Principal software engineer

Job Description

At Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), we give engineers the opportunity to build and operate massive-scale cloud services in a deeply distributed, multi-tenant environment. Our teams value innovation, ownership, pragmatic problem solving, and continuous learning.

The Containers, Kubernetes & Serverless (CKS) organization provides the foundational platform for running containerized workloads across OCI. Core offerings include Oracle Container Engine for Kubernetes (OKE), Oracle Serverless, and Container Instances-the serverless compute platform optimized for running containers without managing servers.

As part of the Container Instances Data Plane team, you will design and operate the systems responsible for securely running containers on OCI's fleet of virtualized and bare-metal hardware. This includes working across Linux internals, container runtime isolation, networking, security boundaries, image lifecycle, performance tuning, and the orchestration systems that manage thousands of containers across OCI regions.

You will help build new data-plane capabilities from the ground up, evolve the virtualization layer that powers secure container execution, and improve the reliability, scalability, and performance of the platform. This is a hands-on systems role that spans deep Linux work, containerization technologies, and distributed service design.

We are looking for hands-on engineers with a strong systems background and a passion for solving complex problems in Linux-based infrastructure, virtualization, and containerized platforms . As a Principal Member of Technical Staff, you will design, build, and operate key data plane components that power OCI Container Instances. This role requires a practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable working deep in the stack-from Linux internals and system configuration to distributed service interactions. You should value operational correctness, performance, and simplicity, work effectively in a collaborative environment, and be motivated by ownership of production systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience.

• 6+years of experience designing, building, and operating large-scale, highly available infrastructure or distributed systems.

• Strong experience working with Linux systems, including process isolation, resource management, networking, and storage.

• Hands-on experience with virtualization and/or container technologies in production environments.

• Proficiency in at least one systems programming language such as Go or Java, along with strong scripting skills (e.g., Bash).

• Proven ability to debug and troubleshoot complex issues across multi-component systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills, clear communication, and a strong sense of ownership for production services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Linux-based virtualization technologies (e.g., KVM/QEMU) or container runtimes.

• Experience building or operating containerized workloads and infrastructure in a cloud environment.

• Familiarity with Linux networking concepts, including namespaces, virtual networking, and routing.

• Experience with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Terraform).

• Experience building or customizing OS images and managing system-level configuration.

• Background in operating multi-tenant, security-sensitive infrastructure.

• Experience working with CI/CD systems and production deployment pipelines.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Member of Technical Staff, you will design, build, and operate key data plane components that power OCI Container Instances. This role requires a practical, detail-oriented engineer who is comfortable working deep in the stack-from Linux internals and system configuration to distributed service interactions. You should value operational correctness, performance, and simplicity, work effectively in a collaborative environment, and be motivated by ownership of production systems.

Disclaimer:

Certain US customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization and occupational health mandates.

Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only

US: Hiring Range in USD from: $99,600 to $223,400 per annum. May be eligible for bonus and equity.

Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.

Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.

Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion

Short term disability and long term disability

Life insurance and AD&D

Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)

Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts

Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits

401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match

Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.

11 paid holidays

Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.

Paid parental leave

Adoption assistance

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Financial planning and group legal

Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance

The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.

Career Level - IC4

About Us

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True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

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Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.