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CIQ builds enterprise infrastructure powering demanding workloads across operating systems, AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, and cloud-native orchestration. The company is the founding support and services partner of Rocky Linux and develops the RLC Pro family of Enterprise Linux distributions, Fuzzball workload orchestration, Warewulf Pro cluster provisioning, and Ascender Pro automation. Customers include major enterprises, government agencies, and research institutions in HPC, AI/ML, defense, and regulated industries.
As a Linux Kernel Development Engineer, you will produce and maintain the Linux Kernel for Rocky Linux, working with the development team to define software requirements and lead operational and technical projects. You will help build and maintain a kernel live patch process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the design, development, and maintenance of Linux kernel components for CIQ's products and services
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements and translate them into efficient, scalable kernel designs
- Write high-quality, modular, well-documented code in C and other relevant languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices
- Develop and maintain kernel live patching infrastructure, automation, and tools to improve how the company builds, tests, and releases kernel live patches
- Debug and resolve complex kernel-level issues, including memory management, process scheduling, and inter-process communication
- Collaborate with hardware engineers and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of kernel components with hardware platforms
- Stay updated with latest advancements in the Linux kernel community and evaluate their potential impact on products and services
- Review code submissions from team members and provide constructive feedback to maintain code quality and consistency
- Conduct performance analysis and optimization of kernel components to meet specified performance targets
- Document design decisions, APIs, and processes for future reference and knowledge sharing
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior developers, fostering their growth and development
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in Linux kernel development, with strong focus on system-level programming and device driver development
- Extensive experience designing and developing Linux kernel components, including process management, memory management, and inter-process communication
- Proficiency in C programming and deep understanding of low-level system programming concepts
- In-depth knowledge of Linux kernel internals, file systems, device drivers, kernel module development, and kpatch operation
- Familiarity with hardware platforms and architectures, including x86 and ARM, and their interactions with the Linux kernel
- Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve complex kernel-level issues
- Experience with version control systems, preferably Git, and collaborative development workflows
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with ability to propose innovative solutions to technical challenges
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
- Self-motivated and able to work independently, manage priorities, and meet project deadlines
- Passion for Linux and open source software with strong commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable products
