Senior Software Engineer - Kernel & Device Drivers

The era of pervasive AI has arrived. In this era, organizations will use generative AI to unlock hidden value in their data, accelerate processes, reduce costs, drive efficiency and innovation to fundamentally transform their businesses and operations at scale.

SambaNova Suite is the first full-stack, generative AI platform, from chip to model, optimized for enterprise and government organizations. Powered by the intelligent SN40L chip, the SambaNova Suite is a fully integrated platform, delivered on-premises or in the cloud, combined with state-of-the-art open-source models that can be easily and securely fine-tuned using customer data for greater accuracy. Once adapted with customer data, customers retain model ownership in perpetuity, so they can turn generative AI into one of their most valuable assets.

Overview

SambaNova is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to develop kernel-level drivers and low-level
software for high-speed IO and memory subsystems within the DataScale platform and RDU
architecture.

You will enable system bring-up, debug complex cross-layer issues, and deliver
production-quality software that scales across systems and deployments. Working across
kernel, firmware, and hardware, you will build robust, maintainable drivers and frameworks
supporting validation, manufacturing, and system performance.

This is a hands-on role for an engineer with strong low-level programming skills, solid hardware
understanding, and a focus on reliability, performance, and code quality.

Responsibilities
Kernel & Driver Development
Develop and maintain kernel-space drivers for high-speed IO and memory subsystems
Enable platform bring-up and support driver integration across new silicon and system
configurations
Write clean, maintainable, production-quality code and drive code reviews
System Bring-Up & Debug
Support system bring-up from early silicon through production
Debug complex issues across kernel, firmware, and hardware layers
Drive issues to root cause and resolution in collaboration with cross-functional teams
PHY & Hardware Interaction
Support PHY initialization and validation across high-speed interfaces
Debug issues related to IO, memory, and PHY subsystems in coordination with
hardware teams
Interpret hardware specifications and schematics to guide bring-up and debug
Performance & Validation Software
Develop tools and frameworks for performance analysis, validation, and manufacturing
test
Identify system bottlenecks and implement optimizations across driver and system layers
Enable post-silicon validation through software automation and infrastructure

Basic Qualifications
BS/MS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in kernel or low-level system software development
Additional Required Qualifications
Familiar with Linux kernel, drivers, user space libraries, and applications with strong
Linux fundamentals
Strong C/C++ programming and debugging skills; scripting experience (Python, shell)
Experience with high-speed IO or interconnects such as PCIe, Ethernet, or similar
technologies
Experience with system bring-up and hardware-software co-debug
Experience with manufacturing test flows
Familiarity with development tools such as Git, Docker, Jenkins, or Bazel
Familiarity with build systems and toolchains (GCC, LLVM, Make, CMake)
Strong ownership and ability to drive issues to resolution
Clear communicator with a collaborative, problem-solving mindset

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PHY bring-up and initialization
Ability to read and understand hardware specifications and register-level documentation
Exposure to pre-silicon validation (FPGA, emulation) and post-silicon bring-up
Familiarity with board schematics and low-level hardware interaction
Solid debugging skills using logs, trace tools (GDB), JTAG, or hardware debuggers
Background in high-performance or accelerator-based systems

Base Salary Range:

Base Pay Range

$120,000-$200,000 USD

Submission GuidelinesPlease note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at SambaNova Systems, you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified.

EEO PolicySambaNova Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Benefits Summary for US-Based, Full-Time Employment Positions
SambaNova offers a competitive total rewards package, including the base salary, plus equity and benefits. We cover 95% premium coverage for employee medical insurance, and 77% premium coverage for dependents and offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution. We also offer Dental, Vision, Short/Long term Disability, Basic Life, Voluntary Life, and AD&D insurance plans in addition to Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options like Health Care, Limited Purpose, and Dependent Care. Our library of well-being benefits available to you and your dependents includes a full subscription to Headspace, Gympass+ membership with access to physical gyms, One Medical membership, counseling services with an Employee Assistance Program, and much more.