Senior Linux/SDET Engineer

Remote – United States | Full-Time | Direct Hire MaxIT Consulting – Max Corporate Group is seeking an experienced Senior Linux/SDET Engineer for a leading global technology organization. This opportunity is focused on defining test strategy, automation, and system-level validation for a highly distributed Linux-based AI and compute environment. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, C development, virtualization, debugging, performance testing, and scalable test automation. This is a highly technical role for someone comfortable solving complex infrastructure problems at the operating-system level. What You'll Do Lead the overall testing and validation strategy for custom Linux kernel infrastructure supporting AI and compute environments.Design, build, and scale automated test frameworks focused on performance, reliability, and security.Develop comprehensive test suites for Linux kernel enhancements and infrastructure changes.Support the migration and validation of kernel and virtualization modifications across newer platform versions.Troubleshoot and isolate complex low-level system issues across test and simulated production environments.Perform Linux kernel debugging, performance benchmarking, and system-level validation.Architect and continuously improve build, automation, continuous integration, and continuous testing infrastructure.Partner closely with engineering teams to establish quality standards and improve infrastructure reliability at scale.Provide technical direction and mentorship to other engineers.Help identify and resolve performance, reliability, virtualization, networking, storage, and resource-management issues. Required Qualifications 12+ years of relevant experience in software engineering, development, systems engineering, test engineering, or a closely related technical field.Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.Strong software development and validation experience using C, particularly in Linux kernel or low-level systems environments.Strong scripting and automation experience using Python, Shell, and/or Perl.Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals and system-level infrastructure.Strong hands-on experience with KVM and virtualization.Experience with Virtio drivers and virtualized I/O environments.Strong knowledge of cgroups, memory management, file systems, and block I/O.Knowledge of Ethernet/network drivers and the TCP/IP stack.Extensive experience with Linux kernel debugging and performance benchmarking.Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining continuous integration and automated testing frameworks.Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex system-level and infrastructure issues.Strong communication and collaboration skills in highly technical environments.Ability to operate effectively in a distributed, remote engineering organization. Technical Focus Strong candidates should demonstrate meaningful hands-on experience across several of the following areas: Kernel-level development and validationC programmingKVM and virtualizationVirtioMemory managementcgroupsFile systemsBlock I/ONetwork driversTCP/IPKernel debuggingPerformance benchmarkingPython, Shell, or Perl automationContinuous integrationAutomated and continuous testingSystem-level performance and reliability validation Ideal Background Candidates may come from backgrounds such as: Kernel developmentOperating system engineeringSystems validationVirtualization or hypervisor engineeringInfrastructure test automationLow-level performance engineeringCloud infrastructure engineeringEmbedded or platform systems developmentLarge-scale distributed systems validation Experience supporting enterprise-scale, cloud, hyperscale, or geographically distributed platforms is highly valued. Formal people management is not required. Technical leadership, ownership of testing strategy, and mentoring experience are important. What Success Looks Like The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate examples of solving complex low-level infrastructure problems and improving the quality, performance, or reliability of production-scale systems. Relevant accomplishments may include: Designing kernel-level test strategiesBuilding scalable automated testing frameworksDiagnosing difficult kernel or virtualization issuesImproving performance or reliability through system-level analysisPorting and validating kernel modifications across platform versionsBuilding or improving continuous testing infrastructureDeveloping performance benchmarks and validation methodologiesProviding technical leadership across multiple engineering teams Benefits The benefits package may include: Comprehensive healthcare benefits401(k) savings planAnnual bonus or incentive opportunitiesEquity opportunitiesEmployee Stock Purchase PlanPaid holidays and PTOPaid sick timeParental and family-friendly benefitsEmployee assistance programsMental and financial wellness resources Work Location and Authorization This position is remote within the United States. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Relocation is not required. Interview Process The selection process is expected to include: Technical interview with the Hiring ManagerTechnical panel interviews with discipline and technical leadsFinal non-technical interview with Operations Candidates should be comfortable collaborating with distributed engineering teams across multiple U.S. and international time zones. How to Apply Please submit your application through this platform with an updated resume and relevant professional information. Candidates should be prepared to provide: LinkedIn profileCurrent locationWork authorization statusDesired total compensationInterview availability If you enjoy working at the kernel level, building sophisticated automation, diagnosing difficult systems problems, and improving infrastructure at scale, we would like to hear from you.