Principal Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer

• SambaNova is seeking a Principal Engineer to own kernel-level drivers and low-level software for high-speed IO, memory, and networking subsystems within the DataScale® platform and RDU architecture
• This role is central to delivering reliable, high-performance AI systems at scale. This is a hands-on Linux kernel and device driver role; it is not an application or platform software role
• You will lead software bring-up of new silicon, deliver production drivers across the IO, memory, and network data paths, and debug complex issues spanning kernel, firmware, and hardware
• 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

Benefits

• Flexible PTO in US
• Parental Leave
• Benefits (medical, dental and vision)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401k/Pensions
• Gym Access
• Flexible Working Hours

• This role suits an engineer with deep kernel and driver expertise and strong hardware fluency, who can operate in ambiguity and execute with high ownership
• 7+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
• Proven ability to lead hardware-software co-debug from first silicon to production
• Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving
• Strong knowledge of Linux kernel networking, including network driver development and the RDMA protocol
• Ability to read and distill hardware specifications and register-level documentation
• Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills, with scripting in Python or shell
• MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and kernel driver development
• Experience with two or more high-speed IO or interconnect technologies such as PCIe, Ethernet, or CXL
• Experience writing test scripts to verify NIC behavior
• Hands-on RDMA data-path or driver implementation experience
• Experience with virtual switching and data center networking at scale
• Firmware development experience
• Background in high-performance computing or accelerator-based systems
• Exposure to pre-silicon validation using FPGA or emulation platforms