Kernel Software Engineer

Washington, United StatesOnsiteFull Time$147,000–$211,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoVisa sponsorship available

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Role summary

This Kernel Software Engineer role focuses on building, supporting, and enhancing the Kernel-Based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor within the Linux kernel. The work directly impacts Google Compute Engine's virtual machine fleet and advances virtualization technology, including security, confidentiality, and performance for AI/ML workloads. Responsibilities include designing and developing kernel and userspace features, resolving virtualization issues, improving kernel performance and security, and collaborating with internal teams and the upstream kernel community. The role involves working with new hardware platforms and engaging with CPU vendors.

In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based employees. Benefits for this role include:

Health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
Retirement Benefits: 401(k) with company match
Paid Time Off: 20 days of vacation per year, accruing at a rate of 6.15 hours per pay period for the first five years of employment
Sick Time: 40 hours/year (statutory, where applicable); 5 days/event (discretionary)
Maternity Leave (Short-Term Disability + Baby Bonding): 28-30 weeks
Baby Bonding Leave: 18 weeks
Holidays: 13 paid days per year

### Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience.
2 years of experience coding in C++.
2 years of experience with Kernel programming.
2 years of experience with Kernel-Based virtual machine.

### Preferred qualifications:

Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, or a related technical field.
2 years of experience with Rust.
2 years of experience with Linux Kernel internals.
2 years of experience with cloud security.
2 years of experience with distributed computing.
2 years of experience with Google cloud platform.

## About the job

We build, support, enhance and maintain the Kernel-Based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor in the Linux kernel. Our work powers the virtual machine fleet in Google compute engine and contributes to advancing the in virtualization technology, from new approaches to security and confidentiality all the way to minimizing disruption for our most advanced AI/ML customer workloads. We collaborate on new hardware platforms on both x86 and ARM, engage with CPU vendors, and actively participate in the kernel community, internally and upstream.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $147,000-$211,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

## Responsibilities

Plan, design, develop, test and maintain virtualization features across kernel and userspace.
Triage, investigate and resolve virtualization issues in the Linux kernel.
Improve security, reliability and performance of virtualization in the Linux kernel.
Collaborate within the team and across teams and organizations.
Engage the upstream community to improve KVM, support innovation, and meet Google's goals.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.

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