Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge

Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge

Cambridge Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Research and develop cutting-edge CPU microarchitectural features for our custom OS kernel.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking tech company in Cambridge, UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, potential contract extension, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects in mobile technology.
  • Qualifications: Master/PhD in Computer Science/Engineering with strong programming skills.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on collaboration and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Location: Cambridge, UK (Full Time On‑Site)

Type: Fixed Term Contract

Duration: 12 Months (Highly Likely to Extend)

Key Responsibilities
  • Research and develop CPU microarchitectural features optimized for our custom OS kernel and framework including ArkUI and ArkTS/JIT/AOT.
  • Design, develop, and optimize core kernel subsystems for our custom OS including scheduler, memory management, and I/O subsystems.
  • Design hardware-software co‑optimization techniques to improve kernel performance and efficiency for our custom OS framework including ArkUI, ArkTS/JIT/AOT and Kotlin/JIT/AOT.
  • Performance analysis and optimization of kernel components for mobile workloads and use cases.
  • Optimize kernel for power efficiency and power consumption across CPU, SoC, and system‑level components.
  • Develop simulation frameworks for kernel‑level and our custom OS framework (ArkTS/JIT/AOT, ArkUI and Kotlin/JIT/AOT) workload evaluation on future CPU designs.
  • Propose microarchitectural enhancements for system optimization based on kernel profiling and characterization.
  • Develop and implement power management policies and performance scaling strategies.
Requirements
  • Master/PhD degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Physics etc.
  • Strong knowledge of computer architectures, operating system internals, and mobile SoC design.
  • Extensive experience with Linux kernel development including core subsystems (scheduler, memory management, VFS, networking).
  • Strong programming skills in C, C++, assembly, and Python.
  • Understanding of CPU privilege levels, MMU/IOMMU, and virtualization extensions.
  • Experience with performance profiling and optimization at both kernel and microarchitectural levels.
Desirables
  • Experience with Linux OS, Android OS or other microkernels.
  • Strong knowledge of Arm architecture, TrustZone, TEE, exception handling, and interrupt processing.
  • Experience with kernel profiling tools (perf, ftrace, eBPF, LTTng, SystemTap).
  • Knowledge of RISC‑V privilege specifications or Arm architecture reference manuals.
  • Deep knowledge of power management frameworks, DVFS (Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling), and CPU idle states.
  • Understanding of real‑time operating systems, or deterministic execution requirements.
  • Experience with gem5, Sniper, or other cycle‑accurate architectural simulators.
  • Understanding of mobile platform power optimization techniques and thermal management.
  • Experience with hardware‑assisted virtualization and hypervisor design.
  • Familiarity with Android kernel, AOSP, or other mobile OS kernel implementations.

If this sounds of interest, please apply here or reach out to mark@microtech-global.com

Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge employer: microTECH Global Limited

As a Kernel Research Engineer at our Cambridge location, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of CPU microarchitecture and custom OS development. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous learning and professional growth, offering unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research while enjoying the vibrant tech community of Cambridge. With competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, we ensure that our employees thrive both personally and professionally.
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Contact Detail:

microTECH Global Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Connect with folks in the industry on LinkedIn or attend local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your projects, especially those related to kernel development or performance optimisation. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CPU architectures and operating systems. Practice coding challenges and be ready to discuss your past experiences with kernel subsystems.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that excite you! Use our website to find roles that match your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to each company to show them why you’re the perfect fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge

CPU Microarchitecture
Operating System Internals
Linux Kernel Development
C Programming
C++ Programming
Assembly Language
Python Programming
Performance Profiling
Kernel Optimization
Power Management
Mobile SoC Design
Simulation Framework Development
Kernel Profiling Tools
Real-Time Operating Systems
Hardware-Assisted Virtualization

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with Linux kernel development and any relevant projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your expertise in CPU microarchitecture and performance optimisation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about kernel research and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!

Show Off Your Projects: If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving kernel subsystems or power management, make sure to mention them. We’re keen to see practical examples of your work that demonstrate your skills and creativity.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our awesome team!

How to prepare for a job interview at microTECH Global Limited

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CPU microarchitectures and operating system internals. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences where you've optimised kernel subsystems or worked with Linux kernel development. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your programming skills in C, C++, assembly, and Python. You might be asked to solve a coding problem or explain your thought process behind a previous project. Practising common algorithms and data structures can help you feel more confident during this part of the interview.

✨Understand the Role

Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of a Kernel Research Engineer. Think about how your past experiences align with tasks like performance analysis, power management policies, and hardware-software co-optimisation techniques. Being able to connect your background to the job description will make a strong impression.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company’s current projects, their approach to kernel optimisation, or the technologies they use. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with your interviewers.

Kernel Research Engineer in Cambridge
microTECH Global Limited
Location: Cambridge
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