Network Linux Kernel Engineer

Cornelis Networks, Inc. • San Jose, CA

1d • Remote

About The Position

Cornelis Networks delivers the world’s highest performance scale-out networking solutions for AI and HPC datacenters. Our differentiated architecture seamlessly integrates hardware, software and system level technologies to maximize the efficiency of GPU, CPU and accelerator-based compute clusters at any scale. Our solutions drive breakthroughs in AI & HPC workloads, empowering our customers to push the boundaries of innovation. Backed by top-tier venture capital and strategic investors, we are committed to innovation, performance and scalability - solving the world’s most demanding computational challenges with our next-generation networking solutions. We are a fast-growing, forward-thinking team of architects, engineers, and business professionals with a proven track record of building successful products and companies. As a global organization, our team spans multiple U.S. states and six countries, and we continue to expand with exceptional talent in onsite, hybrid, and fully remote roles. Cornelis Networks is hiring a talented Network Linux Kernel Engineer to help drive innovation and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies in the semiconductor industry. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing the software stack that powers our revolutionary AI networking fabric, working alongside a team of industry experts to shape the future of high-performance networking solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in low-level systems programming with C/C++.
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel driver development and internal architecture.
• Hands-on experience with DPDK or similar user-space networking frameworks (e.g., VPP, XDP).
• Deep knowledge of networking fundamentals and L2, L3, and L4 protocols.
• Demonstrated experience in software optimization, profiling, and performance tuning.
• A self-motivated and proactive mindset with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced startup culture.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with Ethernet/Switch ASICs or network processor silicon (e.g., Broadcom, Marvell, NVIDIA, Intel).
• Familiarity with RoCE (RDMA over Converged Ethernet) or other RDMA protocols.
• Experience in developing software for high-performance network interface cards (NICs) or SmartNICs.
• Understanding of the unique networking requirements of distributed AI/ML training workloads (e.g., NCCL, MPI).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-performance kernel drivers and user-space libraries for our networking hardware.
• Build and optimize networking protocols at L2 (Ethernet), L3 (IP), and L4 (TCP/UDP) layers, tailored for AI/ML workloads.
• Leverage DPDK (Data Plane Development Kit) to create exceptionally fast packet processing pipelines that bypass the kernel for maximum throughput and minimal latency.
• Conduct deep-dive performance analysis and software optimization across the entire stack, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with the hardware team to influence ASIC design and ensure software/hardware co-design principles are met.
• Develop robust testing, validation, and debugging tools for our networking stack.
• Contribute to a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive compensation package that includes equity, cash, and incentives, along with health and retirement benefits.
• In addition to your base pay, you’ll have access to a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as disability and life insurance, a dependent care flexible spending account, accidental injury insurance, and pet insurance.
• We also offer generous paid holidays, 401(k) with company match, and Open Time Off (OTO) for regular full-time exempt employees.
• Other paid time off benefits include sick time, bonding leave, and pregnancy disability leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level