Principal Linux Kernel Engineer: Upstream CPU Server Equity

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

Job summary

NVIDIA is seeking a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer to shape the upstream-first Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms. You will lead cross-functional collaboration with CPU architects, hardware design, firmware, and software teams to drive upstream integration and future kernel capabilities.

With 14+ years in Linux kernel work, you will influence subsystems such as memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, and security while mentoring engineers and representing 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 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

Kernel internals

Upstream development

Leadership

Communication

CPU architecture

Education

Bachelor/Master/PhD in CS/CE

Job description

NVIDIA is seeking a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer to shape the upstream-first Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms. You will lead cross-functional collaboration with CPU architects, hardware design, firmware, and software teams to drive upstream integration and future kernel capabilities.

With 14+ years in Linux kernel work, you will influence subsystems such as memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, and security while mentoring engineers and representing NVIDIA