Linux Kernel Firmware Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SambaNova Systems

Austin, TX, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Function: Engineering Software

Industry: Frontier Tech

Company Address: 2200 Geng Road, Unit 100, Palo Alto, CA 94303, US

AI is changing the world and at SambaNova, we believe that you don't need unlimited resources to take advantage of the most advanced, valuable AI capabilities - capabilities that are helping organizations explore the universe, find cures for cancer, and giving companies access to insights that provide a competitive edge.

The era of pervasive AI has arrived. In this era, organizations will use generative AI to unlock hidden value in their data, accelerate processes, reduce costs, drive efficiency and innovation to fundamentally transform their businesses and operations at scale.

SambaNova Suite™ is the first full-stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models that can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

Overview

SambaNova is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop kernel-level drivers and low-level software for high-speed IO and memory subsystems within the DataScale® platform and RDU architecture.

You will enable system bring-up, debug complex cross-layer issues, and deliver production-quality software that scales across systems and deployments. Working across kernel, firmware, and hardware, you will build robust, maintainable drivers and frameworks supporting validation, manufacturing, and system performance.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer with strong low-level programming skills, solid hardware understanding, and a focus on reliability, performance, and code quality.

Kernel & Driver Development

Develop and maintain kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO and memory subsystems

Enable platform bring-up and support driver integration across new silicon and system configurations

Write clean, maintainable, production-quality code and drive code reviews

System Bring-Up & Debug

Support system bring-up from early silicon through production

Debug complex issues across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers

Drive issues to root cause and resolution in collaboration with cross-functional teams

PHY & Hardware Interaction

Support PHY initialization and validation across high-speed interfaces

Debug issues related to IO, memory, and PHY subsystems in coordination with hardware teams

Interpret hardware specifications and schematics to guide bring-up and debug

Performance & Validation Software

Develop tools and frameworks for performance analysis, validation, and manufacturing test

Identify system bottlenecks and implement optimizations across driver and system layers

Enable post-silicon validation through software automation and infrastructure

BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

5+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development

Familiar with Linux kernel, drivers, user space libraries, and applications with strong Linux fundamentals

Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills; scripting experience (Python, shell)

Experience with high-speed IO or interconnects such as PCIe, Ethernet, or similar technologies

Experience with system bring-up and hardware-software co-debug

Experience with manufacturing test flows

Familiarity with development tools such as Git, Docker, Jenkins, or Bazel

Familiarity with build systems and toolchains (GCC, LLVM, Make, CMake)

Strong ownership and ability to drive issues to resolution

Clear communicator with a collaborative, problem-solving mindset

Experience with PHY bring-up and initialization

Ability to read and understand hardware specifications and register-level documentation

Exposure to pre-silicon validation (FPGA, emulation) and post-silicon bring-up

Familiarity with board schematics and low-level hardware interaction

Solid debugging skills using logs, trace tools (GDB), JTAG, or hardware debuggers

Background in high-performance or accelerator-based systems

$120,000 - $200,000 USD

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.

EEO Policy

SambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions

SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.