Demo

Linux Kernel Architect

SiFive
SiFive Salary
Santa Clara, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/25/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/22/2026
About SiFive

As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V to the highest performance and most data-intensive applications in the world. SiFive’s unrivaled compute platforms are continuing to enable leading technology companies around the world to innovate, optimize and deliver the most advanced solutions of tomorrow across every market segment of chip design, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive, data center, mobile, and consumer. With SiFive, the future of RISC-V has no limits.

At SiFive, we are always excited to connect with talented individuals, who are just as passionate about driving innovation and changing the world as we are.

Our constant innovation and ongoing success is down to our amazing teams of incredibly talented people, who collaborate and support each other to come up with truly groundbreaking ideas and solutions. Solutions that will have a huge impact on people's lives; making the world a better place, one processor at a time.

Are you ready?

To learn more about SiFive’s phenomenal success and to see why we have won the GSA’s prestigious Most Respected Private Company Award (for the fourth time!), check out our website and Glassdoor pages.

Job Description:

The Role

Do you want to be part of the RISC-V revolution? RISC-V and SiFive are redefining computing platforms for the 21st century. SiFive, the world RISC-V leader, is seeking an experienced Linux kernel software architect. In this role, you’ll be improving and debugging the RISC-V Linux kernel, with particular focus on high core count server systems. You’ll interact directly with the upstream Linux and OpenSBI communities, posting and reviewing patches. You’ll debug challenging problems, working with our system software and system validation teams, on SiFive designs running in emulation. And you’ll work with hardware architects and engineers, both inside SiFive and at RISC-V International, to improve our core and system designs.

What We Need To See

  • Experience working on concurrency-sensitive code in the upstream Linux kernel, with a track record writing and reviewing patches on the public mailing lists
  • Experience debugging challenging software and hardware bugs in CPUs and SoCs
  • Experience working with CPU architects and RTL engineers
  • Experience developing and debugging Linux on FPGA and emulation platforms
  • Experience with hypervisors and virtualization
  • Familiarity with the RISC-V architecture

Ways to stand out

  • Familiarity with silicon design issues and challenges
  • Familiarity with microarchitectural side-channel attacks and mitigations
  • Familiarity with debugging systems via hardware debuggers
  • Familiarity with Devicetree, ACPI and UEFI
  • Familiarity with Rust

Pay & Benefits

Consistent with SiFive values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. We have a market-based pay structure which varies by location. Please note that the base pay range is a guideline, and our compensation range reflects the cost of labor in the U.S. geographic market based on the location of the role. Pay within these ranges varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and relevant work experience.

For candidates who receive and offer, the starting salary will vary based on various factors including, but not limited to, such qualifications as, skill level, competencies, and work location. The range provided may represent a candidate range and may not reflect the full range for an individual tenured employee.

Base Pay Range

In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for variable/ incentive compensation and/ or equity. In addition, this role is eligible for a comprehensive, competitive benefits package which may include healthcare and retirement plans, paid time off, and more!

Additional Information:

This position requires a successful background and reference checks and satisfactory proof of your right to work in

United States of America

Any offer of employment for this position is also contingent on the Company verifying that you are a authorized for access to export-controlled technology under applicable export control laws or, if you are not already authorized, our ability to successfully obtain any necessary export license(s) or other approvals.

SiFive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As an E-Verify employer, we use this system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law. All applicants will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, upon hire. We do not use E-Verify to pre-screen job candidates and will comply with all E-Verify regulations.

California residents: please see our job candidate notice for more information on how we handle your personal information and your privacy rights: Privacy Policy Document.

Salary.com Estimation for Linux Kernel Architect in Santa Clara, CA
$86,888 to $117,192
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Linux Kernel Architect?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Linux Kernel Architect career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$85,059 - $120,527
Income Estimation: 
$104,896 - $133,785
Income Estimation: 
$123,198 - $153,566
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at SiFive

  • SiFive Santa Clara, CA
  • About SiFive As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • SiFive Santa Clara, CA
  • About SiFive As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • SiFive Santa Clara, CA
  • About SiFive As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • SiFive Alaska, AK
  • About SiFive As the pioneers who introduced RISC-V to the world, SiFive is transforming the future of compute by bringing the limitless potential of RISC-V... more
  • 3 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Linux Kernel Architect jobs in the Santa Clara, CA area that may be a better fit.

  • Aziro Technologies LLC San Jose, CA
  • 10 years of hands-on experience in software development systems. Excellent systems programming skills using C and/or other low-level programming languages.... more
  • 2 Days Ago

  • Advanced Micro Devices, Inc Santa Clara, CA
  • WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!