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Embedded Linux Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$100 - $150K/hr

Based in Irvine, CA, we are seeking highly passionate, skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineers with expertise in Linux BSP, device driver development, and debugging to join our dynamic ...

Anduril Industries

Embedded Linux Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Experience developing embedded Linux systems using Yocto, buildroot, or similar systems * Familiarity with packaging CUDA libraries and applications * Familiarity with functional programming ...

Anduril Industries

Embedded Linux Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Experience developing embedded Linux systems using Yocto, buildroot, or similar systems * Familiarity with packaging CUDA libraries and applications * Familiarity with functional programming ...

SeeScan

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $155K/yr

About this position SeeScan is seeking a Software Engineer with strong experience in embedded Linux development. You will be responsible for a mix of driver, middleware and application development on ...

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All JobsEmbedded Linux Developer JobsEmbedded Linux Developer Jobs in California

Embedded Linux Developer information

See California salary details

$84.4K

$109K

$135.7K

How much do embedded linux developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded linux developer in California is $108,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an embedded Linux developer?

Embedded Linux Developers are software engineers who specialize in designing, developing, and maintaining software for embedded systems that run on the Linux operating system. These professionals work on devices such as routers, IoT devices, automotive systems, and industrial machines, integrating Linux-based solutions tailored to hardware constraints. Their responsibilities include configuring the Linux kernel, developing device drivers, optimizing system performance, and ensuring reliable communication between hardware and software components. They must be proficient in C/C++, scripting, and have a strong understanding of Linux internals and embedded hardware.

What does an embedded Linux developer do?

As an embedded Linux developer, your duties and responsibilities are to design, test, implement, and integrate software solutions for specific pieces of hardware. Embedded technology often refers to hardware that is not commonly considered a computer, but is controlled by applications or an operating system, such as Linux. These include watches, car engines, and televisions, for example. As an embedded Linux developer, you work closely with programmers, optimization experts, quality assurance technicians, and product engineering designers, as well as all of your external customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an embedded Linux developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Linux Developer, you need a solid understanding of Linux internals, C/C++ programming, and embedded systems architecture, typically supported by a degree in computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with build systems (like Yocto or Buildroot), version control (Git), and debugging tools (GDB, oscilloscope) is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help set outstanding developers apart in this role. These abilities ensure reliable, efficient embedded solutions that meet complex technical requirements and integrate seamlessly into larger systems.

What are some common challenges faced by embedded Linux developers when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Linux Developers often encounter challenges such as managing hardware-software compatibility, optimizing system performance, and troubleshooting driver issues. Working closely with hardware engineers, they must ensure that the Linux kernel and device drivers are correctly configured to communicate with custom hardware. Debugging can be complex due to limited system resources and the need for real-time performance. Effective collaboration and strong problem-solving skills are essential for resolving these integration challenges.

What is the difference between Embedded Linux Developer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Linux DeveloperFirmware Engineer
Required SkillsProficiency in Linux kernel, C/C++, embedded systems, device driversLow-level programming, C/C++, microcontrollers, hardware interfaces
Work EnvironmentEmbedded Linux systems, development boards, Linux-based OSMicrocontrollers, hardware prototyping, real-time systems
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, IoT devices, automotiveConsumer electronics, aerospace, industrial equipment

Embedded Linux Developers focus on developing software for Linux-based embedded systems, working with Linux kernels and device drivers. Firmware Engineers work on low-level hardware programming, often with microcontrollers and real-time systems. While both roles require C/C++ skills and embedded systems knowledge, Embedded Linux Developers typically work in Linux environments, whereas Firmware Engineers focus on hardware-level programming.

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Embedded Linux Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Linux Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,993 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Neros Technologies

Torrance, CA • On-site

$165K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Who we are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We're hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing

Neros builds first-person-view drones for the modern battlefield. As Senior Embedded Linux Engineer, you will own the embedded Linux platform underneath Neros products - the distribution, kernel, bootloader, and SDK that our flight, ground-station, and autonomy software teams build on. This is a platform-ownership role: your customers are other engineering teams, and your work is the foundation the whole product line stands on.

Responsibilities

  • Own our embedded Linux distribution and board support packages (Yocto/Buildroot) - from board bring-up on new compute platforms to safe, reliable field updates
  • Own kernel configuration, device drivers, and the bootloader, including secure boot and update/recovery paths
  • Design and maintain the common runtime and libraries other teams consume - logging, telemetry, IPC, configuration - and the cross-compile toolchain and SDK
  • Bring up new compute platforms: from first power-on to a production-ready OS image
  • Set Linux platform best practices and mentor engineers across teams that build on the platform

You should have the following

  • Deep embedded Linux experience - you have built and shipped products on custom Linux images (Yocto or Buildroot), owning the image rather than just using it
  • Kernel-level competence: device drivers, device tree, and debugging kernel or boot failures on real hardware
  • Bootloader experience (U-Boot or similar), including secure boot concepts and safe update/recovery design
  • Strong C, comfortable on both sides of the kernel/user space boundary; scripting (Python/shell) for platform tooling
  • Board bring-up experience - taking a new SoC/SoM from schematic review to a booting, stable OS
  • Platform-as-product mindset: you have designed libraries, SDKs, or interfaces consumed by other teams - and kept them stable while the platform evolved underneath

Nice to have

  • Radio/comms integration on embedded Linux
  • Real-time tuning - PREEMPT_RT, latency analysis
  • OTA/update systems - Mender, RAUC, SWUpdate, OSTree, or homegrown equivalents
  • Upstream contributions - kernel, Yocto/OpenEmbedded, U-Boot
  • Rust for systems work
  • You fly - FPV, RC, or drones generally

US Salary Range

$165,000 - $231,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We're an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

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