About This Role
We are looking for a Staff/Principal Linux Engineer with deep expertise in Linux development, network and performance optimization. In this hands-on, high-impact role, you will work directly in our TrustedServer Team to create and refine the core systems that drive ExpressVPN's infrastructure. This role is ideal for a Linux expert with a record of open source contributions in relevant communities and/or a history of published research in the field.
What You'll Be Doing
- Develop, optimize, and maintain TrustedServer collaboratively with the team, ensuring this foundational technology continues to serve as the secure backbone of our global services.
- Lead advanced Linux development projects and maintain active contributions to relevant communities, with a focus on optimizing network and enhancing system performance.
- Create and maintain dedicated environments and labs to rigorously test and optimize system performance; analyze results and implement improvements that increase system speed, resilience, and scalability.
- Architect and implement complex network topologies, leveraging deep knowledge of the Linux network stack to engineer sophisticated workarounds, advanced routing, and deep optimizations for our high-demand privacy infrastructure.
- Write clear, comprehensive technical designs and test plans, ensuring complex infrastructure projects are heavily de-risked and cleanly architected.
What You'll Bring
- Minimum of 7 years in Linux system development and infrastructure engineering.
- Demonstrated experience in network development, complex network topologies, and significant contributions to relevant communities.
- Deep expertise in one or more systems-level programming languages that provide fine-grained memory control (e.g., C, C++, Rust, or similar) and a strong grasp of advanced programming paradigms.
- Advanced capabilities in performance tuning and development of infrastructure and networking testing frameworks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on, proactive approach to systems architecture and performance optimization.
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field or equivalent practical experience.
Nice To Have
- History of published research in systems performance, networking, or linux architecture.
- Expertise in computer security, cryptography, secure coding practices, or public key infrastructure.
- Familiarity with modern VPN protocols, OpenVPN, WireGuard or our own open-source protocol, Lightway.
What We Offer
- Work with a modern tech stack in a strong engineering culture
- Influence on technical decisions and room to innovate
- Continuous learning opportunities and support for professional development
- A motivated, collaborative team with extensive experience
- A strategic role with real technical influence and ownership
- A modern engineering culture with CI/CD, observability, and a strong code review culture
- Purpose-driven work: we value security, quality, and depth over quick hacks
