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Embedded Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lumicity

CA · On-site

Embedded Linux Software Engineer - (95k-145k) This role focuses on developing flight software for embedded Linux platforms, collaborating with hardware teams on new board bring-up, integrating and ...

Verkada

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

... Linux development as a Software Engineer. * Proficient in C/C++ * Preferred experience working with embedded Linux, cameras, and audio systems * Expertise with Yocto, Bash * Familiar with Linux ...

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 ...

Verkada

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$141K - $185K/yr

... Linux development as a Software Engineer. * Proficient in C/C++ * Preferred experience working with embedded Linux, cameras, and audio systems * Expertise with Yocto, Bash * Familiar with Linux ...

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 ...

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Embedded Linux Engineer information

See California salary details

$82.9K

$133.1K

$187K

How much do embedded linux engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded linux engineer in California is $133,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $158,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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Embedded Linux Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Linux Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,112 per year, or $64 per hour.

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

Torrance, CA • On-site

Neros Technologies
See more jobs at Neros Technologiesexternal

$165K - $231K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 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.

Apply