Technical Lead Linux 100% Remote

Join Tether and shape the future of digital finance. At Tether, we’re not just building products; we’re pioneering a global financial revolution. Our cutting-edge solutions empower businesses—from exchanges and wallets to payment processors and ATMs—to seamlessly integrate reserve-backed tokens across blockchains. By harnessing the power of blockchain technology, Tether enables you to store, send, and receive digital tokens instantly, securely, and globally, all at a fraction of the cost. Transparency is the bedrock of everything we do, ensuring trust in every transaction.

Innovate with Tether

• Tether Finance: Our innovative product suite features the world’s most trusted stablecoin, USDT, relied upon by hundreds of millions worldwide, alongside pioneering digital asset tokenization services.
• Tether Power: Driving sustainable growth, our energy solutions optimize excess power for Bitcoin mining using eco-friendly practices in state-of-the-art, geo-diverse facilities.
• Tether Data: Fueling breakthroughs in AI and peer-to-peer technology, we reduce infrastructure costs and enhance global communications with cutting-edge solutions like KEET, our flagship app that redefines secure and private data sharing.
• Tether Education: Democratizing access to top-tier digital learning, we empower individuals to thrive in the digital and gig economies, driving global growth and opportunity.
• Tether Evolution: At the intersection of technology and human potential, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, crafting a future where innovation and human capabilities merge in powerful, unprecedented ways.

About the job

This role involves leading development of a secure, user-friendly Linux operating system based on Wayland, MicroVMs, and immutability principles, compatible across diverse devices—from desktops to smart watches. It emphasizes security comparable to Qubes OS through virtualization and compartmentalization, while prioritizing convenience and ease of use. As the lead developer, you will initiate and guide the project from its foundational stages.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Linux developers, ensuring high code quality, adherence to open source practices, and kernel development standards.
• Design and implement core OS components, including kernel modifications, user-space tools, and system integrations for robustness, security, and performance.
• Collaborate with hardware and security teams to ensure seamless integration and broad device compatibility.
• Partner with a project manager to define technical roadmaps, prioritize tasks, and achieve project milestones, identifying risks and implementing solutions promptly.
• Provide hands-on leadership to bootstrap the project, including initial development, recruiting key personnel, and fostering open source community engagement.
• Conduct code and architecture reviews to optimize for stability, performance, and hardware compatibility.
• Stay informed on advancements in the Linux ecosystem, kernel developments, and relevant tools, incorporating innovations as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated leadership in Linux distributions, kernel contributions, or related open source projects (e.g., GNOME, systemd).
• At least 6 years of hands-on experience in Linux OS development, including kernel programming, distribution packaging, and low-level system development in C/C++.
• Proven track record in building open source communities and managing partnerships.
• Essential experience with immutability (e.g., atomic updates), containerization (e.g., Docker, Podman), virtualization (e.g., QEMU, KVM, Xen for security isolation), Wayland compositing, and cross-device portability.
• Strong understanding of operating system principles, security models (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor), and hardware-software interfaces.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Highly desirable: Prior experience leading Linux engineering teams and collaborating with open source communities, as well as knowledge of distributed systems or embedded Linux.