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 relate