Senior Kernel Software Engineer - Storage (C/C++)

NetApp; False Pass (AK); On-site; USD 170,000 - 253,000; Full time

Job summary

NetApp is seeking a Software Engineer to join the ONTAP Kernel team building data management software that powers cloud and on‑prem storage. You will design, implement and test operating system components in C and C++, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable storage solutions.

The role requires 8+ years in software engineering, strong systems programming skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while guiding architecture and technical direction.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in software engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in data management systems & storage platforms for managing and storing data across various workloads and environments (Ex: NetApp's ONTAP or similar systems).
• 4+ years of hands-on experience with file systems, distributed systems, client-server programming, multi-threaded applications.
• Experience developing operating systems such as FreeBSD, Linux or other Unix variant.
• Systems programming using C.
• Object-Oriented systems programming using C++ Experience with Unix based operating system kernels and development environments, e.g. Linux or FreeBSD.
• Strong understanding of concepts related to computer architecture, data structures, and programming practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical execution on a project and mentor other engineers.
• Demonstrated creative and systematic approach to problem solving
• Ability to provide technical direction and guide a small team without formal management authority.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong technical judgment and ability to influence engineers within and across teams

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical design and execution of moderately complex to complex software engineering projects in the data & storage area, setting direction for a feature or subsystem.
• Decompose complex problems into simple, well-scoped solutions and translate them into actionable plans for the team.
• Guide and coordinate the technical work of less senior engineers on the team, reviewing designs and code and helping unblock technical issues.
• Partner with senior and principal engineers to align on architecture, best practices, and long-term technical direction.
• Develop a solid working knowledge of NetApp's existing systems, their interdependencies, and limitations.
• Contribute hands-on to the design, implementation, and testing of software in C++ and C, with a focus on simplicity, reliability, and manageability.
• Participate in customer escalations and drive root-cause analysis and resolution for complex issues.
• Author and review unit tests and automated integration tests to ensure resilient, robust, and durable designs.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Clearly communicate technical plans, trade-offs, and status to the team and cross-functional stakeholders.

Skills

C++

C

Distributed systems

Multi-threaded

Unix/Linux

Architecture knowledge

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (CS preferred)

8+ years commercial software development

Tools

FreeBSD

Linux

Job description

NetApp is seeking a Software Engineer to join the ONTAP Kernel team building data management software that powers cloud and on‑prem storage. You will design, implement and test operating system components in C and C++, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable storage solutions.

The role requires 8+ years in software engineering, strong systems programming skills, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while guiding architecture and technical direction.