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Embedded Linux Engineer

San Francisco or Remote - US

Embedded Linux Engineer

Interested in playing a key part in building the personal computing device you’ve always wished you had? This is an opportunity to join a well-funded startup as an early embedded software engineer and help define a product from early prototypes to a shipping device and beyond.
 
This is the perfect role for an experienced engineer who truly loves building delightful products and wants to work in a startup environment where they can have a wide-reaching impact.
 
Open source is key to our business strategy, and you’ll have the opportunity to contribute the majority of your work to the open source community.
 

Responsibilities

  • Firmware & Driver Development: Build firmware and device drivers for a new Linux-based personal computing device and its peripherals, from early prototypes through production.
  • Security, Reliability, Performance: Redefine the bar for security, reliability, and performance across the Linux software stack, pushing the boundaries of what our system can achieve.
  • Build Systems & CI/CD: Contribute to on-time and correct delivery of OS features by designing, implementing, and maintaining build systems and CI/CD/CT pipelines for our embedded Linux system.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, security engineers, and other software engineers to integrate components into a cohesive product.
  • Open-Source Engagement: Work directly with upstream open-source communities – contributing patches, engaging in discussions, and ensuring our work aligns with broader ecosystem developments.

Requirements (Must-Have Qualifications)

  • Linux Kernel Development: Proven experience with Linux kernel development, including writing kernel modules and device drivers.
  • Strong C Programming: Strong, demonstrable coding skills in C.
  • Embedded Linux Build Systems: Experience with embedded Linux build systems such as Buildroot, Yocto, or OpenWRT.
  • Hardware Communication Protocols: Familiarity with various bus communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCI, USB, SDIO, etc.).
  • Embedded Systems Fundamentals: Strong understanding of embedded systems concepts, including microcontrollers, memory management, and interrupt handling.
  • Debugging Skills: Strong problem-solving and debugging skills in both hardware and software contexts.
  • Startup Environment: Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced startup environment.
  • Communication: Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Preferred Skills (Nice-to-Have)

  • ARM SoCs & Bootloaders: Experience with ARM-based SoCs, especially related to power management and bootloaders.
  • RTOS/Bare Metal: Knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS) or bare-metal programming.
  • Networking: Familiarity with standard networking protocols (Ethernet, 802.11 Wi-Fi, TCP/IP, etc.).
  • Peripheral Drivers: Experience with driver development for consumer peripherals (e.g., cameras, displays, wireless modules).
  • Hardware Debug Tools: Familiarity with hardware debugging tools (JTAG, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers).
  • Power & Performance Tuning: Exposure to power optimization techniques and low-level performance tuning in embedded systems.
  • Additional Programming: Coding skills in additional languages and tools such as Python, Bash scripting, Makefiles/CMake, or Rust.
  • File Systems: Experience with high-performance file systems in Linux.
  • Security Frameworks: Familiarity with Linux security frameworks (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor) and secure boot mechanisms (e.g., UEFI, coreboot, verified boot).
  • Open-Source Passion: Passion for open-source development and prior experience working with or contributing to upstream communities.
  • BPF & Containerization: Experience with BPF (Berkeley Packet Filter) and containerization technologies in embedded environments.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary + generous equity.
  • 100% platinum-level health/dental/vision premium coverage + 70% premium coverage for dependents.
  • 401(k) plan.
  • Take-what-you-need unmetered vacation policy.

Annual Base Salary Range

$120,000 - $275,000/year depending on experience
 

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