1

Linux Build Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Build Software Engineer

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$185K - $230K/yr

As a Build Software Engineer, you will own the systems that enable quick and reliable building ... Experience with performance optimization such as identifying and resolving bottlenecks in Linux and ...

Showing results 21-40

Linux Build Engineer information

What does a Linux build engineer do?

A Linux Build Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining build systems for software projects that run on Linux operating systems. They automate build processes, manage dependencies, troubleshoot build failures, and ensure that software compiles and packages correctly. Additionally, they often collaborate with development and operations teams to streamline continuous integration and delivery pipelines, improving deployment efficiency and software quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Linux build engineer?

To thrive as a Linux Build Engineer, you need strong expertise in Linux system administration, scripting languages (such as Bash or Python), and build automation concepts, often backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with build tools like Jenkins, Git, Docker, and configuration management systems such as Ansible or Puppet is typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable, efficient build processes and enable smooth collaboration in fast-paced development environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by Linux build engineers in managing build automation pipelines?

Linux Build Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistency across multiple environments, troubleshooting complex build failures, and integrating new tools into existing CI/CD pipelines. They must ensure that builds remain reproducible and stable as codebases and dependencies evolve. Collaboration with development, QA, and operations teams is essential to quickly address issues and optimize the build process, making strong communication and problem-solving skills critical in this role.

What is the difference between Linux Build Engineer vs Linux System Administrator?

AspectLinux Build EngineerLinux System Administrator
Primary FocusBuilding, maintaining, and optimizing Linux software builds and automationManaging, configuring, and maintaining Linux systems and servers
Skills & CertificationsLinux scripting, build tools (e.g., Jenkins), version control, Linux certifications (e.g., RHCE)Linux system management, networking, security, certifications like RHCE or CompTIA Linux+
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, CI/CD pipelines, software companiesIT departments, data centers, enterprise environments
Common TasksAutomating builds, troubleshooting build failures, integrating softwareSystem setup, user management, troubleshooting hardware/software issues

While both roles require Linux expertise and certifications like RHCE, Linux Build Engineers focus on software build processes and automation, whereas Linux System Administrators manage and maintain Linux infrastructure. The roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within organizations.

What job categories do people searching Linux Build Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Linux Build Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Linux Build Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Linux Build Engineer job openings:

Linux Kernel Developer (Mid-to-Senior Level)

E-Space

Saratoga, CA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service deliveryย associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We're a successful, fast-growing startup building complex systems that run on custom Linux platforms in demanding, real-world environments. We're looking for a Linux Kernel Developer who's comfortable working deep in the stack - from drivers and subsystems to boot and memory management - and who wants to own kernel-level quality as our products scale.
ย 
In this role, you'll design, develop, and debug kernel code and low-level Linux components that power our hardware platforms. You'll work closely with embedded software engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure our platforms are stable, performant, and production-ready.
ย 
This is a hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys solving hard problems close to the metal in a lean engineering organization.
What you will do:
* Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
* Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
* Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
* Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures
* Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
* Work with bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and board bring-up for new hardware revisions
* Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration
* Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
* Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), and CI integration
* Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that's practical and reusable
What you bring to this role:
* 5+ years of experience developing in C, with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals
* Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules
* Solid understanding of:
ย  ย * Kernel subsystems (memory management, scheduling, filesystems, networking)
ย  ย * Linux boot process and bootloaders
ย  ย * Concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space
* Experience with embedded Linux build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
* Comfort working directly with hardware during bring-up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers
* Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis
* Comfortable working independently and taking ownership in a lean startup environment
ย 
Bonus points for the following:
*Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience
* Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real-time operating systems
* Familiarity with security-hardening practices for embedded Linux (secure boot, kernel hardening)
* Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send-email)
* Exposure to multiple CPU architectures (ARM, RISC-V, x86)
* Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system-level software
ย 
$150,000 - $225,000 a year

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.ย 
ย 
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
ย 
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.ย ย 

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.ย  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.ย  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.ย ย 

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

An opportunity to really make a difference
Sustainability at our core
Fair and honest workplace
Innovative thinking is encouraged
Competitive salaries
Continuous learning and development
Health and wellness care options
Financial solutions for the future
Optional legal services (US only)
Paid holidays
Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
apply for this job