System Software Lead - Linux Kernels

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SMTS SOFTWARE SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEER

The Role

AMD is seeking a highly motivated SMTS System Software Lead to drive the development and enablement of next-generation Linux platform software solutions. The candidate will lead the architecture, development, debugging, and delivery of Linux kernel and low-level system software features for AMD server, embedded, and AI platforms.

The ideal candidate will possess deep Linux kernel expertise along with strong knowledge in at least one of the following technologies:

• PCI Express (PCIe)
• Compute Express Link (CXL)
• Ethernet / Networking
• IOMMU
• Linux DMA Framework

The role requires close collaboration with Architecture, Silicon Design, Firmware, BIOS, Validation, Open Source, and Customer Engineering teams to enable leading-edge platform capabilities.

The Person

We are looking for a hands-on technical leader who:

• Has deep Linux kernel expertise
• Demonstrates strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills
• Is self-driven and capable of independently driving complex technical initiatives
• Has strong ownership and accountability
• Excels at solving challenging system-level software issues
• Possesses excellent collaboration and communication skills
• Enjoys mentoring and providing technical leadership across teams
• Has familiarity with Windows architecture and debugging environments
• Thrives in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead architecture, design, and development of Linux kernel and system software solutions
• Drive technical direction and execution for platform software initiatives
• Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across projects
• Conduct design and code reviews to ensure high-quality deliverables

Linux Kernel Development

• Design and develop Linux kernel drivers and subsystem enhancements
• Develop and maintain low-level platform software
• Optimize kernel performance, scalability, and reliability
• Contribute to upstream Linux projects where applicable

Platform I/O Ownership

• Own and drive software enablement in one or more areas: PCIe, CXL, Ethernet, IOMMU, or Linux DMA Framework
• Work on PCIe enumeration, hot-plug, AER, SR-IOV, ATS, PASID, and related platform enablement
• Enable CXL memory and device functionality
• Support Ethernet driver development and networking performance optimization
• Drive IOMMU, DMA remapping, virtualization, and device isolation technologies

Debugging and Root Cause Analysis

• Investigate complex issues spanning hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, drivers, and applications
• Perform deep root-cause analysis using traces, logs, dumps, and debugging tools
• Drive closure of customer and product escalation issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve system-level problems

Customer and Product Enablement

• Support features bring-up and productization activities
• Assist in customer issue resolution and technical escalations
• Ensure delivery of robust and production-quality software solutions

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in Linux system software or kernel development
• Expert-level proficiency in C programming
• Strong understanding of Linux kernel internals including:
• Memory Management
• Scheduler
• Interrupt Handling
• Synchronization Mechanisms
• Device Driver Framework
• Filesystems
• Power Management
• Deep expertise in at least one of:
• PCIe
• CXL
• Ethernet
• IOMMU
• DMA Framework
• Strong debugging and performance analysis experience
• Experience working on x86 architectures
• Experience with Git and modern software development practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with virtualization technologies such as KVM, Xen, Hyper-V, or SR-IOV
• Familiarity with UEFI, BIOS, and firmware architecture
• Familiarity with Windows kernel architecture and driver debugging
• Understanding of ACPI, NUMA, and RAS technologies
• Experience contributing to open-source Linux projects

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Success Characteristics

• Self-driven and highly motivated
• Strong technical ownership
• Exceptional debugging and problem-solving skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Collaborative leadership style
• Continuous learning and innovation mindset

#LI-NR1

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.