Principal Software Engineer - Storage Systems

Runpod is pioneering the future of AI and machine learning, offering cutting-edge cloud infrastructure for full-stack AI applications. Founded in 2022, we are a rapidly growing, well-funded company with a remote-first organization spread globally. Our mission is to empower innovators and enterprises to unlock AI's true potential, driving technology and transforming industries. Join us as we shape the future of AI.

As our cloud platform grows, we are seeking a full-time, remote Storage Engineer to join our team. This technical position will be crucial to growing our cloud platform as we integrate new data centers, optimize existing functionality, and deliver new features to customers. You will work on the storage and services that enable training, inference and HPC workloads in a global network of data centers, as well as more traditional cloud workloads.

If you are passionate about cloud infrastructure, distributed systems, and enabling the future of high-performance AI computation, we want to hear from you. Join our team and help shape the future of computing!

Responsibilities:

• Design and deploy scalable cloud storage architectures (object, block, and file storage) on Runpod’s GPU and AI centered cloud.
• Implement backup, disaster recovery, and data lifecycle management strategies.
• Monitor storage systems for performance, availability, and security compliance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, SRE, Product Management, and our partner companies to define storage architecture and tiering strategies.
• Contribute to architectural discussions and decisions.
• Optimize storage costs and usage through continuous analysis and improvements.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Ensure adherence to data governance, compliance, and security policies.
• Troubleshoot and resolve cloud storage issues efficiently.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with one or more programming or scripting languages - for example, C, Go, Rust, Python, Javascript, Typescript, Bash.
• 3+ years of experience in storage engineering or systems administration.
• Hands-on experience with high performance/enterprise storage platforms (e.g., Dell EMC, 3PAR/Nimble, IBM, Pure Storage, VAST Data, CephFS).
• Linux scripting and Infrastructure as Code skills (Bash, Terraform, etc)
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Successful completion of a background check

Preferred:

• Experience developing, deploying and/or supporting machine learning applications, training and/or inference.
• Familiarity with data classification and tiering strategies.
• Experience with storage integration in virtualized and containerized environments.
• Understanding of IAM, encryption, and other security best practices in cloud environments.
• Familiarity implementing encryption with customer-managed keys.
• Knowledge of compliance standards (e.g., SOX, HIPAA, GDPR) related to storage and data handling.
• Experience with RDMA/RocE/kernel bypass and fast-path optimization for low-latency, high-throughput systems.

What You’ll Receive:

• The competitive base pay for this position ranges from $160,000-210,000. This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Runpod and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location
• Meaningful equity in a fast-growing AI infra company- everyone on the team receives stock options — your impact drives our growth, and you share in the upside.
• Generous medical, dental & vision plans — we cover 100% for all employees and partial for dependents. 
• Flexible PTO- take the time you need to recharge
• Most roles have are remote work first with an inclusive, collaborative teams utilizing slack as the main form of internal communication 
• Join a passionate team on the cutting edge of AI infrastructure — where culture, learning, and ownership are at the heart of how we scale.
• $1,200 Home Office & Equipment Stipend- We set you up for success from day one with gear and support to create your ideal workspace

Runpod is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and upholding the principles of equality and respect for all individuals. We believe that diversity in all its forms enhances our team. As an equal opportunity employer, Runpod is committed to creating an inclusive workforce at every level. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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