Freelance Linux Kernel Development Jobs in Arizona

About us
One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.
What you'll do
This is a role for a senior Embedded Software Engineer within Space Infrastructure - Viasat, experienced in C/C++/Python and interested in learning the Rust programming language. You will lead teams to design, develop, and integrate software for satellite payload flight control, embedded cryptographic functions, and automated test solutions. You will interface and collaborate with system, test, and hardware engineers as new capabilities are developed and transitioned into service.
This position requires an experienced software engineer able to work on and lead projects that are not fully-designed. The candidate must show expertise in most core software development proficiencies.
The day-to-day

• Analyze system level requirements and derive software requirements
• Design and implementation with embedded software in C/C++ and Rust
• Design and implementation with embedded and system test software in C/C++ and Python
• Design and implementation of Linux OS applications in Python, C/C++, and Rust
• Design and implementation of FreeRTOS applications in C/C++ and Rust
• Design and develop applications for microprocessors, embedded processors, and FPGAs
• Design and implementation of bare metal embedded device drivers
• Debug and resolve complex integration issues
• Design CI/CD infrastructure and automation services
• Find opportunities to improve product reliability and security
• Lead design reviews and documentation tasks
• Agile SCRUM development
• Leading multi-disciplinary teams
• Works autonomously with little instruction to solve well-defined problems
• Provide guidance and/or mentor junior level staff
• This is an onsite role

What you'll need

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of design and implementation experience with embedded software in C/C++
• 4+ years of Linux OS use, ideally for an embedded environment
• 3+ years of design and implementation experience with system test software in Python
• Experience with Linux and RTOS applications
• Object-Oriented software design and development experience
• Ability to plan, track and report on team progress
• Good oral and written communications skills
• US citizenship
• Ability to travel up to 10%

What will help you on the job

• Familiarity with FPGA-based architectures
• Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
• Familiarity with RTOS and standalone embedded applications
• Familiarity with Rust software development
• Familiarity with Ethernet standard and protocols
• Familiarity with network security protocols (e.g. IPSec, MACsec, TLS, etc.)
• Familiarity with debuggers (GDB over JTAG)
• Familiarity with tools and services like Git, GitHub, Jira, Jama, Artifactory, etc.)
• SCRUM Product Owner and/or SCRUM Master certification
• Experience with Requirement Databases (Jama, ClearCase, etc.)
• Experience with AI Agents (Claude Code, Copilot, etc.)
• Experience with Emulation Environments
• Experience with CI/CD practices
• Experience with GitHub Actions

Salary range
$165,000.00 - $260,500.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $205,000.00- $307,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement
Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.