Senior Software Development Engineer - Linux Kernel, AWS Hardware Engineering

Application deadline: Nov 11, 2026

Join AWS Hardware Engineering to design the servers powering the world's leading cloud platform and AI/ML infrastructure. We're seeking an exceptional Linux Kernel Engineer to accelerate critical kernel initiatives across millions of servers worldwide.

We are seeking an exceptional Linux Kernel Engineer to join our server firmware team. In this role, you will lead Linux kernel patching, code development, and version adoption for our server management controllers across a massive global fleet. You will ensure our kernel remains current, secure, and compliant with strict patching service-level agreements that directly impact AWS infrastructure reliability. Your work will power the backbone of AWS compute infrastructure, including the servers that enable AI/ML workloads for customers worldwide.

The ideal candidate will be an innovative self-starter with deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, device driver development, and embedded Linux systems. You will gain comprehensive understanding of our server firmware kernel stack and analyze it in both current and future contexts.

Using your systems knowledge, you will architect solutions to complex multi-factor problems, including kernel upgrade strategies that minimize customer impact, address security vulnerabilities rapidly, and optimize operational efficiency across millions of servers supporting diverse workloads from traditional compute to advanced machine learning applications.

You will collaborate with engineers across AWS and external partners, leading development efforts that span kernel security, hardware enablement, and platform services teams. Your work will directly contribute to critical initiatives that keep our infrastructure patched, secure, and operationally excellent-ensuring the foundation for tomorrow's AI/ML innovations remains robust and scalable.

AWS Engineers are shaping the way people use computers and designing the future of cloud computing technology - come help us make history!

Key job responsibilities

• Design and develop firmware solutions for AWS servers, contributing to server designs that power millions of customer workloads.
• Lead the complete development lifecycle from initial conception through production deployment, ensuring robust and scalable firmware implementations across our massive server fleet.
• Architect and implement firmware deployment strategies that minimize customer impact while maintaining the highest standards of security and operational excellence.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including hardware engineers, validation teams, software services to optimize functionality and performance.
• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies and their potential impact on AWS infrastructure, making recommendations for adoption and integration into our firmware stack.
• Drive technical solutions for problems, balancing security requirements, operational efficiency, and system reliability.
• Tailor firmware solutions specifically for the AWS environment, ensuring seamless integration with our unique infrastructure requirements and operational workflows.
• Mentor team members and contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes, tools, and best practices.

A day in the life

Most mornings, you'll dive into code-whether that's developing new security features, optimizing firmware deployment strategies, or debugging a tricky issue that's affecting a subset of servers.

• You'll collaborate a lot.
• Maybe it's a quick sync with platform teams about an upcoming deployment, or a deeper technical discussion with hardware engineers about a new server design.
• You might work with internal customers to understand their requirements.

Some days you'll be architecting solutions to complex problems. Other days you might be mentoring a teammate through a code review or exploring a new technology that could improve our firmware stack.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
• 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
• 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
• Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent

Additional information

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Pay and benefits

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave.

• USA, CA, Cupertino - 193,300.00 - 261,500.00 USD annually
• USA, CO, Denver - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually
• USA, OR, Portland - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually
• USA, WA, Seattle - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually