> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1788985-principal-software-development-engineer-in-test](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1788985-principal-software-development-engineer-in-test). 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). --- # Principal Software Development Engineer in Test - **Company:** Akamai Technologies - **Location:** Honolulu, HI, United States - **Salary:** $169,300.0 - $304,700.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Computing Platforms, Automation of Tests, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, File Systems, Memory Management, Perl (Programming Language), Ethernet, Python (Programming Language), Kernel-Based Virtual Machine, Linux Kernel, Akamai, Verification and Validation (Software), TCP/IP, Strategies of Testing, Scripting, SDET - **Published:** July 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/F8144B6DBA7643AFA4268A3683ED741E/job/ ## About the Role * Have 12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent * Have experience in software validation/development in C with a solid focus on Linux kernel infrastructure and experience in scripting (Python/Shell/Perl) * Possess a deep understanding of Linux kernel internals (KVM, virtio drivers, cgroups, memory management, file systems, block IO, ethernet drivers, and TCP/IP stack) * Have extensive experience with Linux kernel debugging tools, performance benchmarking, and continuous testing/CI frameworks * Be a motivated self-starter and established technical leader who thrives on collaborating with others to solve highly complex infrastructure challenges ## Description As a Principal SDET, you will lead the test strategy for Akamai's custom Linux kernel. You will design scalable continuous testing infrastructure and troubleshoot complex system issues. This will help validate feature functionality and maximize the performance of a global AI and Compute platform known for its dependability. As a Principal Software Development Engineer in Test, you will be responsible for: * Designing, building, and scaling advanced automated test frameworks to validate the performance, reliability, and security of the Akamai Linux kernel for AI and Compute platforms * Developing test suites to validate new custom enhancements and facilitate porting existing Akamai modifications to newer versions of the Linux kernel and VM infrastructure software * Debugging, isolating, and troubleshooting complex, low-level system issues found in a variety of testing and simulated production environments * Architecting and enhancing existing build and test automation infrastructure to achieve robust, continuous integration and testing * Providing technical leadership, setting quality standards, and mentoring junior members of the organization ## Related Videos - [What the Heck is Edge Computing Anyway?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/593-what-the-heck-is-edge-computing-anyway) - [Continuous testing - run automated tests for every change!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/190-continuous-testing-run-automated-tests-for-every-change) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Why I Love End-2-End Tests and How To Get Them Right](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/996-why-i-love-end-2-end-tests-and-how-to-get-them-right) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [Debunking the Top 10 Myths about Web 3](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/634-debunking-the-top-10-myths-about-web-3) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [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)