Principal Kernel Engineer

Akamai Technologies

Principal Kernel Engineer developing kernel-level enforcement solutions for Akamai's security products. Leading a small team in innovative AI Detection and Response initiatives addressing complex security challenges.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeRemote • 🇮🇱 IsraelLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in kernel-level C programming, with a strong focus on debugging and production issue resolution in Linux and Windows environments. Proven ability to lead technical teams, mentor engineers, and drive critical technical decisions related to kernel and eBPF development.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Kernel-Level C ProgrammingLinux Kernel ExperienceWindows Driver DevelopmentEBPF Program DevelopmentLow-Level Debugging

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingKernel DebuggingRoot-Cause AnalysisConcurrency UnderstandingMemory SafetyDriver SigningSecure BootCross-Kernel CompatibilityCI for Multi-Version EnvironmentsKernel Software Operations

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentoringProblem-Solving

Industry Keywords

Kernel FundamentalsProduction EnvironmentsKernel CrashesLow-Level System FailuresCross-Kernel Portability

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Linux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Writing and debugging kernel-level C code across our Linux kernel module, Windows kernel driver, and eBPF programs.
Owning end-to-end debugging of complex production issues, including kernel crashes and low-level system failures, while driving root-cause analysis and post-mortems for production environments.
Acting as the technical lead for a small team by reviewing critical kernel/eBPF code mentoring engineers, unblocking complex issues, and guiding key technical decisions.

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of production C, most of it at the kernel or driver level.
Proven production experience with Linux kernel, Windows drivers, or eBPF.
Hands-on eBPF experience, including writing programs, working with the verifier, and ensuring cross-kernel portability.
Solid understanding of kernel fundamentals, including concurrency, memory safety, and low-level debugging.
Experience with kernel software operations, including driver signing, Secure Boot, cross-kernel compatibility, and CI for multi-version environments.
Deep technical judgment and ability to identify potential issues in kernel code before they reach production.
Exceptional ability to debug kernel crashes and other severe bugs.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Professional development opportunities
Development opportunities available
GROW and Mentoring programs
Internal events like APEX Expo
Tools such as Linkedin Learning