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Embedded Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California

OSI Engineering

Embedded Linux Driver Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Embedded Linux Driver Firmware Engineer Seeking a Embedded Linux Driver Firmware Engineer for a ... Maintain and enhance existing software OneDriver architecture * Full life cycle software feature ...

Arbor Tek Systems

Embedded Developer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Embedded Developer Location: Sunnyvale, CA Employment Type: Contract / Full-Time We are seeking an ... Design, develop, and maintain embedded software applications using C on Embedded Linux . * Develop ...

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Embedded Linux Software Engineer information

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

To thrive as an Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, Linux kernel and device driver development, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), version control tools like Git, and debugging tools such as GDB are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help address complex technical challenges. These skills and qualifications ensure robust, efficient software solutions for embedded systems that meet industry standards and project demands.

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

AspectEmbedded Linux Software EngineerEmbedded Software Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; knowledge of Linux systemsBachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; programming skills
Work EnvironmentDeveloping Linux-based embedded systems, often in hardware-focused companiesCreating embedded software across various platforms, including non-Linux systems
Industry UsagePrimarily in IoT, automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial automationBroadly in consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, and industrial sectors

Embedded Linux Software Engineers specialize in developing software for Linux-based embedded systems, focusing on kernel, driver, and system integration. Embedded Software Developers have a broader scope, working on embedded software across multiple platforms, not limited to Linux. Both roles require strong programming skills and knowledge of embedded systems, but the Linux-specific expertise distinguishes the Embedded Linux Software Engineer.

What are some common challenges faced by Embedded Linux Software Engineers when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Linux Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to hardware-software integration, such as ensuring compatibility between custom drivers and board support packages with the Linux kernel. Debugging low-level issues, optimizing performance for limited resources, and achieving real-time responsiveness are also common hurdles. Collaborating closely with hardware engineers is essential to resolve issues quickly and ensure seamless system operation. Being proactive in understanding hardware schematics and using tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers can make integration smoother.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as embedded Linux software engineering can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience in high-demand sectors like aerospace, defense, or large tech companies.

Is embedded Linux in demand?

Embedded Linux software engineers are in high demand due to the widespread use of Linux-based systems in IoT devices, automotive, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. Skills in kernel development, device drivers, and real-time Linux are particularly valuable, and knowledge of tools like Yocto and Buildroot can enhance job prospects.

What does an Embedded Linux Software Engineer do?

An Embedded Linux Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software for devices that run on the Linux operating system, typically in environments with limited resources such as IoT devices, automotive systems, or industrial controls. Their work involves configuring Linux kernels, developing device drivers, and optimizing system performance to ensure reliability and responsiveness. They collaborate with hardware engineers, integrate third-party libraries, and often use programming languages like C or C++. The goal is to create stable and efficient software that interacts seamlessly with hardware components.

What is the salary of embedded Linux engineer?

The salary of an embedded Linux engineer typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those requiring specialized skills in real-time operating systems or hardware integration may offer higher compensation.

What does an embedded Linux engineer do?

An embedded Linux engineer designs, develops, and maintains software for embedded systems running Linux. They work with hardware interfaces, device drivers, and real-time operating systems, often using tools like C, C++, and Linux kernel development environments. Their role ensures the reliable operation of devices such as IoT gadgets, industrial equipment, and consumer electronics.
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Embedded Linux Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Linux Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineer, Embedded Linux

Chariot Defense

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About Us

Chariot Defense is a defense technology company that designs and manufactures a family of power products for the U.S. military and its allies. We believe that credible deterrence of armed conflict and winning if deterrence fails, requires more than just the best drones, sensors, weapons, electronic warfare systems, and command & control capabilities. Those critical components will require sustained electric power in austere and resource-constrained environments. Moreover, military units must be able to turn off the trucks and generators that generate this power to hide and survive. In other words, power generation must be decoupled from power consumption. Chariot Defense's products enable exactly this capability, allowing U.S. and allied militaries to be more lethal and survivable. We hope you will join us on this mission.

About the Role

We're looking for an Embedded Linux Engineer to own that software platform from the ground up, taking a bare, custom-built board and getting Linux to boot and run reliably on it, then keeping that stack maintainable as we ship and update units in the field. You'll be the engineer responsible for embedded platforms are built, deployed, and updated across Amphora and future products. Our team comes from Tesla, Anduril, Apple, Archer, and the U.S. military, and we're already fielded across DoD exercises. This is a high-ownership, hands-on role that sits right at the hardware-software boundary.

Key Responsibilities

  • Board bring-up: Take freshly fabricated carrier boards from freshly assembled to reliably booting — methodically proving out power, memory, and communication interfaces, hands-on with hardware on the bench.

  • Bootloader & kernel configuration: Stand up the bootloader and configure the Linux kernel so it correctly recognizes and drives our specific hardware.

  • Device drivers & device tree: Describe our custom hardware to Linux and integrate the drivers needed to talk to peripherals that aren't found in any standard catalog.

  • Build & deploy with Nix / NixOS: Own our operating system defined as code — producing reproducible, identical images and building safe update and rollback paths for fielded units.

  • Networking & system services: Configure on-device networking and the system services our higher-level software depends on.

  • Reliability & maintainability: Build the platform so it stays robust and serviceable across the product's life, under the conditions a defense product actually faces.

  • Cross-functional integration: Partner closely with the firmware and hardware teams, sitting at the seam between low-level hardware and the software that runs on top of it.

What We're Looking For
  • Top-notch engineering intuition and first principles thinking toward designing complex products that function seamlessly for your customer, taking both an engineering/ technical, and product/ customer approach, to strike the optimal balance.
  • Able to independently identify critical information or priority gaps and apply effort toward closing those gaps.
  • Undaunted by imperfect, incomplete or absent datasets or information, and capable of making sound, comprehensive, and swift first-principled decisions to achieve a product end-state that meets and/or exceeds the need of the hour.
  • Not satisfied by superficial explanations of a problem or "band-aid engineering"; seeks persistently to find the specific root cause through data-driven methods, and resolve failures or recurring issues, so they can be mitigated to prevent future such instances.
  • Gratified by helping your peers succeed, building a robust team culture, and propagation deep camaraderie amongst your peers; seeks to break down information silos by collaborating rigorously with others to solve problems, share knowledge, and provide input.
Qualifications Required:

  • BS in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience.

  • 3+ years building and shipping embedded Linux on custom hardware.

  • Proven board bring-up experience, from powered-off to reliably booting.

  • Hands-on with the boot chain: bootloader, kernel configuration, drivers, and device tree.

  • Fluent in C/C++ and the embedded Linux toolchain (cross-compilation, JTAG, serial debug).

  • Exposure to embedded communication interfaces (CAN, SPI, I2C, UART) at the OS and driver level.

Preferred:

  • Experience with Nix/NixOS.

  • Experience with OS configuration as code, Yocto, Ansible.

  • Production Rust experience.

  • Familiarity with ARM SoCs/SoMs on custom carrier boards.

  • Background in automotive, aerospace, defense, robotics, or energy.

Role Requirements
  • This position is an onsite role based in Chariot Defense's San Bruno, CA, office.
  • Willingness to support 10% travel, domestically and internationally, as well as work extended and weekend hours, when necessary.

A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $130,000-$180,000 annually. Compensation packages also include early-stage equity and access to company-sponsored benefit plans.

Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.

All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Chariot Defense are considered property of Chariot Defense and are not subject to payment of agency fees.