Team Lead - Kernel and Protocol Engineering

MTS - Kernel Engineer

We’re in an unbelievably exciting area of tech and are fundamentally reshaping the data storage industry. Here, you lead with innovative thinking, grow along with us, and join the smartest team in the industry.

This type of work—work that changes the world—is what the tech industry was founded on. So, if you're ready to seize the endless opportunities and leave your mark, come join us.

THE ROLE

As the Team Lead for Initiator & Protocol Engineering, you will spearhead the critical bridge between our industry-leading FlashArray and the Linux/VMWare ecosystems. You will drive the performance and reliability of our storage protocol stacks—spanning NVMe over Fabrics and Fibre Channel—ensuring Pure Storage remains the gold standard for enterprise connectivity. Collaborating closely with cross-functional hardware and software teams, you’ll mentor a high-caliber engineering squad to solve complex kernel-level challenges and influence the global Linux upstream community.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Own the Protocol Lifecycle: Lead the development, maintenance, and optimization of Linux and VMWare initiator stacks (NVMeoF, FC-SCSI, iSCSI) and target drivers to ensure seamless, high-performance integration with Pure FlashArray.

• Drive System Resilience: Architect enhancements for Fibre Channel and NIC driver stacks that improve RAS (Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability), specifically focusing on multipathing logic and link health monitoring.

• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Guide a team of senior and junior engineers through complex project deliveries, conducting deep-dive code reviews and setting the technical bar for C/C++ and Python development within the kernel space.

• Solve the Impossible: Act as the final escalation point for the most challenging system-level bugs found in the field or internal testing, utilizing protocol analyzers and kernel debugging tools to provide root-cause analysis and long-term fixes.

• Shape the Ecosystem: Optimize initiator behavior for maximum throughput and minimum latency, contributing key performance enhancements and bug fixes back to the Linux upstream kernel to benefit the broader storage community.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Kernel & Driver Mastery: Proven expertise in Linux/Unix kernel development and writing robust device drivers, specifically within storage or networking subsystems.

• Protocol Architecture: Deep technical command of storage protocols such as NVMe (TCP, ROCE, FC) or SCSI (FCP, iSCSI), including experience designing and implementing significant components of these stacks.

• Leadership Impact: Demonstrated ability to lead complex engineering projects from conception to delivery while mentoring peers and fostering a culture of high-quality, automated-first development.

• Advanced Problem Solving: Expert-level debugging skills for complex system/kernel issues and a track record of using performance analysis tools to optimize storage system bottlenecks.

• Location: We are primarily an in-office environment and therefore, you will be expected to work from the {{OFFICE_LOCATION}} office in compliance with Pure’s policies, unless you are on PTO, or work travel, or other approved leave.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Innovation: We celebrate those who think critically, like a challenge, and aspire to be trailblazers.
• Growth: We give you the space and support to grow along with us and to contribute to something meaningful. We have been named Fortune's Best Workplaces in Technology™, Fortune's Best Workplaces in the Bay Area™, and certified as a Great Place to Work®!
• Team: We build each other up and set aside ego for the greater good.

And because we understand the value of bringing your full and best self to work, we offer a variety of perks to manage a healthy balance, including flexible time off, wellness resources, and company-sponsored team events. Check out purebenefits.com for more information.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACCESSIBILITY:

Candidates with disabilities may request accommodations for all aspects of our hiring process. For more on this, contact us at TA-Ops@purestorage.com if you’re invited to an interview.

OUR COMMITMENT TO A STRONG AND INCLUSIVE TEAM:

We’re forging a future where everyone finds their rightful place and where every voice matters. Where uniqueness isn’t just accepted but embraced. That’s why we are committed to fostering the growth and development of every person, cultivating a sense of community through our Employee Resource Groups and advocating for inclusive leadership.

Everpure is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other characteristic legally protected by the laws of the jurisdiction in which you are being considered for hire.

Join us and bring your best.

Bring your bold.

Pure and simple.

Experience Level

Senior Level