Manager, Kernel Software Engineering

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.

We are seeking a Manager, Kernel Software Engineering to lead a team of software engineers responsible for developing, maintaining, and upstreaming Linux kernel driver code in support of high-performance, scalable systems. This role blends deep technical leadership in kernel-level software with people and delivery management, ensuring high code quality, predictable execution, and strong engagement with the open-source community. You will partner closely with hardware, architecture, firmware, systems, and user-space teams to deliver robust kernel solutions aligned with product and customer requirements, while fostering a culture of technical excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Location: This is a remote position for employees residing within the United States.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes equity, cash, and incentives, along with health and retirement benefits. Our dynamic, flexible work environment provides the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential names in the semiconductor industry.

At Cornelis Networks your base salary is only one component of your comprehensive total rewards package. Your base pay will be determined by factors such as your skills, qualifications, experience, and location relative to the hiring range for the position. Depending on your role, you may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, including an annual bonus or sales incentives. 

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.

Cornelis Networks does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. Cornelis Networks is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.