Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Kernel

2 days ago Menlo Park, CA

At Meta, we're building and operating one of the world's most dynamic and fast-paced networks, powering our global data centers and supporting cutting-edge technologies like AI, Generative AI, Recommendation engines, and Metaverse. Our network infrastructure teams are responsible for developing, deploying, and operating this complex system, covering the entire network lifecycle from hardware development to operation. We're seeking software engineers with proven experience to join our teams and help build scalable distributed systems, develop innovative solutions to our challenges, and ship them into production. As part of our network engineering teams, you'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge switching technology, collaborate with talented engineers, and contribute to the development of Meta's hyper-scale network infrastructure.The Kernel team supports the Linux kernel used in Meta's production infrastructure. Our work advances Meta infrastructure projects through innovation and leadership in the open source community. Our engineers have the unique opportunity to build scope and influence internally at Meta and also through collaboration with our peers in the industry. The kernel team works on tasks like:-Creating custom kernel changes for internal needs-Merging upstream changes into the Meta Linux Kernel-Working with the Linux community outside of Meta to develop features and fix bugs-Investigating Linux-related performance issues and failures-Periodically building and initial testing of Meta's new kernel rpms-Creating tooling to assist with Kernel development

Software Engineer (Technical Leadership) - Kernel Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and validate Linux Kernel and userspace software
  • Debug complex system-level issues and lead performance tuning exercises to optimize software stack performance
  • Understand software components from multiple partner teams, lead integration efforts, and drive continued development
  • Develop and automate test suites for CI/CD framework and various components
  • Collaborate with partner teams to integrate software components, align on goals, and participate in oncall rotations
  • Participate in multiple open source communities through patch review, conferences, and discussions
Minimum Qualifications:

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  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 10+ years software development experience in industry settings or PhD with 4+ years of experience
  • 3+ years relevant experience with Linux kernel, firmware, or other low level systems programming
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and at least one scripting language (Python/Shell Scripting)
  • Experience leading projects with industry-wide impact
  • Vast experience communicating and working across functions to drive solutions
  • Significant experience in mentoring/influencing experienced engineers across organizations
  • Proven track record of planning multi-year roadmap in which shorter-term projects ladder to the long term mission
  • Experience in driving large cross-functional/industry-wide engineering efforts
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active contributor to the Linux Kernel, Systemd or other relevant open source projects
  • Working knowledge of virtualization, CPU scheduling, memory management, filesystems, or eBPF
  • Experience in hardware driver development and debugging
About Meta:

Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today-beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.

Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.

Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@fb.com.

$213,000/year to $293,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits

Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

Client-provided location(s): Menlo Park, CA
Job ID: a1KDp00000CZJPGMA5
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2025-12-19T19:54:23

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Health Reimbursement Account
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • FSA
    • FSA With Employer Contribution
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • Fitness Subsidies
    • On-Site Gym
    • Mental Health Benefits
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Casual Dress
    • Happy Hours
    • Snacks
    • Some Meals Provided
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Unlimited Paid Time Off
    • Paid Holidays
    • Personal/Sick Days
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Pension
    • Company Equity
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
  • Professional Development

    • Learning and Development Stipend
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

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