Software Lead, Linux Kernel

🕒 September 4, 2025

🏢🏡 San Francisco – Hybrid

💵 $380k - $555k / year

⏰ Full Time

🟠 Senior

🧑‍💻 Full-stack Engineer

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OpenAI

WebsiteLinkedInAll Job Openings

201 - 500 employees

Founded 2015

🤖 Artificial Intelligence

☁️ SaaS

🏢 Enterprise

Artificial Intelligence • SaaS • Enterprise

OpenAI is a leading research organization and company dedicated to creating advanced artificial intelligence technology, with a strong emphasis on safety and ethical considerations. OpenAI's mission is to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity. The company develops AI products like ChatGPT, which can assist users with tasks ranging from everyday requests to complex enterprise solutions. OpenAI also provides an API platform that integrates its AI models into various applications. The company is focused on innovation in AI and improving data analysis capabilities, while emphasizing safety and ethical governance of their systems.

📋 Description

• Lead and bootstrap the development of our Linux kernel stack to support high-performance systems. • Design and implement kernel drivers, including for functionality related to DMA, PCIe, NICs, and RDMA. • Drive end-to-end development of system-scale networking, including required kernel and other low-level software. • Collaborate with vendors to integrate their technologies within our systems. • Bring up and debug the kernel on new platforms. • Build userspace software to support integration, testing, diagnostics, and performance validation.

🎯 Requirements

• Proven experience leading development within the Linux kernel. • Deep knowledge of subsystems relevant to high-performance systems: PCIe, dma-buf, RDMA, P2P, SR-IOV, IOMMU, etc. • Knowledge of subsystems and frameworks related to scale-out networking: ibverbs, ECN/DCQCN, etc. • Strong programming skills in C, C++, Python, and Linux shell scripting; Rust experience is a strong plus. • Experience working directly with engineering teams to define interfaces and tooling. • Track record of managing vendor deliverables and technical relationships. • Background in embedded systems development (bootloaders, drivers, hardware/software integration). • Ability to thrive in ambiguity and build systems from scratch.

🏖️ Benefits

• Generous equity • Performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts • Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit) • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match • Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks) • Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees • 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law) • Mental health and wellness support • Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage • Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth • Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible • Relocation support for eligible employees • Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.