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

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

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

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

Soft Skills

Technical LeadershipMentoringProblem-Solving