Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Google's software engineers develop the next-generation technologies that change how billions of users connect, explore, and interact with information and one another. Our products need to handle information at massive scale, and extend well beyond web search. We're looking for engineers who bring fresh ideas from all areas, including information retrieval, distributed computing, large-scale system design, networking and data storage, security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, UI design and mobile; the list goes on and is growing every day. As a software engineer, you will work on a specific project critical to Google’s needs with opportunities to switch teams and projects as you and our fast-paced business grow and evolve. We need our engineers to be versatile, display leadership qualities and be enthusiastic to take on new problems across the full-stack as we continue to push technology forward.

Google’s Kernel Resource Management team is hiring a Staff Software Engineer to shape the future of our compute infrastructure. In this role, you will drive the technical strategy and architecture for core Linux kernel subsystems, primarily focusing on memory management and CPU scheduling. Your work will directly impact Google's global fleet by maximizing efficiency, scaling throughput, and innovating in advanced areas like low-overhead virtualization, memory tiering, and kernel security hardening. If you are an expert in OS kernels and computer architecture with a track record of leading high-impact systems engineering initiatives, join us to solve complex, low-level software challenges at an unprecedented scale.

The AI and Infrastructure team is redefining what’s possible. We empower Google customers with breakthrough capabilities and insights by delivering AI and Infrastructure at unparalleled scale, efficiency, reliability and velocity. Our customers include Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and billions of Google users worldwide.

We're the driving force behind Google's groundbreaking innovations, empowering the development of our cutting-edge AI models, delivering unparalleled computing power to global services, and providing the essential platforms that enable developers to build the future. From software to hardware our teams are shaping the future of world-leading hyperscale computing, with key teams working on the development of our TPUs, Vertex AI for Google Cloud, Google Global Networking, Data Center operations, systems research, and much more.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $207000 - $300000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google.

• Drive the technical strategy and architecture for essential Linux kernel subsystems, including memory management, CPU scheduling, BPF, and filesystems.
• Own the scoping and strategy for critical systems engineering initiatives, guiding technical teams through ambiguous, low-level software challenges to meet the demands of Google's compute infrastructure.
• Partner with Tech Leads, Engineering Managers, and cross-functional leadership across Platform Infrastructure and Google Cloud to align project roadmaps and establish clear technical boundaries.
• Oversee end-to-end project execution to ensure teams successfully deliver on critical technical milestones.
• Advocate for testing methodologies, system optimizations, and performance profiling to eliminate code regressions, reduce failure rates, and uphold fleet efficiency and data integrity.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
  
• 8 years of experience programming in C++.
• 5 years of experience testing, and launching software products.
  
• 5 years of experience building and developing large-scale infrastructure, distributed systems or networks, or experience with compute technologies, storage, or hardware architecture.
  
• 3 years of experience with software design and architecture.
• Experience with computer architecture, operating system and Kernel programming.
  

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
  
• 8 years of experience with data structures and algorithms.
• 3 years of experience in a technical leadership role leading project teams and setting technical direction.
  
• 3 years of experience working in a complex, matrixed organization involving cross-functional, or cross-business projects.
• Experience with Linux Kernel, CPU scheduling, memory management and virtualization.