# Software Engineer - Platform Core

**Company:** [xAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/xai)
**Location:** Palo Alto, CA, Seattle, WA
**Role:** Embedded Engineering
**Salary:** $180k – $440k/yr
**Skills:** C, C++, Linux, linux kernel, computer networking, device drivers, ftrace, perf, wireshark, tcpdump, ebpf, gdb, jtag, dma, pcie
**Posted:** 2026-08-03

> Build and operate the Linux-based operating system, device drivers, and production tooling for a high-performance supercomputer network fabric. The role requires strong C/C++ systems programming, operating-systems and networking expertise, and experience with hardware bring-up and driver optimization.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities

- Build and maintain a lean, high-reliability Linux-based operating system underpinning a supercomputer network fabric.
- Write or rewrite high-performance device drivers to maximize the capabilities of network and compute hardware.
- Manage deployment, operation, and production debugging of the platform.
- Resolve and root-cause anomalies to continuously improve system reliability.
- Develop and improve observability and configuration-management tools.
- Collaborate with hardware teams and external partners to design next-generation supercomputer hardware and bring up the OS and software stack.

## Requirements

- Hands-on systems programming experience in **C** or **C++**.
- Strong operating-systems fundamentals, including scheduling, memory management, and I/O.
- Understanding of computer networking in the host OS stack and in common network devices such as switches and routers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

## Nice-to-haves

- Deep knowledge of the **Linux kernel** and its networking stack, or transferable experience with another production-grade kernel.
- Proficiency with debugging tools spanning kernel, network, and userspace, including **ftrace**, **perf**, **Wireshark**, **tcpdump**, **eBPF**, and **gdb**.
- Experience bringing up new hardware, including flashing bare-metal software on a microcontroller with **JTAG** or bootstrapping a Linux kernel and root filesystem.
- Experience developing and optimizing device or peripheral drivers, particularly for high-speed interfaces or systems involving **DMA** and cache coherency.
- Understanding of peripheral hardware interface standards including **Ethernet**, **PCIe**, **I2C**, and **SPI**.
- Experience with product security, operating-system hardening, and secure-boot schemes.

## Compensation and Benefits

- **Base salary: $180,000–$440,000 USD**
- Equity
- Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Various discounts and perks

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