Senior Software Engineer – Linux Kernel Development

Akamai Technologies

. Develop new features to improve Akamai Cloud Platform performance, reliability, and security .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeRemote • Massachusetts • United StatesSenior💰 $121,400 - $218,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Linux Kernel Development, including debugging and performance optimization, while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. Proficient in C programming and familiar with scripting languages such as Perl and Python to enhance automation and contribute to open source projects.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Linux Kernel DevelopmentC ProgrammingDebugging SkillsContinuous Testing AutomationCommunication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C ProgrammingLinux Kernel DevelopmentDebuggingPerl ScriptingPython ScriptingShell ScriptingMemory ManagementFilesystemsTCP/IP StackConcurrent Programming

Soft Skills

Verbal CommunicationWritten Communication

Tools & Technologies

Akamai Cloud PlatformLinux KernelBuild Automation ToolsTest Automation Tools

Industry Keywords

Continuous TestingOpen Source ContributionsNetwork ProtocolsData StructuresAlgorithms

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudLinuxOpen SourcePerlPythonShell ScriptingTCP/IP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop new features to improve Akamai Cloud Platform performance, reliability, and security
Port Akamai modifications to newer Linux kernel versions
Debug and fix issues in complex test and production environments
Enhance build and test automation for Continuous Testing
Collaborate with platform, application development, test, and hardware development teams
Work with the open source community to upstream contributions
Monitor upstream Linux kernel and operating system changes and emerging industry trends
Build, maintain, and improve Akamai's custom Linux kernel

Requirements

What you’ll need

5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent
3+ years of software development experience in C, focused on Linux kernel development
Experience with Perl, Python, or Shell scripting
Solid understanding of Linux kernel internals
Experience with Linux kernel debugging
Familiarity with at least two of memory management, filesystems, block IO, TCP/IP stack, and KVM
Working knowledge of concurrent programming, data structures, algorithms, complexity analysis, and network protocols including TCP/UDP/IP, Ethernet, QUIC, and HTTP/TLS
Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Benefits

Comp & perks

Healthcare
401K savings plan
Company holidays
Vacation in the form of PTO
Sick time
Parental leave
Employee assistance program
Mental and financial wellness support
Annual bonus or incentives
Equity awards
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
Flexible work arrangements at home, in an office, or a combination of both