Principal Software Engineer, Linux Kernel Storage
External
Red Hat · RaleighContractRemote6d ago
KubernetesLinux
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About the role
Red Hat is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Storage-IO team. In this role, you will help maintain the Linux kernel block layer-a critical intersection of file systems, databases, and various block drivers including SCSI and NVMe. This position requires someone who has strong Linux kernel skills. You will be a part of the upstream Linux community, participating in technical direction and ensuring the stability and performance of the enterprise storage stack.
Responsibilities
- Maintenance of the Linux kernel block layer, the main software interface between storage drivers, storage protocols, software-defined storage, and file systems
- Manage high-volume backporting efforts for RHEL releases, ensuring enterprise distributions remain current with upstream innovations
- Implement and promote features that provide direct customer value
- Drive the development of emerging block technologies
- Solve complex kernel issues and performance bottlenecks
- Maintain a rigorous commitment to quality through the development of upstream CI tests and automated pipelines
Requirements
- 7+ years of professional experience in Linux kernel development and maintenance
- Authoritative knowledge of the Linux block layer, SCSI, NVMe, and memory management
- Proven history of significant upstream kernel contributions and patch review authority
- Expert proficiency in C
- Experience presenting at tier-1 conferences such as LSF/MM or specialized regional summits
- Preferred Skills & Competencies
- Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to grow junior engineers and interns into high-impact contributors
- Innovation: Ability to identify opportunities in emerging technologies (e.g., Zoned Namespaces, IO_Uring) and translate them into production-ready features
- Global Influence: Experience representing the organization in international technical communities and conferences
- Customer Focus: A track record of rapid response to critical customer hangs or data-path issues with accurate, upstream-first fixes
- #LI-HM1
- The salary range for this position is $151,510.00 - $249,950.00. Actual offer will be based on your qualifications.
- Pay Transparency
- About Red Hat
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent careHealth Savings Account - high deductible medical planRetirement 401(k) with employer matchPaid time off and holidaysPaid parental leave plans for all new parentsLeave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leaveAdditional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!Note: These benefits are only applicable to full time, permanent associates at Red Hat located in the United States.Inclusion at Red HatEqual Opportunity Policy (EEO)Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, agHealth insuranceDental insuranceVision insurance401(k)Remote work optionsFlexible scheduleEquity / stock optionsPerformance bonusParental leave
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