Freelance Linux Kernel Developer Jobs in California

Overview

Our new global headquarters is conveniently located in Irvine, CA near John Wayne Airport in the Park Place development. For our onsite and hybrid employees you will be able to enjoy amenities such as access to many restaurants and shops, running trails, a fitness deck, outdoor seating, dry cleaning, car wash, free garage parking, car charging stations, shuttle service for train commuters, outdoor games like bocce, horseshoes, gaming tables, pickle ball, and basketball. For more information on Park Place visit www.parkplaceirvine.com (https://napanasonic.icims.com/proxy/classic-data/classic-data-spa/export/profile/JOB/www.parkplaceirvine.com)

Who We Are:

Ever wonder who brings the entertainment to your flights? Panasonic Avionics Corporation is #1 in the industry for delivering inflight products such as movies, games, WiFi, and now Bluetooth headphone connectivity!

If you want to learn more about us visit us at www.panasonic.aero (https://napanasonic.icims.com/proxy/classic-data/classic-data-spa/export/profile/JOB/www.panasonic.aero)

And for a full listing of open job opportunities go to www.panasonic.aero/join-us/ (https://napanasonic.icims.com/proxy/classic-data/classic-data-spa/export/profile/JOB/www.panasonic.aero/join-us/)

Responsibilities

We are looking for an accountable and technically skilled Embedded Linux Kernel Developer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for architecting, developing, and maintaining the core software stack for embedded platforms, including the Linux kernel, bootloader, BSP, toolchain, and initramfs. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers, test engineers, and other team members to ensure seamless hardware-software integration and deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. Strong ownership, initiative, and technical expertise are essential for success in this position.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Develop, customize, and maintain the Linux kernel, including device drivers and kernel modules for embedded platforms.

• Design and implement bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and manage secure and reliable system startup processes.

• Bring up Board Support Packages (BSPs) for custom hardware platforms ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software.

• Design and implement software components from a bootloader to an operating system including Linux kernel, synchronization primitives, resource allocators, memory management, security, I/O systems, file system and storage (FLASH, SD, SSD, eMMC, UFS, etc), and various device drivers.

• Develop and configure initramfs and early user-space environments to support system initialization.

• Strong proficiency in C/C++, shell scripting, and build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot).

• Build and optimize toolchains for cross-compilation and embedded development workflows.

• Solid understanding of hardware-software interaction, memory management, and low-level system architecture.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.

• Collaborate with hardware engineers to bring up new boards and resolve integration issues.

• Work with test engineers to define validation strategies and ensure software quality through testing.

• Take ownership of deliverables, demonstrate accountability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, own tasks end-to-end, and deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines.

• Communicate effectively across disciplines to drive project success and resolve technical challenges.

• Translates designs into software by analyzing functional specifications and interpreting complex system design specifications and provides systems engineering support on large- scale systems, major system elements, and/or interfacing systems, requiring extensive investigation and clarification.

• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes design interfaces. Prepares, reviews, and evaluates interface documentation, specifications, test plans and procedures.

• Conducts analysis to define, analyze and allocate requirements. Prepares program-level and user-level documentation.

• Supports system test programs and analyzes system testing.

• Supports strategic system migration.

• Performs analysis to define, analyze and allocate requirements and conducts analysis of system requirements and components and performs system audits to ensure all intended system functionality, operations and performance requirements are achieved.

• Documents designs in engineering documents including functional block diagrams and data/logic flow charts.

• Provides systems engineering support on systems, major system elements, and/or interfacing systems.

• Leads and directs the work of others.

The salary range of $97,000 - $162,000 annually is just one component of Panasonic's total package. The final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to individual's knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Sciences, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering, or equivalent experience.

• Advanced degree is preferred.

• 5+ years' of embedded software development experience and 3+ years of Linux application development experience.

• Or 9+ years of related software development experience in lieu of degree.

• IFE system development experience is a plus.

• Extensive experience in embedded Linux development, including kernel, bootloader, BSP, and initramfs customization.

• Solid understanding of hardware-software interaction and low-level system architecture.

• Expert level of C/C++ programming experience in a Linux environment including TCP/IP network programming and device drivers.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and make efficient use of given resources such as system lab time and down stream process owners and tasks.

• Ability to resolve complex problems quickly and efficiently. IFE development involves many system level issues including real time, performance and reliability requiring understanding of distributed processors in an embedded system environment. Many problems are multi-dimensional requiring non traditional solutions to fit within the constraints of an embedded system providing highest value to the customer and end user to bring entertainment in an aircraft. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-function teams to achieve positive results for complex projects.

• Performs as mentor, leader, technical expert and a source of information.

• Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and provides guidance to other technical positions.

• Demonstrated high level of experience providing identifiable technical contributions to the success of a specific product/project.

• Utilizes specialized knowledge in order to provide recommendations and make decisions in matters of significance to the product and company.

• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

• Expert with commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Electronic Engineering field.

• Interacts with senior internal and external personnel.

• Internal and external contacts often pertain to company plans and objectives.

• Demonstrated engineering communication expertise including concise written and verbal skills.

• Ability to travel to domestic or international locations as required, up to 10% of the time.

What We Offer:

At Panasonic Avionics Corporation we realize the most important aspects in leading our industry are the bright minds behind everything we do. We are proud to offer our employees a highly competitive, comprehensive and flexible benefits program.

Paid time off: Exempt Salaried employees receive flexible paid time off. This means that there is no fixed number, range, or limit to the amount of Personal and Vacation Days that may be taken for exempt employees. Non-exempt hourly employees accrue 14 vacation days per year + 7 sick days + 3 personal days. Accrual rate increases with tenure. All employees receive 11 company paid holidays per year. We also close our offices at the corporate level in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year. For operational positions that are expected to work on holidays, we provide additional compensation for hours worked.

Health Insurance: Medical insurance offerings from Aetna and Kaiser (CA &HI). Options for Employee Only, Employee + Spouse/Domestic Partner, Employee + Children, or Family. Dental PPO and DMO options & Vision insurance through EyeMed or VSP.

401K with 50% match on up to 8% contribution, full vested from day 1.

Washington residents only are eligible for: Washington's Family and Medical Leave program and Washington's Paid Sick Leave program.

Other offerings include: Wellness Program, Counseling services, FSA & HSA, Life Insurance for employee, spouse and child, AD&D Insurance, Long-term and Short-term disability, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Legal Assistance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Dependent Care FLSA, Education Assistance, Commuter Program, Employee Purchase Program, Service Award Program.

Panasonic is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law or company policy. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Pre-employment drug testing is required for safety sensitive positions or as may otherwise be required by contract or law. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Avionics Corporate.

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Salary Range

$97,000 - $157,000 Annual REQ-153957