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Embedded Linux Engineer Jobs (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 ...

As a Senior Embedded Linux Engineer, you will own the entire Linux platform ecosystem. You aren't just "using a build tool"; you are architecting a custom distribution from the ground up to ensure ...

Success Profile The ideal candidate is a Senior Embedded Linux Engineer who wants to lead without stepping away from the code too early. They can personally solve difficult technical problems, but ...

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 ...

Firmware Embedded Linux Engineer

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Firmware Embedded Linux Engineer Job Location: Waukesha, WI - Locals only Interview Mode- F2F Job Type: Contract * Work closely with systems and hardware teams on requirements gathering and capture ...

As a Senior Embedded Linux Engineer, you will own the entire Linux platform ecosystem. You aren't just "using a build tool"; you are architecting a custom distribution from the ground up to ensure ...

Futurex embedded Linux software engineers will have opportunities to work with advanced cryptographic systems at all layers of an embedded Linux operating system such as boot loaders, kernel drivers ...

Futurex embedded Linux software engineers will have opportunities to work with advanced cryptographic systems at all layers of an embedded Linux operating system such as boot loaders, kernel drivers ...

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Embedded Linux Engineer information

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$84K

$134.9K

$189.5K

How much do embedded linux engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded linux engineer in the United States is $134,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,000.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEmbedded Linux EngineerFirmware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; Linux certifications beneficialBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related; embedded systems certifications helpful
Work EnvironmentDevelops and maintains Linux-based embedded systems, often in hardware labs or development teamsDesigns low-level firmware for microcontrollers or hardware, typically in hardware or R&D labs
Industry UsageUsed in IoT devices, consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial systemsCommon in consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment

Embedded Linux Engineers focus on developing and maintaining Linux-based embedded systems, while Firmware Engineers work on low-level firmware for microcontrollers. Both roles require embedded systems knowledge but differ in platform focus and complexity.

What does an Embedded Linux Engineer do?

An Embedded Linux Engineer is responsible for developing, configuring, and maintaining Linux-based operating systems for embedded devices such as routers, IoT gadgets, automotive systems, and industrial controllers. They work on customizing the Linux kernel, developing device drivers, optimizing system performance, and integrating software applications with hardware. Their role often includes troubleshooting system issues, ensuring security, and supporting cross-functional teams in bringing products from concept to production. Strong programming skills in C/C++, understanding of hardware interfaces, and experience with build systems like Yocto or Buildroot are essential for this position.

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

To thrive as an Embedded Linux Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, proficiency in C/C++ programming, and experience with Linux kernel and device driver development. Familiarity with tools like Git, Yocto, Buildroot, and debugging systems such as GDB is typically required, along with knowledge of real-time operating systems (RTOS). Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing reliable embedded systems, ensuring robust product performance, and facilitating efficient teamwork in complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Linux Engineers when integrating new hardware components?

Embedded Linux Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring hardware compatibility, developing or modifying device drivers, and optimizing system performance when integrating new hardware components. Debugging hardware-software interactions can be complex due to limited diagnostic tools and varying documentation quality. Additionally, engineers must frequently collaborate with hardware teams to resolve timing or communication issues, making strong cross-functional communication skills essential for success in this role.

What Does an Embedded Linux Engineer Do?

The job duties of an embedded Linux engineer revolve around working to develop software and firmware for various devices and computer systems. In this career, you work on products like smart TVs, navigation devices, networking equipment, medical instruments, industrial systems, mobile phones, and other embedded systems that use Linux. In addition to writing and testing code for Linux-based device development, you may work to fix problems with existing systems that use a Linux platform or integrate new software into existing systems.

What cities are hiring for Embedded Linux Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Embedded Linux Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Linux Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Embedded Linux Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Embedded Linux Engineer jobs? The top employers for Embedded Linux Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Embedded Linux Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Embedded Linux Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Embedded Linux Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,878 per year, or $64.8 per hour.
Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

HawkEye 360, Inc.

Herndon, VA

$170K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

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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.
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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.

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