ESXi CPU Server Architect/ SW Engineer

Overview

Our team focuses on the virtualization technology of ESXi, a specialized operating system and infrastructure designed specifically for hosting virtual machines. This role is part of the ESXi-x86 kernel development team, which is responsible for supporting the x86 architecture and handling all aspects of hypervisor software development on Intel/AMD x86 hardware. The ESXi-x86 team is in charge of the core CPU, hardware platforms (including bring-ups, boot processes, chipsets, drivers, and development kits), and virtualization (virtual platforms). We collaborate directly with Intel, AMD, and other partners to explore and integrate new technologies. The team works closely with other departments and business units to provide comprehensive support for a broad spectrum of technologies, while also engaging in research to design and implement future-proof capabilities for the hypervisor. Maintaining a high standard of quality, the team also works with customers to troubleshoot and resolve issues as needed.

Role Overview

As an engineer in this position, you will be working on large-scale system and hardware enablement projects focused on x86-based CPUs and servers. You will collaborate with various teams to develop a cohesive platform that integrates seamlessly with ESXi. Strong expertise in x86 CPU architecture is essential. You should be comfortable with all technical aspects of the project and able to represent the team both internally and externally, including interactions with partners. Additionally, you will work closely with engineers from partner software development teams to jointly create solutions for ESXi. You'll be part of a highly motivated technical team working across the full stack, from bootloaders to configuration scripts, with a focus on innovation and new solutions.

Key Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related field, or a BS with substantial experience in operating systems (at least 10 years in software development or significant open-source contributions).
• Proficiency in C programming with recent hands-on coding experience.
• Strong understanding of modern microprocessor architectures (including multiprocessor programming, cache systems, and barriers). Experience with Intel CPUs is a significant plus.
• Experience with version control and collaborative code review tools such as Git, Gerrit, and Perforce.
• Knowledge of build processes, including the ability to debug issues with makefiles, build systems, and Linux shell scripts.
• Solid knowledge of operating systems and kernel internals (Linux, BSD, Windows NT, etc.).
• Familiarity with modern computer systems, particularly in the realm of I/O (x86 PCs or server-class hardware, including PCI, ACPI, IOMMUs, DMA, UEFI).
• Self-starter who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with assembly programming (x86, Arm, or other RISC architectures).
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms such as ESXi, KVM, or Hyper-V.
• Experience with hardware bring-ups, including CPUs, bootloaders, chipsets, SMP/NUMA configurations, interrupt controllers, SMMUs, and PCIe issues.
• Experience with kernel performance analysis and optimization.

Pay

Estimated Min Rate: $220,000/Annually. Estimated Max Rate: $240,000/Annually.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental & Vision Benefits (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• Life & Disability Insurance (for employees working 20+ hours per week)
• MetLife Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Direct Deposit & weekly epayroll
• Referral Bonus Programs
• Certification and training opportunities