> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1320454-linux-kernel-senior-lead-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1320454-linux-kernel-senior-lead-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Linux Kernel Senior/Lead Software Engineer - **Company:** Arista Networks - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Microprocessors, Network Interface Controllers, Integrated Development Environments, Internet Protocol, Python (Programming Language), Linux Kernel, Software Engineering, System Testing, Information Technology, Hardware Infrastructure - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.dice.com/job-detail/cfc65b58-9328-42de-b612-bf496bf41d91 ## About the Role * BS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 8 years experience, or MS Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 6 years experience, or Ph.D. in Computer Science/Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering + 3 years experience, or equivalent work experience * Expert knowledge of and extensive experience programming in C required. Knowledge of C++ and Python is desirable. * Significant hands-on experience troubleshooting issues, fixing bugs and developing features in the Linux kernel. * Familiarity with Linux kernel architecture, design and implementation. * Familiarity with the upstream Linux community's patching process and procedures. * Understanding of IP networking architecture, design and principles * Applied understanding of modern software engineering principles and practices * Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills. * Strong software design and implementation skills. * Ability to work independently and in small teams. * Ability to communicate articulately, and document your designs and implementations clearly, and concisely. * Familiarity with the x86 and ARM CPU architectures ## Description Arista's Linux Kernel team is responsible for developing and maintaining the Linux kernel in EOS. This includes keeping pace with the latest developments in the upstream Linux Kernel community, and integrating new versions of the upstream kernel as they become available. This work also involves designing and implementing new Linux kernel features, and working with the upstream kernel development community to get these changes incorporated into the mainline Linux kernel code base. Kernel software engineers are also responsible for the CPU subsystems on all Arista products. You will evaluate new CPUs and work with CPU vendors to integrate their kernel support into EOS. You will also help to bring-up and qualify new CPUs in our hardware products. Arista Software Engineering roles demand a strong and broad software engineering background. While the primary focus area for this role is Linux Kernel software, your work will cover all aspects of software development spanning the addition of new features, debugging problems and fine tuning code for scalability and performance. You will own your projects from definition to deployment and customer interactions, and you will be responsible for the quality of everything you deliver. What You'll Do * Track ongoing developments in the Linux Kernel and identify features and functionality of interest to Arista for our products and for internal development needs. * Develop and maintain EOS Kernel features and tests using C, C++ and Python, review and contribute to functional and design specifications. Build automated tests and test infrastructure to validate the features. * Work with hardware engineers and vendors to qualify new Kernel dependent hardware components like CPUs and NICs for integration into Arista products. * Work with the Kernel community to contribute features back to the mainline. * Work with a team of Kernel engineers to integrate new versions of the Kernel for use in EOS and our internal development. * Provide technical leadership across features, projects and tools. * Work with Customer Support Engineers and customers to analyze, mitigate and fix problems in customer networks. * Work with the System Test Engineers to analyze problems found in their tests and provide fixes for those problems. * Mentor new and junior engineers to bring them up to speed in Arista's software development environment. ## Related Videos - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arm Architecture – Write Once, Deploy Anywhere](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/940-unleashing-the-full-potential-of-the-arm-architecture-write-once-deploy-anywhere) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [The best of two worlds - Bringing enterprise-grade Linux to the vehicle](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/67-the-best-of-two-worlds-bringing-enterprise-grade-linux-to-the-vehicle) - [Into the hive of eBPF!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1199-into-the-hive-of-ebpf) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [IT Salaries in Austria](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/286-it-salaries-in-austria) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [Software Developer Salary in Austria [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/213-software-developer-salary-in-austria-2023) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)