Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Microsoft

Microsoft

Software Engineering
USD 119,800-234,700 / year
Posted on Oct 22, 2025

Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel

Multiple Locations, United States

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Date posted
Oct 22, 2025
Job number
1898122
Work site
0 days / week in-office - remote
Travel
0-25 %
Role type
Individual Contributor
Profession
Software Engineering
Discipline
Software Engineering
Employment type
Full-Time

Overview

Do you want to participate in creating and delivering the next generation of technologies that automate private and public cloud infrastructures? Are you motivated to contribute to open-source technologies and engaging with communities across the globe? Do you want to join a dynamic and creative team that is making an impact on millions of customers worldwide?


The Linux Systems Group at Microsoft is developing Linux-based technologies, and we are seeking a talented Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel to join our team. If you are interested in working on Linux or open-source projects at Microsoft, this opportunity is for you.


Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 4+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Linux, C, C++, or Rust
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 1+ years experience with Linux kernel and its core modules like memory management, process scheduling, networking, storage, and file system.
  • 1+ years experience with virtualization technologies like KVM, VFIO and QEMU.

Other Requirements:

  • Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
    • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud Background Check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Linux, C, C++, or Rust
    • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 6+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, Linux, C, C++, or Rust
    • OR equivalent experience.
  • 1+ years of experience programming with cloud computing platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or similar.

  • 1+ years of experience demonstrating technical and collaborative skills, including:

    • Aptitude in designing, developing, debugging, and validating products.

    • Effective problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

    • Contributions to open-source projects, such as the Linux kernel or Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF).

    • Experience collaborating with external teams (open source, standards, and/or partners).

Software Engineering IC4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $119,800 - $234,700 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $158,400 - $258,000 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until November 11, 2025.

#azurecorejobs

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with internal and external customers, coordinate design and coding across multiple projects, and partner with independent teams in disparate geographic locations.
  • Working with upstream open-source projects, representing Microsoft as a engaged community partner and contributor.
  • Define and push the limits of innovative technologies working with the latest hardware, the largest servers, and even larger datacenters.
  • Working on research and development in cutting edge accelerations and optimizations to power future public and private clouds.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.
Industry leading healthcare
Educational resources
Discounts on products and services
Savings and investments
Maternity and paternity leave
Generous time away
Giving programs
Opportunities to network and connect

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.