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Ask HN: How can a senior software engineer shift to low-level job

1 points by deronEx ↗ HN
I am a senior software engineer with over 8+ years of experience. My main focus in the last years is what the industry calls "Fullstack Developer". I recently realized that I enjoy working on things that are more "low-level" like researching network protocols, linux kernel, filesystems, etc.

I started looking for jobs that intrigue me technically, like for example: "eBPF developer" "Linux Agent Developer' "Linux Internals Developer" "Senior Software Engineer, Linux Kernel" "Senior Software Engineer, Filesystem" "Senior Software Engineer, Protocols"

to some of the above I got referred by friends who vouch me professionally and to some I applied online. Without exceptions, everyone declinded me for not having enough experience related.

I am wondering to myself, as a senior developer with so many projects on his belts in so many different areas of software development (that obviously don't fit a single CV page) why would no one consider me? of course that I'll have some learning curve in those jobs but who won't? It goes without saying but any backend/frontend/fullstack job accepts me without blinking.

What do you suggest me to do? how can a senior software engineer shift his area of expertise without going through being a junior again

4 comments

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mooreds
> how can a senior software engineer shift his area of expertise without going through being a junior again

Find something related act as a senior eng on.

That could be an internal project, an open source project, or a side project. Without more context, I'd suggest finding an open source project that interests you. If you can use it at your work, all the better. Spend some time improving that, learning the community, bug fixes, working on docs/workflow, etc. You know, senior engineer kinda things.

Then, next time you are applying, you can point to that project.

deronEx
I already have some side projects that demonstrate some skills in the field. somehow that is not enough
dementis
Engage in "Social Networking". Specifically, leverage those side projects and the people involved with them to help you find the kind of job you are looking for. Best of luck with your endeavors, shifting your career focus is always challenging.