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Embedded Linux Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Verkada

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

San Mateo, CA

$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 ...

TRL11, Inc.

Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Irvine, CA

$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 ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 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.

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Embedded Linux Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Linux Engineer, Foundations

1X Technologies AS

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$155K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Embedded Linux Engineer, Foundations
San Carlos, CA (on-site)
About the Role
NEO is a humanoid robot that walks into homes, learns from video, and works alongside people. You'll own the Linux foundation that makes this possible.
This is the layer between silicon and intelligence, where the system boots fast, stays stable, debugs cleanly, and updates confidently. You'll ship the production-grade embedded Linux stack end-to-end, from bring-up to fleet: BSP, kernel, drivers, distribution. The operating system is a product, not an afterthought.
In This Role, You Will:
  • Build and maintain a custom embedded Linux distribution (Yocto) for 1X hardware: BSP, rootfs, and toolchain with reproducible builds and release artifacts
  • Own kernel and driver development: device tree, board bring-up, peripheral enablement, performance tuning, upstream/downstream Linux patch strategy
  • Deliver production-quality system software: boot chain, init, services, logging, crash capture, and fast deterministic startup
  • Create tooling for provisioning, flashing, and over-the-air updates across a growing fleet, along with automated tests and hardware bring-up workflows
  • Take platform ownership from prototype to high-volume production, making reliability and optimization tradeoffs as hardware evolves
  • Build and improve CI/CD for embedded images, kernel builds, and validation

You Might Thrive In This Role If You:
  • Have 5+ years shipping embedded Linux systems in production
  • Have written production device drivers for common buses (I2C, SPI, CAN, USB, Ethernet, PCIe) and can read schematics to reason about hardware behavior from software symptoms
  • Have built with Yocto or Buildroot and hold strong opinions about build systems, release engineering, and test automation
  • Debug at the kernel level with confidence and trace software root causes
  • Are comfortable in high-ownership environments where you define the standard rather than inherit it

Benefits & Compensation
  • Salary Range: $155,000 - $250,000 + Equity
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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