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Senior Staff Linux Kernel Engineer

CrusoeSan Francisco, CA - USCloud Engineering
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Salary
$250K - $300K USD
Job type
Full-time
Posted
13 Aug 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Role Overview

The Senior Staff Linux Kernel Engineer role at Crusoe involves setting the technical roadmap and architectural direction for the Linux kernel team in San Francisco, California. This full-time position suits an experienced systems engineer with over ten years of background in low-level infrastructure who wants to guide large-scale AI and HPC cloud platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct root-cause investigations across hardware and operating system layers, managing kernel vulnerability triage, CVE backporting, and automated security tooling.
Lead key initiatives covering security patching workflows, deployment frameworks, and novel kernel features from conception to production and upstream contribution.
Write and review C code focusing on kernel subsystems including memory management, schedulers, networking, storage, and GPU integrations using an upstream-first approach.
Build and optimize virtualization technologies and device emulation designed for high-performance, low-latency GPU-driven AI workloads.
Discover and execute kernel efficiency enhancements like hugepage optimizations, memory overcommit, and DAMON-based memory management.
Coach and mentor junior and mid-level engineering team members.

Requirements

Bring ten or more years of professional systems software engineering experience focused on low-level infrastructure and systems.
Demonstrate expert-level understanding of Linux kernel internals spanning memory management, schedulers, I/O, storage, networking subsystems, and device drivers.
Exhibit strong C programming capabilities alongside practical familiarity with kernel development workflows, mailing lists, patch submissions, and Lore.
Possess proven capability in assessing kernel security flaws, analyzing CVEs, and backporting patches.
Show a track record of driving complex technical projects end-to-end and setting architectural direction.
Familiarize with virtualization stacks like KVM, Xen, or QEMU.

Nice to Have

Proven history of direct contributions to the upstream Linux kernel community.

Skills and Tools

C programming language
Linux kernel development and upstream patch workflows
Kernel subsystems (memory management, CPU scheduler, networking, storage, device drivers)
Virtualization technologies (KVM, QEMU, Xen)
Security vulnerability analysis, CVE assessment, and automated tool development

Salary and Benefits

Annual base compensation ranging from $250,000 to $300,000, plus performance bonuses
Restricted Stock Units included with offers
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with employer HSA contributions
401(k) retirement plan featuring employer matching up to four percent
Paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and various leave programs
Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage
Professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, and wellness support
Commuter benefits for parking and transit, daily meal allowances, and cell phone stipends
Volunteer time off, global travel insurance, and emergency assistance

About the Company

Crusoe operates as a vertically integrated AI infrastructure company designed to power massive AI workloads directly from the energy layer to token generation. The organization focuses on solving energy bottlenecks for AI development through an innovative, energy-first infrastructure approach that prioritizes sustainability and high-performance scalability.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official Crusoe careers page to submit an application for this position.

Questions candidates ask

What is the location of the Senior Staff Linux Kernel Engineer position?

The role is located in San Francisco, California.

How many years of experience are required for this role?

Candidates must have 10+ years of experience in systems software engineering working on low-level systems or infrastructure teams.

What is the salary range for this position?

The compensation ranges from $250,000 to $300,000 per year, plus bonuses and Restricted Stock Units.

Is remote work available for this job?

No, this is an on-site role located in San Francisco, CA.

What benefits are included with employment at Crusoe?

Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching up to 4%, paid time off, parental leave, daily meal allowances, professional development, and commuter benefits.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Crusoe careers page.

Apply on company site