Windows Kernel Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a global leader in cybersecurity, CrowdStrike protects the people, processes and technologies that drive modern organizations. Since 2011, our mission hasn't changed - we're here to stop breaches, and we've redefined modern security with the world's most advanced AI-native platform. We work on large scale distributed systems, processing almost 3 trillion events per day and this traffic is growing daily. Our customers span all industries, and they count on CrowdStrike to keep their businesses running, their communities safe and their lives moving forward. We're proud to work for a mission-driven company leveraging AI to transform the way we work. CrowdStrikers drive their careers through flexibility and autonomy while also being expected to contribute to a culture of responsible AI adoption, experimentation, and innovation. We use an AI-first mindset as a force multiplier to proactively and continuously accelerate execution, build expertise, uncover insights, and solve complex problems. We're always looking to add talented CrowdStrikers to the team who have limitless passion, a relentless focus on innovation and a fanatical commitment to our customers, our community and each other. Ready to join a mission that matters? The future of cybersecurity starts with you.

About the Team:
You'll be joining the Data Protection Team in our Data Security Product Group, whose mission is to build a unified data security system which enables customers to identify and investigate insider threats, identify access to and movement of sensitive data, and ensure regulatory compliance by mitigating data loss risk.

About the Role:

CrowdStrike Falcon is a two-component security product. One component is a "sensor": a driver installed on client machines that observes system activity and recognizes malicious behavior, then provides on-box prevention capability and remote telemetry to the Falcon cloud. The sensor processes thousands of events per second to provide deep visibility into operations on the endpoint, and performs rich correlation and computation to identify malicious events and block malicious activity.

The cloud component aggregates sensor telemetry for each customer's network, correlates malicious behavior across multiple machines, and presents our customers' operations teams with a prioritized summary of the threats detected in their environments.

This is a Senior Windows Kernel Developer role in the engineering team that delivers data protection-focused functionality in the sensor (lightweight agent) on Windows. Engineers on the team own the design and development of core features on the platform, operating across both kernel and user mode. The team operates under Agile development principles and ships frequently.

As AI-driven tools and agents become increasingly prevalent on the endpoint, our data protection capabilities must evolve to understand and account for that activity. Engineers on this team are expected to develop solutions that are AI-aware, including reasoning about how AI agent behavior intersects with data access and movement patterns we monitor and protect against.

This is a hybrid role based out of our offices in Sunnyvale, CA, Redmond, WA, Austin, TX, or NYC, NY (once the development center is established).

What You'll Do:

• Design and develop data protection-focused functionality spanning kernel-mode components, including Windows filesystem minifilter drivers, and user-mode components on Windows systems

• Implement new data protection capabilities across a growing set of data access and transfer scenarios on the endpoint

• Build and maintain AI-aware detection and protection logic, accounting for the ways AI agents and tools interact with sensitive data on the endpoint

• Own features from design to delivery, including post-ship support and customer issue resolution

• Collaborate with multi-functional teams across various physical locations

• Leverage AI-assisted development tools to improve engineering productivity and solution quality

• Other projects as assigned

What You'll Need:

• Degree in Computer Science (or professional experience in kernel mode/user mode development on Windows in C/C++)

• Ability to develop high-quality code in C++

• Windows filesystem minifilter driver development experience

• Experience developing across both kernel mode and user mode on Windows, with a strong understanding of kernel-to-user space IPC best practices

• Understanding of the Windows filesystem filter model, the basics of local and remote filesystem implementations, and the corresponding interfaces at the filesystem minifilter level

• Experience with kernel-level debugging processes and tools

• Ability to demonstrate C/C++ and Windows kernel/user mode development capabilities, be it through job experience, schoolwork, or contributions to community projects

• Proven experience utilizing AI technologies to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows and processes, improve efficiency and drive business outcomes.

Nice to Have:

• Familiarity with AI agent ecosystems and how AI-driven tools interact with the filesystem and operating system at a behavioral level

• Experience with or interest in AI-assisted development workflows, including agentic coding tools such as Claude Code

• Experience in the security industry, particularly in endpoint or data security

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Benefits of Working at CrowdStrike:

• Market leader in compensation and equity awards

• Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs

• Competitive vacation and holidays for recharge

• Paid parental and adoption leaves

• Professional development opportunities for all employees regardless of level or role

• Employee Networks, geographic neighborhood groups, and volunteer opportunities to build connections

• Vibrant office culture with world class amenities

• Great Place to Work Certified across the globe

CrowdStrike is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and empowered to succeed. We support veterans and individuals with disabilities through our affirmative action program.

CrowdStrike is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy-related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by law. We base all employment decisions--including recruitment, selection, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, promotions, transfers, lay-offs, return from lay-off, terminations and social/recreational programs--on valid job requirements.

If you need assistance accessing or reviewing the information on this website or need help submitting an application for employment or requesting an accommodation, please contact us at recruiting@crowdstrike.com for further assistance.

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Right to Work

CrowdStrike, Inc. is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Placement within the pay range is dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications, job level, supervisory status, and location. The base salary range for this position for all U.S. candidates is $140,000 - $215,000 per year, with eligibility for bonuses, equity grants and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, 401k and paid time off.

For detailed information about the U.S. benefits package, please click here.