Principal Software Development Engineer in Test

Akamai Technologies; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 169,300 - 304,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Family-friendly leave

Employee assistance program

FlexBase: remote or office work

Job summary

Akamai Technologies seeks a Principal SDET to lead test strategy for its custom Linux kernel across AI and Compute platforms. You will design scalable testing infrastructure and troubleshoot complex system issues to validate feature functionality and maximize performance globally.

Responsibilities include building advanced automated test frameworks, developing test suites for kernel enhancements, and guiding the team on best practices, debugging, and CI integration.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong background in software validation/development in C focusing on Linux kernel infrastructure, with scripting in Python, Shell, or Perl.
• Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals (KVM, virtio, cgroups, memory management, filesystems, block IO, Ethernet drivers, TCP/IP).
• Extensive experience with Linux kernel debugging tools, performance benchmarking, and CI frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and scale automated test frameworks for Akamai Linux kernel on AI and Compute platforms.
• Develop test suites for new custom enhancements and porting modifications to newer kernel/VM versions.
• Debug and troubleshoot low-level system issues in testing and simulated production environments.
• Architect and enhance build/test automation to ensure robust CI and testing.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior team members.

Skills

C

Linux kernel internals

Python

Shell

Perl

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Linux kernel debugging tools

Performance benchmarking

CI frameworks

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to lead test strategy for Akamai’s custom Linux kernel. The role requires designing scalable continuous testing infrastructure and troubleshooting complex system issues to validate feature functionality and maximize performance across our global AI and Compute platform.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and scale advanced automated test frameworks to validate the performance, reliability, and security of the Akamai Linux kernel for AI and Compute platforms.
• Develop test suites to validate new custom enhancements and facilitate porting existing Akamai modifications to newer Linux kernel and VM software versions.
• Debug, isolate, and troubleshoot complex, low‑level system issues found in testing and simulated production environments.
• Architect and enhance existing build and test automation infrastructure to achieve robust continuous integration and testing.
• Provide technical leadership, set quality standards, and mentor junior team members.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Strong background in software validation/development in C focusing on Linux kernel infrastructure, with scripting skills in Python, Shell, or Perl.
• Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals (KVM, virtio, cgroups, memory management, filesystems, block IO, Ethernet drivers, TCP/IP stack).
• Extensive experience with Linux kernel debugging tools, performance benchmarking, and continuous testing/CI frameworks.
• Motivated self‑starter and established technical leader who thrives on collaborating to solve highly complex infrastructure challenges.

Benefits

Health care, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, family‑friendly leave, employee assistance program, and a focus on mental and financial wellness. Work flexibility through our FlexBase program allows employees to choose remote or office work environments.

Compensation

Base salary ranges from $169,300 to $304,700 per year for US‑based candidates. Compensation may include incentive bonuses, equity awards, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Eligibility requirements apply.