Linux Kernel Architect

Job Title

Linux Kernel Architect

Role Summary

Lead Linux kernel software architecture and development for RISC‑V platforms, with emphasis on high core‑count server systems. Work with upstream Linux and OpenSBI communities, system software and validation teams, and hardware architects to debug and improve SiFive designs in emulation and FPGA environments.

Contribute upstream fixes, review patches, and collaborate with CPU/RTL teams to resolve architecture and implementation issues.

Experience Level

Senior-level; substantial experience working on the Linux kernel, CPU/SoC debugging, and upstream development is expected. Exact years of experience not specified.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include:

• Develop, debug, and optimize RISC‑V Linux kernel code, focusing on concurrency and scalability for high core counts.
• Author and review patches on upstream Linux and OpenSBI mailing lists and participate in upstream discussions.
• Diagnose complex software and hardware interactions in CPUs and SoCs alongside system validation and emulation teams.
• Collaborate with CPU architects, RTL engineers, and firmware teams to identify and resolve design and implementation issues.
• Support Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms and assist with virtualization/hypervisor integration and debugging.

Requirements

Key must-have and nice-to-have qualifications:

• Must-have: Proven experience contributing to concurrency-sensitive areas of the upstream Linux kernel, including writing and reviewing patches.
• Must-have: Experience debugging complex software and hardware bugs in CPUs and SoCs.
• Must-have: Experience working directly with CPU architects and RTL engineers.
• Must-have: Experience developing and debugging Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms.
• Must-have: Familiarity with the RISC‑V architecture and with virtualization/hypervisors.
• Nice-to-have: Knowledge of silicon design issues, microarchitectural side-channel mitigations, hardware debuggers, Devicetree/ACPI/UEFI, or Rust.
• Other: Employment contingent on background/reference checks, export-control eligibility, and right-to-work verification where applicable.

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.