Principal Linux Systems Architect

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 centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you’ll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world’s most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.

The Role

We are seeking a Principal Architect with deep expertise in x86 computing architecture and Linux system software to drive end‑to‑end platform and software architecture across complex, high‑performance systems. This role is responsible for setting technical direction, defining long‑term architectural strategy, and solving the most complex system‑level challenges spanning hardware, firmware, OS, virtualization, and application layers.

As a senior technical leader, you will operate with significant autonomy and organizational influence, partnering with silicon, firmware, platform hardware, software, and ecosystem teams while engaging directly with open-source communities and industry partners to shape the future of Linux-based computing platforms.

The Person

The ideal candidate is a recognized industry expert and systems thinker with a proven record of driving architecture for complex computing platforms. You possess a unique combination of deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence technical direction across large organizations.

You thrive in environments where hardware and software intersect, enjoy solving difficult system-level problems, and have demonstrated success delivering architectural innovations that scale across products, customers, and ecosystems.

You bring

• Exceptional expertise in Linux systems and x86 platform architecture
• Strong architectural judgment and the ability to balance long-term strategy with execution
• Experience driving cross-functional alignment among hardware, firmware, kernel, and software teams
• A history of influencing industry standards, open-source projects, or platform ecosystems
• Outstanding communication and technical leadership skills

Key Responsibilities

Define and own system software and platform architecture across Linux, kernel, drivers, virtualization, and security domains
Drive technical strategy and long‑term architectural roadmaps for complex x86‑based platforms
Lead architecture and design reviews across OS, firmware, hardware, and application interfaces
Architect, prototype, and review Linux kernel, device drivers, and low‑level system software
Provide technical leadership for system bring‑up, performance optimization, scalability, and reliability
Lead complex root‑cause analysis across application, kernel, firmware, and hardware layers
Act as a senior technical interface to open‑source communities, including upstream Linux development
Collaborate with external software partners and ecosystem stakeholders
Mentor senior engineers and influence technical standards and best practices across teams

Preferred Experience

• Deep expertise in x86‑64 architecture, operating systems, and system‑level design
• Extensive experience with Linux kernel internals, including core kernel, IO subsystems, and drivers
• Advanced C programming for kernel and system software
• Strong background in virtualization technologies, including KVM/QEMU and x86‑64 virtualization extensions
• In‑depth knowledge of ACPI, PCIe, and platform interfaces
• Proven experience with low‑level debug tools, emulators, and simulators
• Significant contributions to open‑source software, including upstream patch submission and review
• Demonstrated success in performance optimization, scalability, and system reliability

To Stand Out From The Crowd

Expertise in Linux memory management, including HMM
Hands‑on experience with GPU/DRM drivers and heterogeneous compute platforms
Knowledge of cache coherence and memory consistency protocols
Experience with high‑performance networking, including RDMA, peer‑direct, scale‑up/scale‑out networking, and communication collectives
Proficiency with machine learning and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and TensorFlow
Experience with GPU compute technologies, including OpenCL and Vulkan

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.