Staff Software Engineer, Runtime
WFA Digital Insight
With the rise of AI-driven development, the demand for skilled software engineers with expertise in container technology and filesystems has surged. Docker, a pioneer in developer tooling, is at the forefront of this shift. As a Staff Software Engineer at Docker, you'll be working on the cutting-edge of software development, building the tools that define how applications are built and delivered. With over 20 million monthly users, Docker is a trusted brand that's shaping the future of software development. If you're looking to leverage your skills in a remote-first environment and contribute to open-source projects, this role is an exciting opportunity. Before applying, it's essential to understand the complexities of filesystem semantics, container technologies, and the nuances of working in a remote team.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Staff Software Engineer at Docker, you'll be part of the Runtime team, responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the filesystem and container runtime components of Docker's local runtime stack. Your work will have a direct impact on the performance, correctness, and stability of Docker's products, including Docker Desktop, Docker Hub, and Docker Scout. You'll be working in a remote-first environment, collaborating with a globally distributed team of engineers who are passionate about building the tools that define how software gets built and delivered.The Runtime team is building Docker's runtime for AI workloads, a cross-platform foundation that delivers strong isolation and enterprise governance at every layer. You'll be working on the filesystem and container runtime layers of the stack, from VirtioFS caching and OverlayFS semantics to OCI image handling and containerd integration.
Docker is a trusted brand in the developer community, with over 20 million monthly users and over 20 billion container image pulls. As a Staff Software Engineer, you'll be contributing to the development of products that are used by solo founders to the world's largest companies.
What You Will Do
- Design, develop, and maintain the filesystem and container runtime components of Docker's local runtime stack
- Investigate and resolve correctness, performance, and stability issues in the filesystem layer across macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Work on VirtioFS, OverlayFS, and related filesystem technologies to improve performance and reliability for AI agent workloads
- Contribute to containerd integration and OCI-compliant container lifecycle management
- Collaborate with peers on the team to evolve the architecture of the runtime as requirements grow
- Engage with the open source community on filesystem and container runtime related projects
- Participate in on-call rotations and respond to critical stability issues affecting users
- Document your work clearly and share knowledge with the rest of the team
- Work closely with the product team to understand customer needs and priorities
- Develop and maintain automated tests to ensure the quality and reliability of the filesystem and container runtime components
What We Are Looking For
- 7+ years of experience in systems programming with a focus on filesystems or container runtimes
- 6+ years of professional, hands-on, full-time software engineering experience in backend, infrastructure, or platform engineering
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
- Deep understanding of filesystem semantics: POSIX, VFS, virtual filesystems (FUSE, VirtioFS), and overlay filesystems
- Experience with container technologies: OCI image spec, containerd, runc, or equivalent low-level container infrastructure
- Proficiency in Go and/or Rust; comfort reading and modifying C where necessary
- Experience debugging complex, cross-platform issues with kernel and userspace components
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy in a remote-first environment
- Experience working with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git
Nice to Have
- Experience with AI and machine learning technologies
- Knowledge of cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Experience with DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Travis CI, or CircleCI
- Familiarity with Docker's products and technologies
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Access to the latest technologies and tools
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Generous parental leave and family support programs
- Employee stock options and equity programs
How to Stand Out
- To stand out as a candidate, highlight your experience with container technologies and filesystems, and demonstrate your ability to work in a remote-first environment.
- Make sure to showcase your proficiency in Go and/or Rust, and your comfort with reading and modifying C code.
- Emphasize your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.
- When preparing for the interview, review Docker's products and technologies, and be ready to discuss your experience with containerd, runc, and OCI image spec.
- Be prepared to provide examples of your work, such as GitHub repositories or personal projects, to demonstrate your skills and experience.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview, such as what a typical day looks like in the role, or what opportunities there are for professional growth and development.
- Consider reaching out to current or former employees to get a better sense of the company culture and work environment.
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