linux kernel development for NVIDIA CPU server platforms. You will guide architecture, influence subsystems, and collaborate with CPU architects, firmware teams, and software engineers to implement next-generation CPU/SoC features.

You will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor engineers, and represent NVIDIA in the Linux community, shaping upstream reviews and kernel capabilities for future NVIDIA