Senior OS/Kernel Engineer

1600 NIO USA, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 143,200 - 186,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans: Anthem Blue Cross

Dental and vision plans with $0 contribution

Company-paid HSA contribution

Job summary

1600 NIO USA, Inc. is seeking a Senior OS / Kernel Engineer for the SkyOS team to design and develop full-domain vehicle operating systems. Candidates should have a strong background in operating system internals and proficiency in languages like C or Rust.

The position offers a competitive US base salary range of $143,200 – $186,000, along with comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, a 401(k), and generous paid leave policies.

Qualifications

• Strong background and hands-on experience in operating system internals, virtualization, or system security.
• Solid understanding of computer hardware architecture.
• Ability to work independently on ambiguous technical problems.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and evaluate advanced systems software concepts.
• Design, implement, and optimize critical low-level system components.
• Contribute to the long-term systems software architecture.

Skills

Operating system internals

Virtualization

System security

C

Assembly

Rust

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

x86

Arm

RISC-V

Job description

Overview

NIO is a pioneer in the premium smart electric vehicle market, focusing on autonomous driving, digital technologies, electric powertrains, and batteries.

Position

Senior OS / Kernel Engineer – SkyOS team, responsible for designing and developing NIO’s full‑domain vehicle operating systems.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and evaluate advanced systems software concepts, including kernels, file systems, drivers, and networking, to improve system performance, safety, and dependability.
• Design, implement, and optimize critical low‑level system components to meet strict real‑time performance and safety goals.
• Contribute to the long‑term systems software architecture and help guide technical decisions within the smart EV infrastructure.
• Collaborate closely with broader engineering teams to transition prototypes and advanced concepts into highly reliable, production‑ready deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background and hands‑on experience in operating system internals, virtualization, or system security.
• Solid understanding of computer hardware architecture, with practical experience in at least one of the following: x86, Arm, or RISC‑V.
• Proficiency in C, assembly, and/or Rust.
• Proven ability to navigate, debug, and improve complex, low‑level codebases.
• Strong troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve complex system‑level performance, memory, and stability issues.
• Ability to work independently on ambiguous technical problems while remaining a strong, communicative team collaborator.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Familiarity with the latest academic research in systems (e.g., papers from SOSP, OSDI, ASPLOS) and a track record of applying these concepts to solve industry problems.
• Experience modifying, extending, or building core system software components (such as custom kernel modules, hypervisors, real‑time operating systems (RTOS), or network stacks).
• Exposure to microkernel architectures or automotive/safety‑critical operating systems.
• Familiarity with formal verification methods or automotive safety standards (e.g., ISO 26262).

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $143,200.00 – $186,000.00, varying by location and other factors.

Benefits

• Health plans: Anthem Blue Cross, HSA, and Kaiser HMO (employee‑only coverage at $0).
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution.
• Company‑paid HSA contribution when enrolled in the high‑deductible Anthem Blue Cross plan.
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• 401(k) with brokerage link option.
• Company‑paid basic life, AD&D, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Sick and vacation time; 13 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave for the first 8 weeks at full pay (after 90 days).
• Paid disability leave for the first 6 weeks at full pay (after 90 days).
• Voluntary benefits (life, AD&D, pet insurance, commuter benefits, mobile cell phone credit, free lunch and snacks).
• Onsite gym; employee discounts and perks program.