OS / K8s Systems Engineer

About the role

ABOUT BASETEN

Baseten powers mission-critical inference for the world's most dynamic AI companies, like Cursor, Notion, OpenEvidence, Abridge, Clay, Gamma and Writer. By uniting applied AI research, flexible infrastructure, and seamless developer tooling, we enable companies operating at the frontier of AI to bring cutting-edge models into production. We're growing quickly and recently raised our $1.5B Series F https://www.baseten.co/blog/announcing-our-series-f/, led by Altimeter Capital, Conviction Partners, and Spark Capital. Join us and help build the platform engineers turn to to ship AI products.

THE ROLE

As an OS / K8s Systems Engineer at Baseten, you’ll build the automation and systems that turn raw GPU hardware into production-ready compute. From provisioning to orchestration, you’ll own the software layer that makes our infrastructure reproducible, scalable, and reliable across data centers.

This is a senior, hands-on role focused on building systems not operating them. You’ll work close to the metal designing OS images, building provisioning pipelines, and automating cluster bring-up from scratch. Your work will define how quickly we can turn new capacity into usable compute.

EXAMPLE INITIATIVES

- Zero-to-cluster automation Build workflows that take new hardware from unprovisioned to fully operational cluster.

- Provisioning systems Design PXE-based or equivalent systems for imaging and lifecycle management.

- Reproducible infrastructure — Ensure clusters deploy consistently across data centers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Own the end-to-end automation of cluster bring-up and lifecycle management.

- Build and maintain OS images, provisioning systems, and configuration pipelines.

- Deploy and operate cluster orchestration platforms (Kubernetes, Slurm, or similar).

- Design systems for reproducibility across sites and hardware generations.

- Automate upgrades, rollouts, and failure recovery.

- Optimize system performance, including GPU utilization and networking.

- Partner with hardware and network teams to validate and improve system behavior.

REQUIREMENTS

- Experience building and operating automated infrastructure systems.

- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, Go, or similar).

- Deep familiarity with Linux systems, including boot processes, drivers, and performance.

- Experience with provisioning systems (PXE, imaging, configuration management).

- Experience with Kubernetes.

- Strong debugging skills across system layers (hardware → OS → network).

- Experience working with GPU or high-performance workloads is a plus.

BENEFITS

- Competitive compensation, including meaningful equity.

- 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents

- Flexible PTO policy including company wide Winter Break (our offices are closed from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day!)

- Paid parental leave

- Fertility and family-building stipend through Carrot

- Company-facilitated 401(k)

- Exposure to a variety of ML startups, offering unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

Apply now to embark on a rewarding journey in shaping the future of AI! If you are a motivated individual with a passion for machine learning and a desire to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you.

At Baseten, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law (by example, the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, where applicable).