Staff Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Google•Sunnyvale, CA

5d•$207,000 - $300,000

About The Position

Google’s Kernel Resource Management team is hiring a Staff Software Engineer to shape the future of its compute infrastructure. The role drives technical strategy and architecture for core Linux kernel subsystems, primarily memory management and CPU scheduling, with work affecting Google’s global fleet through efficiency, throughput, low-overhead virtualization, memory tiering, and kernel security hardening. The engineer leads high-impact systems engineering initiatives and tackles complex, low-level software challenges at scale. The position is part of Google’s AI and Infrastructure team, which delivers AI and infrastructure capabilities at scale, efficiency, reliability, and velocity for Googlers, Google Cloud customers, and Google users worldwide. Google software engineers develop technologies and products serving users at massive scale, and may work on specific projects with opportunities to move between teams and projects as business needs evolve. Individual pay is determined by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. US compensation is $207,000–$300,000, plus a 20% bonus target, equity, and benefits.

Requirements

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 systems, and kernel programming.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Drive 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 Google’s compute infrastructure needs.
Partner with Tech Leads, Engineering Managers, and cross-functional leadership across Platform Infrastructure and Google Cloud to align project roadmaps and establish technical boundaries.
Oversee end-to-end project execution to ensure teams deliver 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.