Browser Security Engineer - Kernel
Browser Security Enginee
About Kernel: Powering the Next Generation of AI Agents
At Kernel, we're building the ultra-fast, open-source browser infrastructure that empowers AI agents to interact with the web seamlessly and securely. We abstract away the complexities of autoscaling, observability, and intricate web interactions, freeing developers to innovate on *what* their agents achieve, rather than *how* they navigate the digital world.
Our cutting-edge platform is trusted by leading teams at Cash App, Framer, and over 7,000 others for critical applications like deep research, robust QA automation, and real-time web analysis. Backed by $22M from top-tier investors including Accel, Y Combinator, and Vercel, we're at the forefront of shaping how AI agents experience the internet.
If you're passionate about crafting foundational, secure infrastructure for the burgeoning AI agent ecosystem, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.
The Role: Forge the Future of Browser Security for AI
We are seeking a highly skilled **Browser Security Engineer** to fortify and expand our Chromium-based browser runtime. This isn't just a role; it's an opportunity to dive deep into the challenging intersection of sandboxing, networking, and virtualization. You will be instrumental in ensuring our browsers operate with unparalleled security and efficiency, supporting thousands of concurrent AI agents as they navigate the web.
What You'll Do: Secure the Digital Frontie
Debug, patch, and optimize Chromium builds specifically tailored for Kernel’s high-performance microVM environments.
Design, implement, and rigorously maintain advanced network isolation, sophisticated proxy routing, and precise IP handling mechanisms for our browsers.
Collaborate closely with our infrastructure engineers on pioneering unikernel-based isolation techniques, efficient process scheduling, and robust kernel security policies.
Develop essential internal tooling for advanced binary analysis, efficient crash triage, and proactive vulnerability monitoring.
Play a crucial role in upholding a secure supply chain and ensuring reproducible builds for our critical browser images.
What We're Looking For: Your Expertise Drives Our Mission
Deep familiarity with Chromium internals, browser sandboxes, or the intricacies of renderer/network stacks.
Proven experience with Linux kernel, microVM technologies (e.g., Firecracker, Cloud-Hypervisor, Kata, gVisor), or advanced container isolation techniques.
Exceptional debugging prowess utilizing low-level tools such as strace, gdb, or perf.
Comprehensive understanding of networking fundamentals (DNS, TCP/IP, NAT, proxies, TLS).
A strong background in security engineering or browser hardening is a significant advantage.
Life at Kernel: Innovate, Grow, and Thrive
Industry-leading competitive salary and above-market equity.
Premium medical and dental coverage, including dependent coverage.
Work alongside a small, high-trust team of senior and staff engineers.
Embrace an asynchronous-first culture with minimal bureaucracy, maximizing your impact and autonomy.
Daily catered lunches to fuel your innovation.
Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) to recharge and explore.
401k with generous company match.
Relocation assistance available to help you make your move.
Our Hiring Process: A Collaborative Journey Intro Call: A brief 30-minute chat with one of Kernel's co-founders to learn more about us and share your story.
We've designed a straightforward process focused on genuine collaboration and mutual discovery:
Technical Deep Dive: A 45-minute virtual technical interview to explore your expertise.
On-Site Collaboration: A half-day in-person session, working directly with our team on relevant technical challenges.
Offer: The exciting conclusion – an offer to join the Kernel team!