Lead Kernel Developer — Windows Networking / WFP

Job description

Acronis is a global leader in cyber protection, delivering AI-powered protection for productive MSPs in a single, natively integrated platform that unifies operations management, cybersecurity, and data protection. Driven by our mission to protect, manage and automate every workload that businesses and lives depend on, we’ve built the industry’s only all-in-one solution. We are looking for a candidate who will be responsible for leading the design and development of high-performance Windows Kernel networking drivers, with a focus on WFP, high-speed networks, performance, and interoperability. WHAT YOU’LL DO Lead the architecture, development, debugging, and maintenance of Windows kernel-mode and user-mode components, with a primary focus on Windows network drivers and Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) for Cyber Protection solutions. Design and optimize solutions for high-speed and high-throughput networks, focusing on performance, scalability, latency, reliability, and stability. Investigate and resolve complex kernel, networking, performance, compatibility, and interoperability issues, including BSODs, race conditions, deadlocks, memory corruption, and leaks. Drive issues from root-cause analysis through implementation, validation, and production, collaborating with other engineering teams where required. Contribute to the architecture and interface design of Windows-specific and cross-platform components and their integration with higher-level products. Maintain and continuously improve the Kernel Team’s existing codebase, drivers, and components, ensuring timely resolution of defects and technical issues. Perform reverse engineering and low-level analysis, working closely with security analysts, malware researchers, and reverse engineers on complex security-related investigations. Use WinDbg/KD, ETW/WPP, crash dump analysis, profiling, tracing, and other diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and optimize system behavior. Leverage AI-assisted engineering tools for development, code analysis, debugging, reverse engineering, root-cause investigation, trace/log analysis, and technical research. Provide technical leadership by breaking down work, assigning tasks, coordinating distributed developers, and supporting delivery across locations when required. Share expertise in Windows internals, kernel development, systems programming, and information security through technical discussions, code reviews, and documentation Maintain clear communication with the Kernel Team Director of Development on progress, technical challenges, risks, dependencies, and critical issues. WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR 10+ years of hands-on Windows kernel development with strong expertise in Windows internals, networking, synchronization, memory management, and kernel debugging. Strong C/C++ systems programming skills and expertise in Windows kernel drivers, WinDbg/KD, ETW/WPP, crash dump analysis, and profiling; WFP/NDIS experience or willingness to develop expertise in these areas. Proven experience developing and optimizing performance-critical kernel components, with a strong understanding of concurrency, scalability, latency, resource efficiency, reliability, and system stability. Experience in kernel network development for high-performance/high-throughput environments is beneficial. Strong background in cybersecurity, endpoint protection, or other security-focused technologies, with experience working close to the operating system will be beneficial Practical reverse engineering and low-level analysis skills to investigate undocumented behavior and diagnose and resolve compatibility issues with third-party drivers and software. Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to solve complex issues spanning kernel, networking, hardware, virtualization, and user/kernel boundaries. AI-assisted engineering experience is mandatory, including practical use of AI for development, debugging, code analysis, investigation, and technical research. Demonstrated ability to take technical ownership, lead complex investigations, coordinate work across teams, and share technical expertise Experience with Linux, macOS, or other low-level platforms is a strong advantage. Excellent English communication and cross-functional collaboration skills WHO YOU ARE Analytical and solution-oriented, with a structured approach to solving complex problems. Hands-on and accountable, with a strong sense of ownership and commitment to delivering quality results. Collaborative and communicative, able to build effective relationships and work well with colleagues across teams. Adaptable and proactive, comfortable managing changing priorities and working in a fast-paced environment. Committed to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and personal and professional development. Pragmatic and improvement-focused, always looking for effective ways to improve processes, solutions, and team outcomes. *Please submit your resume and application in English WHO WE ARE A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis offers over twenty years of innovation with 15 offices worldwide and employees in 50+ countries. Acronis Cyber Protect is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 21,000 service providers to protect more than 750,000 businesses. Our corporate culture centers on innovation, accountability, and impact. We encourage our people to think boldly, challenge conventional approaches, and take ownership of outcomes. As a member of our global “A-Team,” you’ll operate in a high-growth, fast-paced environment where resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement drive success. OUR INTERVIEW PRACTICES To ensure a fair and genuine hiring process, candidates are expected to participate in interviews without the use of AI tools, automated prompts, or third-party assistance. Interviews are designed to assess individual skills, experience, and communication style, and we value authentic, real-time interaction. Use of AI or external assistance during live interviews may result in disqualification. For roles where AI skills are being evaluated, permitted use of AI tools will be clearly communicated in advance. Candidates may be asked to disable virtual backgrounds or participate in in-person interviews. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of applicable criminal, education and identity background checks. Acronis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, medical condition, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.