1

Embedded Linux Developer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal Embedded Linux Engineer to advance our next-generation spacecraft payload platforms. The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux ...

We are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate ... Familiarity with embedded systems or performance-critical environments * Strong debugging skills ...

We are looking for Linux Developers to join potential work for an upcoming program our Partner is ... Windows, Mac, Linux, Mobile, or Embedded platforms * Ability to RE code * Ability to work ...

We are seeking an experienced Linux Developer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate ... Familiarity with embedded systems or performance-critical environments * Strong debugging skills ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$133.70K - $175.90K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and ... Proficient in Embedded Linux (Peta Linux, OpenWrt, Yocto, etc.) * Experience with Embedded Linux ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Germantown, MD

$133.70K - $175.90K/yr

As an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be responsible for product design, development, and ... Proficient in Embedded Linux (Peta Linux, OpenWrt, Yocto, etc.) * Experience with Embedded Linux ...

Embedded Linux or RTOS (VxWorks, pSOS, QNX,...) * C/C++ * Python * Network Programming (BSD Sockets) * Working in an Agile Environment * Must have Great Communication and Writing Skills Desired ...

Embedded Linux or RTOS (VxWorks, pSOS, QNX,...) * C/C++ * Python * Network Programming (BSD Sockets) * Working in an Agile Environment * Must have Great Communication and Writing Skills Desired ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Hanover, MD

$129.50K - $170.40K/yr

About the Role Ciena is looking for a Software Engineer to join the ONU firmware development team ... Key Responsibilities - Develop and maintain embedded Linux firmware on OpenWrt based ONU systems ...

This position focuses on Embedded Software Engineering for high-performance RF and DSP systems ... Develop and maintain embedded Linux applications using PetaLinux on Xilinx SoC platforms to control ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Embedded Linux Developer information

See Washington salary details

$96.8K

$125.1K

$155.7K

How much do embedded linux developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded linux developer in Washington is $125,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,400.00 and $133,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Embedded Linux Developers?

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 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.

What job categories do people searching Embedded Linux Developer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Linux Developer jobs in Washington are:
Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

HawkEye 360, Inc.

Herndon, VA

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

  • Missions
  • Technology
  • About Us
  • Newsroom
  • Career
[ CONTACT US ]  [ MENU ]
Current Job Openings >> Principal Embedded Linux Engineer
Principal Embedded Linux Engineer
Summary
Title: Principal Embedded Linux Engineer ID: SPA-25-04-ISR Team: Space & Ground Systems Location: Herndon, VA
More about this job >
Description

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal Embedded Linux Engineer to advance our next-generation spacecraft payload platforms. The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux systems for small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics.

You will focus on the design, development, and optimization of Linux-based platforms for mission-critical embedded systems, supporting robust data collection and processing in orbit. As a deeply technical principal engineer, you'll define embedded system architectures, establish development and testing best practices, and guide complex FPGA-SoC integration challenges. You will ensure seamless integration across FPGA, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.

We're looking for a deeply technical, solutions-oriented engineer with extensive hands-on embedded Linux experience and a passion for advancing space-based embedded systems technology.

As the Principal Embedded Linux Engineer, your main responsibilities will be:
  • Develop, configure, and maintain Yocto-based Linux images for embedded ARM platforms
  • Lead board bring-up efforts, kernel customization, device driver development, and device tree configuration
  • Define and implement hardware-software interfaces for FPGA-enabled SoCs with Linux-based application layers
  • Optimize system performance and resource utilization for Low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms
  • Architect and maintain build systems, including custom Yocto layers, recipes, and BSP configurations
  • Troubleshoot complex embedded Linux problems on orbit or in a flatsat environment including boot failures, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks    
  • Collaborate with FPGA, software, electrical, AI&T, and systems engineering teams to develop and support reliable, high-performance payload capabilities
  • Mentor embedded software engineers on Linux internals, driver development, and debugging techniques
Your skills and qualifications:
Essential education and experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with deep expertise in Yocto, kernel customization, device driver development, and ARM-based SoCs
  • Proven ability to define and execute board bring-up programs using tools such as JTAG debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and serial consoles
  • Strong technical depth in Linux kernel internals (device tree, driver model, memory management, scheduling, power management)
  • Expertise in C/C++ for kernel and driver development, with proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation
  • Deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, DMA, interrupts, and memory-mapped I/O
  • Experience with FPGA integration workflows (Xilinx Zynq, Intel SoC FPGAs) and hardware-software co-design
  • Strong troubleshooting and system-level integration skills across hardware, FPGA, and software domains
  • Experience with version control (git), code review workflows, and modern CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
Desirable:
  • Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
  • Hands-on space flight hardware experience (board bring-up, satellite integration, hardware debugging, prototyping)
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills-able to translate complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders
  • Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
  • Experience with space-grade or high-reliability embedded systems (radiation-tolerant designs, fault tolerance, watchdog systems)
  • Experience with project management tools such as JIRA or Confluence
Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 annually
HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
Company Overview:
HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early warning indicators to the US Government and allied partners. Our space-based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI-powered analytics transform knowledge of RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.
HawkEye 360 is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
To all recruitment agencies: HawkEye 360 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, HawkEye 360 employees or any other organization location. HawkEye 360 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Apply Now
 
Refer to a Friend

HawkEye 360 is equipping defense, intelligence and national security leaders with mission-critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making through space-based collection, signal processing, and AI-powered analytics.

MISSIONSSpectrum Monitoring Maritime Intelligence Air Defense Radar Monitoring GNSS Interference Detection Communications Mapping
COMPANYAbout Us Technology Support Newsroom Careers Contact Us
CONNECTLinkedIn X YouTube
PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE PO TERMS

COPYRIGHT 2025 HAWKEYE 360

PRIVACY POLICY TERMS OF USE PO TERMS
  • Missions
  • Technology
  • About Us
  • Newsroom
  • Career