# Senior Performance Engineer

**Company:** [Crusoe](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/crusoe)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** DevOps / SRE
**Salary:** $170k – $205k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** linux kernel, Go, C, C++, Rust, performance benchmarking, kernel optimization, systems performance tuning, low-level optimization, data plane tuning
**Posted:** 2026-07-20

> Senior Performance Engineer responsible for Linux kernel optimization, system benchmarking, and low-level performance tuning to enhance Crusoe's AI cloud infrastructure. Requires deep Linux kernel expertise, proficiency in Go/C/C++, and hands-on experience with performance optimization in complex environments.

## Job Description

## What You'll Be Working On
- System Performance Benchmarking: Design and execute rigorous benchmarks to analyze system behavior, identifying bottlenecks and opportunities for performance enhancement.
- Kernel Optimization: Develop and implement low-level optimizations within the Linux kernel to maximize efficiency and system throughput.
- Hands-on Development: Write and maintain high-performance code using Go, C, C++, or Rust to drive infrastructure improvements.
- Data Plane Tuning: Focus on data plane performance, ensuring our cloud architecture meets the high-speed requirements of modern AI workloads.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Software Infrastructure, Product, and other engineering teams to align performance initiatives with broader organizational goals.
- Technical Problem-Solving: Actively troubleshoot complex system issues, applying an analytical approach to ensure reliability and scalability.
- Strategic Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to team documentation and best practices, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.

## What You'll Bring to the Team
- Linux Kernel Mastery: Deep expertise in Linux system internals and kernel-level programming is essential for this role.
- Programming Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Go, C, and C++ (Rust is also a strong asset).
- Systems Performance Mindset: A proven track record of hands-on performance tuning, benchmarking, and optimization in complex environments.
- Educational Foundation: A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Collaborative Spirit: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, communicating complex technical concepts clearly to stakeholders.
- AI Ecosystem Familiarity: Experience or exposure to the Artificial Intelligence/Cloud ecosystem and standard industry tooling.

## Bonus Points
- Hands-on experience with Rust development.
- Prior experience working in high-scale cloud or infrastructure engineering environments.
- Deep familiarity with performance-critical infrastructure components beyond the kernel layer.
- Experience with specific low-level performance analysis and tracing tools.

## Benefits
- Competitive compensation and equity packages
- Restricted Stock Units
- Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs
- Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance
- Employer contributions to HSA account
- Paid parental leave
- Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability
- Professional development & tuition reimbursement
- Mental health & wellness support
- Commuter benefits (parking & transit)
- Cell phone stipend
- 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary
- Volunteer time off
- Global travel insurance & emergency assistance
- Daily meals allowance
- Additional perks & programs specific to location

**Compensation Range**
Compensation will be paid in the range of up to $170,000 - $205,000. + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant's knowledge, education, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

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