Manager, Kernel Software Engineering

Cornelis Networks is building the future of AI and HPC networking with an AI-first approach to silicon and software development. They are seeking a Manager, Kernel Software Engineering to lead a team responsible for developing Linux kernel driver code for high-performance systems, ensuring code quality and collaboration with the open-source community.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design and development of Linux (alike) kernel components, including networking/switch drivers, subsystems, and performance-critical paths
• Provide architectural guidance on kernel interfaces, memory management, interrupt handling, DMA, and concurrency
• Review and guide complex kernel patches with a focus on correctness, performance, maintainability, and upstream acceptance
• Drive root-cause analysis and resolution of complex kernel-level issues across development, CI, and customer environments
• Manage, mentor, and grow a team of Linux (alike) kernel engineers, including goal setting, performance feedback, and career development
• Build a high-trust, fast-paced engineering culture emphasizing code quality, ownership, and collaboration in a startup environment
• Partner with recruiting to hire software engineers and grow team capabilities with AI tools
• Champion upstream development and active participation with the Linux kernel, FreeBSD, and DPDK community (LKML, maintainers, reviews)
• Ensure patches meet community standards and are submitted, reviewed, and maintained upstream where appropriate
• Manage the team to participate in technical discussions with external open-source stakeholders
• Work closely with hardware, firmware, networking, systems, QA, and product teams to align kernel work with platform roadmaps
• Translate product requirements into executable technical plans and milestones
• Support customer escalations by coordinating deep technical investigations and delivering durable fixes
• Own planning, prioritization, and execution of kernel deliverables across multiple releases
• Establish and improve development processes including CI, testing, code review, and release readiness
• Track progress, risks, and dependencies, communicating clearly with stakeholders
• Thrive in a startup culture with a strong results focus

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Significant hands-on experience developing Linux kernel code (drivers or core subsystems), networking driver experience is a plus
• Prior experience leading or managing technical teams with direct reports
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel internals, including scheduling, memory management, locking, and I/O paths, Ethernet, TCP/IP, SR-IOV, and network isolation
• Proficiency in C and familiarity with kernel build, debug, and profiling tools
• Experience working with open-source communities and upstream contribution processes
• Master's or PhD in Computer Science or a related discipline
• Experience in performance-critical domains such as networking, storage, HPC, AI infrastructure, or embedded systems
• Background in kernel networking (netdev, RDMA, InfiniBand/Ethernet), device drivers, or virtualization
• Experience supporting products in customer-facing or production environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and executive audiences