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Principal Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

SambaNova· Hardware
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San Jose, CA$180k - $255kFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Hands-on Linux kernel and device driver role focused on kernel-level drivers for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems within SambaNova's DataScale platform and RDU architecture. Lead silicon bring-up, production drivers, and end-to-end debugging across kernel, firmware, and hardware.

Responsibilities

  • Own kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems, from architecture through production release
  • Own the RDMA and network data path, including queue-pair management, congestion control, QoS, and packet classification
  • Lead software enablement for platform bring-up across new silicon and system configurations
  • Drive issues to root cause across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers with hardware, firmware, and validation teams
  • Own PHY and link bring-up in coordination with hardware teams, working from specifications and register documentation
  • Build tools, test scripts, and frameworks for device and NIC verification, performance analysis, and manufacturing test
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks across driver, network stack, and system layers at data center scale
  • Set code quality standards through design and code review, and mentor engineers on the team

Qualifications

  • MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
  • Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and kernel driver development
  • Strong knowledge of Linux kernel networking, including network driver development and the RDMA protocol
  • Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills, with scripting in Python or shell
  • Experience with two or more high-speed IO or interconnect technologies such as PCIe, Ethernet, or CXL
  • Proven ability to lead hardware-software co-debug from first silicon to production
  • Ability to read and distill hardware specifications and register-level documentation
  • Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving

Skills

Required:Kernel-space driver developmentLinux networking and RDMAC/C++ programmingPython or shell scripting

Benefits

  • Base salary plus equity and benefits
  • 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance
  • 77% premium coverage for dependents
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) options (Health Care, Limited Purpose, Dependent Care)
  • Headspace subscription, Gympass+ membership, One Medical membership, counseling services via EAP
Last updated Sep 13, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About SambaNova

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