Principal Software Engineer – Linux Kernel Performance

Akamai Technologies

Principal Software Engineer focusing on improving performance for Akamai's distributed Linux environment. Analyzing, designing, and developing solutions while collaborating with global teams.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeRemote • 🇨🇦 CanadaLead💰 CA$140,400 - CA$252,800 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive experience in system performance analysis and solution implementation, with a strong focus on programming in C and Python. Proficient in utilizing performance analysis tools and virtualization technologies to enhance system efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C ProgrammingPython ProgrammingLinux Kernel UnderstandingPerformance Analysis ToolsVirtualization Technologies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingPython ProgrammingBash ScriptingPerl ScriptingLinux Kernel UnderstandingPerformance Analysis ToolsConcurrent ProgrammingData StructuresAlgorithmsNetwork Protocols

Soft Skills

TrainingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

QemuKVMVDPADPDKSR-IOVLinux PerfBCC ToolsBPF

Industry Keywords

System PerformanceComputer System ArchitecturesMetrics CollectionVisualizations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LinuxPerlPython

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Analyzing system performance, identify problems, design, develop, and implement solutions.
Extending metrics collection and create visualizations to better quantify systems performance.
Building tooling to help identify system performance problems faster.
Training other Akamai engineers to identify performance issues.
Working with teams across the company to implement your solutions.

Requirements

What you’ll need

12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Extensive programming experience in C, as well as experience in Python, Bash, or Perl.
Deep understanding of the Linux kernel and computer system architectures.
Experience with virtualization technologies (Qemu, KVM) and hardware offload technologies (VDPA, DPDK, SR-IOV).
Experience with performance analysis tools like Linux perf, bcc tools, BPF, etc.
Experience with concurrent programming, data structures, algorithms, complexity analysis.
Proficiency with network protocols, including IP, IPv6, TCP, UDP.

Benefits

Comp & perks

We support your health, well-being, finances, and life beyond work.
Eligibility requirements apply.
Annual bonus or incentives.
Equity awards.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
Industry-leading healthcare benefits.
Family friendly benefits including employee assistance program.