Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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We are looking for a passionate, dedicated, and technically strong first-line manager to lead a team of highly skilled Linux kernel engineers developing core CPU and SoC features for AMD EPYC processors in the data center.

In this role, you will guide and direct the technical activities of the team across key virtualization and kernel subsystems, including Memory Management, Virtualization (including Confidential Computing), and Live Migration. You will oversee the Quality Assurance practices that ensure this work is upstream-ready and production-quality.

The team's scope also includes pre-silicon validation of new AMD hardware, performance optimization, and both internal and customer debugging. You will bring an understanding of computer architecture and operating system concepts for the x86-64 architecture, drive feature design and development in the Linux kernel and related open-source projects, and help bring new generations of AMD hardware to market.

This is a highly collaborative role, working closely with engineering teams across India, the U.S., and Europe to set direction, remove obstacles, and support the growth and development of team members.

An experienced kernel engineering leader with strong analytical and problem-solving skills who delivers responsive and efficient solutions that help bring new AMD processors to market.

You combine technical credibility in Linux kernel and virtualization development with the leadership skills to build, coach, and grow a high-performing team. You leverage strong technical collaboration to guide AMD hardware enablement for next-generation CPUs and bring excellent written and verbal communication skills to work effectively with local and distributed teams, analyze system needs, and coordinate feature design and development across groups.

You thrive in a matrix-managed, fast-paced, quality-driven, and innovative engineering environment, partnering effectively with peer managers and subject matter experts while taking ownership of both technical outcomes and team development.

• Lead and develop a team of highly skilled Linux kernel engineers, including hiring, coaching, performance management, planning, task prioritization, and communication of status.
• Drive features and functionality across core virtualization and kernel subsystems, including Memory Management, Virtualization (including Confidential Computing), and Live Migration, while overseeing the Quality Assurance strategy that keeps the team's contributions robust, well-tested, and upstream-ready.
• Lead pre-silicon validation of new AMD hardware, drive platform performance optimization, and resolve internal and customer debugging issues.
• Guide the team through code reviews, unit and integration test development, and detailed documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across India, the U.S., and Europe, partnering effectively with peer managers and subject matter experts.
• Represent the team's work, priorities, and technical direction across the broader organization.

• Demonstrated success in technical and team leadership, including people management and collaboration with geographically distributed teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams across India, the U.S., and Europe.
• Experience working effectively within a matrix-managed organization and partnering with peer managers and subject matter experts.
• Strong understanding of the Linux kernel and related upstream development workflows, including experience with one or more of the following areas: Memory Management, Virtualization, or Live Migration.
• Experience with virtualization technologies, including KVM/QEMU and x86-64 virtualization extensions.
• Familiarity with Confidential Computing technologies (for example, trusted execution environments and hardware-based memory encryption) is highly desirable.
• Experience defining and implementing Quality Assurance practices for kernel or systems software, including test development, CI, performance testing, and regression testing.
• Experience with pre-silicon validation and internal or customer debugging.
• Experience with performance optimization, including running, analyzing, and tuning system performance benchmarks.
• Background in C programming for operating system kernel and systems development; hands-on development experience is beneficial but not the primary focus of this role. Experience with Rust is a plus.
• Experience contributing to open-source software development, including building and submitting patches through mailing lists and collaborating with external software partners and communities.
• Deep understanding of operating systems concepts, data structures, and x86-64 architecture.
• Experience with the GNU toolchain and proficient use of Git.
• Experience with low-level debugging tools, emulators, and simulators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a matrix-managed, fast-paced, quality-driven, and innovative engineering environment.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's Responsible AI Policy is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.