Principal Software Engineer, Linux Kernel Storage

About the Job

Red Hat is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our Storage-IO team. In this role, you will help maintain the Linux kernel block layer—a critical intersection of file systems, databases, and various block drivers including SCSI and NVMe. This position requires someone who has strong Linux kernel skills and will be part of the upstream Linux community, participating in technical direction and ensuring the stability and performance of the enterprise storage stack.

• Maintain the Linux kernel block layer, the main software interface between storage drivers, storage protocols, software‑defined storage, and file systems.
• Manage high‑volume backporting efforts for RHEL releases, ensuring enterprise distributions remain current with upstream innovations.
• Implement and promote features that provide direct customer value.
• Drive the development of emerging block technologies.
• Solve complex kernel issues and performance bottlenecks.
• Maintain a rigorous commitment to quality through the development of upstream CI tests and automated pipelines.

• 7+ years of professional experience in Linux kernel development and maintenance.
• Authoritative knowledge of the Linux block layer, SCSI, NVMe, and memory management.
• Proven history of significant upstream kernel contributions and patch review authority.
• Expert proficiency in
  
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• Experience presenting at tier‑1 conferences such as LSF/MM or specialized regional summits.

• Mentorship:
  Demonstrated ability to grow junior engineers and interns into high‑impact contributors.
• Innovation:
  Ability to identify opportunities in emerging technologies (e.g., Zoned Name spaces, ) and translate them into production‑ready features.
• Global Influence:
  Experience representing the organization in international technical communities and conferences.
• Customer Focus: A track record of rapid response to critical customer hangs or data‑path issues with accurate, upstream‑first fixes.

Salary range: $ – $. Actual offer will be based on your qualifications. Red Hat determines compensation based on several factors including but not limited to job location, experience, applicable skills and training, external market value, and internal pay equity. Annual salary is one component of Red Hat’s compensation package. This position may also be eligible for bonus, commission, and/or equity.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account – healthcare and dependent care.
• Health Savings Account – high deductible medical plan.
• Retirement 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Paid parental leave plans for all new parents.
• Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Family planning reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Transportation expense account.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional benefits.

Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Red Hat supports individuals with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations to job applicants.