Breaking into Kernel Engineering from a backend application background

I’ve spent ~10+ years working primarily in backend application development, with a few years doing infrastructure at both small and large companies.

I’ve always been interested in computer architecture and operating systems, but never pursued that path deeply. Lately, I’ve been considering a shift toward lower-level, systems-oriented work.

I’m trying to better understand what this transition actually looks like in practice, specifically:

• What career paths exist under “systems engineering” (e.g., kernel, performance, distributed systems, HPC, etc.)
• How people coming from a backend/infrastructure background make themselves competitive
• What the most effective way is to ramp up (projects, courses, specific topics, etc.)

Some roles that caught my attention:

• Kernel engineering
• AI / ML performance engineering
• Low-latency / high-performance systems

Concerns:

• Many of these roles seem to prefer candidates with an EE or deeply specialized background
• Unclear how realistic this transition is without going back to school
• Availability of roles that are remote or NYC-based