Kernel Programming

Sep 15, 2018 32 Comments

I am from Linux kernel background with C/C++ and Python exp .I am not finding much options in Linux kernel in new generation companies except AWS.
I am getting pings for only user space based jobs or
jobs from legacy companies.

I am looking for a system programming job in a startup/high growth company.
Any openings that you know off?

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 TOP 32 Comments
  • Facebook / Eng 5'6"Indian
    You are FANG material OP. I too am a low level coder and I was depressed when I realized that every desktop app today written by a SV company is written in JavaScript and packaged with Electron. No native C++. Even msft uses JS+Electron for VSCode.
    I made the switch to F 1+ year ago. I did struggle initially to learn all high level tech but you are a better programmer because your knowledge goes all the way down to the kernel.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Google RockLobsta
    Want a referral to G? We have a lot of interesting kernel programming work going on.
    Sep 15, 2018 1
    • Amazon thealpha
      Hi - do you consider anyone with c/c++ experience in user space?
      Sep 15, 2018
  • OP
    All the companies seems to be moving away from these kind of stuff.
    I got calls from legacy companies like HPE/cisco/juniper.
    Sep 15, 2018 1
    • Intel uturn
      I know :( I have similar exp as you .. planning to move closer to cloud
      Sep 15, 2018
  • OP
    Part of the problem is that I like what I do here. But the pay sucks here.I had multiple conversations with my manager about a pay correction and it's not getting any traction.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Oracle speedex
    You'll be in demand 5+ years from now. Don't hold your breath! Until then, stay sharp with anything that brings in the paycheck. You aren't going to find interviewers who would appreciate those skills in you at web and app based companies.
    Sep 15, 2018 7
    • Oracle speedex
      Well, these things are cyclical. In a few years, when people realize that they no longer have the reliability in public cloud and slow, high-level frameworks, the focus will come back to improving infrastructure. Currently, we're going through a cycle of utilizing existing tools and technologies. When they finally stabilize and realize the gaps and limitations, they'll start looking for kernel and low-level programmers. These days, even top schools let CS students graduate with Python and Java skills without ever touching C or C++ in their curricula! Guess which skills would be scarce vs oversupplied in 5-10 years?

      P.S. if interview processes don't evolve, they'll still hire the Python programmers with hot company experience for doing future low-level work. You have to keep your game up and stay relevant until then by working on hot assignments even at legacy companies.
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Airbnb jim.hodlen
      which top school is that? fwiw, unix and C and basic system programming has been a staple at cmu for a long time
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Oracle speedex
      That's the feedback I get from HS and college students.

      Let's see this, for example:
      http://catalog.mit.edu/degree-charts/computer-science-engineering-course-6-3/
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Airbnb jim.hodlen
      well eecs programs have to make trade-offs as they are broader in scope than pure cs. 6.033 is as close as it gets to a typical systems programming class
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Oracle speedex
      Right...and that's how we get programmers who solve problems in the wrong place - hammer and nail analogy (gross simplification, but something like that). It's a whole philosophical discussion for a different forum!
      Sep 15, 2018
  • Uber Thor24
    Not directly Kernel related but what about Rubrik/Cohesity? They should definitely have work which could use your skill set?
    What about Google/GCP?
    Sep 15, 2018 1
    • LinkedIn Xyz0928
      Try google
      They will definitely have things happening on kernel stuff
      Especially the core boot team which they call “Linux boot” now
      They are rewriting lot of proprietary bios boot stuff.
      Yeah GCP is hiring crazily now
      Sep 15, 2018
  • Qualcomm super1234
    Bay area ?
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • OP
    Current Salary:
    Base : 145k
    Bonus: 10%
    Long term incentives: 20k
    YOE: 6
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • OP
    I am not a FAANG material.
    That's the another problem.
    Sep 15, 2018 2
    • Salesforce Quitforce
      Don't discount yourself; if you don't give your best shot, you don't know for sure
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Netflix / Eng LukeCage
      Having worked at Apple, and now at Netflix, you'd be surprised. Always apply, there's no risk.
      Sep 15, 2018
  • OP
    What should be a reasonable comp in seattle for my experience.
    I had an offer from Tableau
    160k/250k worth RSU in 4 years/ 50k joining bonus.
    Is the salary reasonable for seattle.
    I have declined the offer since the work is entirely different from what I am looking for.
    Sep 15, 2018 2
    • Microsoft vuvuzela
      Seems like a good Seattle offer. You only want low level OS jobs?

      What about embedded, networking, drivers, codecs, etc.
      Sep 15, 2018
    • Intel uturn
      What are the good companies for " embedded, networking, drivers, codecs, etc."
      Sep 15, 2018
  • Apple EYel16
    Apple always keeps hiring kernel developers. Needless to say, high TC. DM me if you are interested.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Microsoft gfba68
    Cisco is hiring and I hear it's become a much nicer place to work of late
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Amazon Pkhfsaw
    Work for Amazon in Dresden, Germany. Amazon Linux kernel team is there.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Zillow Group ENOENT
    What are you looking todo in your next gig ?
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Facebook spinlocks
    Plenty of demand for that. In fact, if you’re any good, recruiters from the big companies will reach out all the time. The kicker is that you need to be doing upstream work, not internal forks or hacks.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Netflix / Eng LukeCage
    We had some at Netflix for a bit, and I know there's tons of demand at Google
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • OP
    I am currently in Seattle. But seriously thinking of bay area since I am not finding anything interesting in Seattle.
    Sep 15, 2018 0
  • Salesforce Quitforce
    Try applying to Lyft Level 5 (PM me for referral through my contacts if interested)
    Sep 15, 2018 0

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