Staff/Principal Linux Infrastructure Engineer

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

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

#LI-PS1

Before you apply

• At the moment, we do not sponsor visas in the EU. For Hong Kong, we require at least two years of working experience and a university degree in a related field. For Singapore and the UK, we can only sponsor visas for mid-career or above.
• Please upload your resume as a PDF and do not include any salary or compensation information in it.

ExpressVPN is one of the world’s leading providers of online privacy and security services for consumers. Started in 2009, we’ve grown to have millions of active paying customers, a team of more than 700 people worldwide, and a brand recognized by hundreds of millions of people in 18 languages and more than a hundred countries. We see huge growth in our industry, and are gaining market share through strong execution.