Principal Software Engineer, Linux Kernel Storage

Red Hat

Principal Software Engineer maintaining Linux kernel block layer at Red Hat. Managing backporting efforts and driving development of emerging technologies in the upstream Linux community.

Posted 6/18/2026full-timeMassachusetts, North Carolina • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $151,510 - $249,950 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Linux

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Maintenance of the Linux kernel block layer, the main software interface between storage drivers, storage protocols, software-defined storage, and file systems
Manage high-volume backporting efforts for RHEL releases, ensuring enterprise distributions remain current with upstream innovations
Implement and promote features that provide direct customer value
Drive the development of emerging block technologies
Solve complex kernel issues and performance bottlenecks
Maintain a rigorous commitment to quality through the development of upstream CI tests and automated pipelines

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of professional experience in Linux kernel development and maintenance
Authoritative knowledge of the Linux block layer, SCSI, NVMe, and memory management
Proven history of significant upstream kernel contributions and patch review authority
Expert proficiency in C
Experience presenting at tier-1 conferences such as LSF/MM or specialized regional summits

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
Retirement 401(k) with employer match
Paid time off and holidays
Paid parental leave plans for all new parents
Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave
Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!

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Hard Skills & Tools

Linux kernel developmentC programmingbackportingupstream kernel contributionskernel issue resolutionperformance optimizationautomated pipelinesCI testsmemory managementblock technologies

Soft Skills

problem-solvingpresentation skillscommitment to quality