Entry Level Linux Kernel Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.

As an Associate Engineer - Systems on our team, you will contribute to the development and maintenance of embedded Linux systems software under the guidance of senior engineers and your manager. You may be assigned to Kernel Sustaining, Board Support Packages, Feature Development, User Space Sustaining, Tool Chain, or general Systems work based on team needs and your growth interests.

• Complete assigned tasks including bug fixes, small features, tests, and documentation with direction from your team lead or mentor
• Participate in code reviews, standups, and sprint ceremonies to learn team practices and deliver quality work
• Use version control (Git), follow coding standards, and document your changes
• Build skills in Linux systems development—kernel, user space, BSP, toolchain, or feature implementation—depending on your team assignment

Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:

• Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:
• Eagerness to learn: Willingness to grow in one or more of kernel sustaining, BSP, feature development, user space, systems, or tool chain with mentorship and training
• Foundational technical ability: Ability to read and write C/C++, use Git, follow build and test procedures, and debug with guidance
• Collaboration: Ability to work in a distributed team across US, Romania, and India, ask questions, and communicate progress and blockers clearly
• Assist with applying security patches and CVE-related fixes under guidance
• Help backport patches and run kernel build and test procedures
• Learn kernel subsystems, drivers, and debugging (e.g., kgdb, ftrace) with mentorship
• Validate kernel changes on supported platforms and document results

• Maintain and update BSP configurations and device tree snippets with direction
• Support hardware bring-up and validation; run BSP test procedures
• Learn bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot), device trees, and hardware documentation
• Document BSP changes and hardware requirements

• Implement well-scoped parts of new features from specifications and design docs
• Write and run tests for new functionality; update user-facing or developer documentation
• Participate in feature design and estimation discussions to learn the process
• Test features on assigned platforms and report issues

• Fix bugs and address issues in user space libraries and applications with guidance
• Learn POSIX APIs, system libraries (e.g., glibc, musl), and build systems
• Run tests and validate fixes on multiple platforms and architectures
• Update documentation for user space components you change

• Contribute to systems-level fixes and small features across kernel, user space, or integration
• Build familiarity with Wind River platforms, build systems (e.g., Yocto), and release process
• Support stability and quality initiatives as assigned

• Assist with maintaining compiler toolchain components and build configurations
• Help fix build failures and improve build reliability and performance with guidanceLearn cross-compilation, GCC/Clang usage, and scripting (e.g., Python, Shell)
• Run and document toolchain tests; support debugging tools (e.g., GDB) as directed

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 1–2 years of software engineering or relevant internship/ academic project experience
• Some experience with C or C++ and a willingness to work in both as needed
• Basic familiarity with Linux or embedded systems concepts
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle (design, implement, test, review, document)

• Ability to read and write C and/or C++ with guidance
• Basic use of version control (Git): clone, branch, commit, push, pull requests
• Ability to follow build and test instructions and run existing automation
• Basic debugging (e.g., reading logs, using printfs/debugger with direction)
• Willingness to learn team-specific tools (e.g., kernel tools, Yocto, GDB, build systems)
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis - without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer, now, or at any time in future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• Must be a local resident of Greater Austin, TX

• Preferred Qualifications
• Internship or academic project experience in embedded systems, Linux kernel, or systems programming
• Exposure to Yocto Project or similar embedded Linux build systems
• Basic familiarity with Linux kernel, device drivers, or user space libraries
• Scripting experience (Python, Shell) for automation or tooling
• Interest or exposure to one or more of: BSP/hardware enablement, compilers/toolchains, security (e.g., CVEs), or real-time systems
• Key Performance Indicators
• Quality and timeliness of assigned tasks (bugs, small features, tests, docs)
• Code review participation and responsiveness to feedback
• Progress on onboarding and use of mentorship
• Collaboration and communication within the team
• Consistency and reliability (builds, tests, deliverables)
• Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
• Short and long-term disability coverage
• RRSP matching for financial security
• Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance
• Employee assistance program for mental well-being
• Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars

Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.

Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

About the company

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