Principal Kernel & Device Drivers Engineer
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About this role
SambaNova is a leader in next-generation AI infrastructure, delivering a full-stack inference platform for customers worldwide. At the core of SambaNova's technology is the RDU (Reconfigurable Dataflow Unit) — a chip built on a dataflow architecture rather than the traditional GPU model. Its decode performance is especially strong for agentic workloads like multi-turn agents, code generation, and long-running applications. RDUs are packaged into SambaRack, rack-scale hardware that lets customers deploy state-of-the-art models with better performance, greater energy efficiency, and faster time to value.
About the role
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. 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.
Responsibilities
- 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
Required Qualifications
- MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- 7+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
- Deep expertise in Linux systems programming and kernel driver development
- Strong knowledge of Linux kernel networking, including network driver development and the RDMA protocol
- Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills, with scripting in Python or shell
- Experience with two or more high-speed IO or interconnect technologies such as PCIe, Ethernet, or CXL
- Proven ability to lead hardware-software co-debug from first silicon to production
- Ability to read and distill hardware specifications and register-level documentation
- Clear and effective communicator with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on RDMA data-path or driver implementation experience
- Experience with virtual switching and data center networking at scale
- Experience writing test scripts to verify NIC behavior
- Firmware development experience
- Exposure to pre-silicon validation using FPGA or emulation platforms
- Background in high-performance computing or accelerator-based systems
Base Salary Range:
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.
EEO Policy
SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions
SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.
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