Linux Kernel Architect

Job Title

Linux Kernel Architect

Role Summary

Senior engineer responsible for improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel with emphasis on high-core-count server systems. The role works across system software, emulation/FPGA platforms, and hardware teams to diagnose issues and upstream changes.

You will collaborate with upstream Linux and OpenSBI communities, system validation teams, and CPU/RTL architects to deliver robust platform software for SiFive designs.

Experience Level

Senior-level (experienced Linux kernel architect). Specific years of experience not stated.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop, debug, and optimize Linux kernel code for RISC-V server-class systems.
• Write, post, and review patches on upstream Linux and OpenSBI mailing lists; drive upstream acceptance of fixes.
• Diagnose complex software and hardware interactions on CPUs and SoCs, including concurrency and core-scaling issues.
• Work with system validation and emulation/FPGA platforms to reproduce and fix issues.
• Collaborate with CPU architects and RTL engineers to align hardware and software changes.
• Support virtualization and hypervisor-related features and debugging.

Requirements

Must-have skills and experience:

• Proven experience on concurrency-sensitive code in the upstream Linux kernel, with a track record of writing and reviewing public patches.
• Experience debugging challenging software and hardware bugs in CPUs and SoCs.
• Experience collaborating with CPU architects and RTL engineers.
• Experience developing and debugging Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms.
• Experience with hypervisors and virtualization technologies.
• Familiarity with the RISC-V architecture.

Nice-to-have:

• Knowledge of silicon design issues and microarchitectural side-channel mitigations.
• Experience using hardware debuggers.
• Familiarity with Devicetree, ACPI, UEFI, or Rust.

Education Requirements

Not specified.

About the Company

Company: SiFive

Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States

SiFive is a pioneering company in the RISC-V ecosystem, focused on transforming the future of computing by delivering high-performance, data-intensive RISC-V solutions. Their compute platforms empower leading technology firms to innovate across various markets, including AI, machine learning, and automotive sectors. SiFive is recognized for its commitment to ongoing innovation and fostering collaboration among talented teams, impacting lives by enabling advanced chip design.