Principal Linux Kernel Engineer – NVIDIA CPU Server Platforms

Location: US, CA, Santa Clara

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

As a Principal Linux Kernel Engineer, you will lead the effort to develop and perform our upstream-first Linux kernel plan for NVIDIA CPU Server platforms. This role lets you impact hardware architecture, guide kernel development, and work with diverse experts to implement NVIDIA's next-generation CPU and SoC architectures effectively. Come join our team and help craft the future of computing!

What you'll be doing:

• Own and drive the Linux kernel strategy for NVIDIA CPU platforms with an upstream-first development model.

• Lead the upstream enablement of NVIDIA CPU platforms across major Linux kernel subsystems while minimizing downstream maintenance.

• Track Linux kernel evolution and drive technical roadmaps across core subsystems including memory management, scheduling, virtualization, PCIe, ACPI, RAS, CXL, networking, filesystems, and security.

• Partner with CPU architects, hardware designers, firmware teams, and software engineers to influence hardware architecture and interfaces for clean, upstream-friendly Linux support.

• Represent NVIDIA in the Linux open-source community by collaborating with subsystem maintainers, driving upstream reviews, and advocating for NVIDIA technologies.

• Lead the architecture and implementation of Linux kernel support for next-generation CPU and SoC features, identifying opportunities to simplify software through hardware and firmware design improvements.

• Establish best practices for upstream development, code quality, kernel review processes, and long-term maintainability while mentoring engineers across the organization.

• Collaborate with Linux distributions, ecosystem partners, and internal engineering teams to enable NVIDIA CPU platforms and shape future Linux kernel capabilities.

What we need to see:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or equivalent experience.

• 14+ years of experience developing Linux kernel software.

• Deep expertise in Linux kernel internals and multiple kernel subsystems.

• Recognized contributor with an established reputation in the Linux kernel community, including experience reviewing and influencing upstream kernel development.

• Strong understanding of CPU architecture, memory management, interrupts, scheduling, synchronization, virtualization, ACPI, PCIe, and device drivers.

• Experience leading complex cross-functional software initiatives.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence technical direction across engineering organizations.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

• Current or former Linux kernel maintainer for a major upstream Linux kernel subsystem.

• Experience enabling Linux on new CPU or SoC architectures.

• Familiarity with ARM64 or server-class CPU platforms.

Widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers, NVIDIA offers highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. As you plan your future, see what we can offer to you and your family www.nvidiabenefits.com/ 

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 272,000 USD - 431,250 USD.Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 9, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.