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Linux Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Linux Kernels Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $555K/yr

... developer to join our Scaling team. In this role, you'll design and develop Linux kernel components, working at the intersection of hardware and software to unlock performance at scale.

Intuitive Surgical

Building and maintaining embedded Linux software throughout the entire software lifecycle. * Working closely with other software engineers to debug complex system issues spanning operating systems ...

Top Engineer

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130.10K - $171.50K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Step into a high-impact Senior Software Engineer opportunity with a ... Strong experience with VxWorks, Embedded Linux, and/or bare-metal systems. Familiar with Buildroot ...

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How much do linux software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for linux software engineer in California is $58.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.45 and $66.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Linux Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C, C++, or Python), deep knowledge of Linux operating systems, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with Linux kernel development, version control systems like Git, and experience with build tools and debugging utilities are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaborative teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for building robust, efficient, and maintainable software solutions within complex Linux environments.

How does a Linux Software Engineer typically collaborate with other teams during the software development lifecycle?

As a Linux Software Engineer, you’ll regularly work alongside cross-functional teams such as DevOps, QA, and product management. Collaboration often involves participating in code reviews, troubleshooting system-level issues, and integrating new features with existing infrastructure. Effective communication is crucial, as you’ll need to coordinate with hardware engineers, security teams, and sometimes even customer support to ensure seamless deployment and maintenance. This collaborative environment not only enhances product quality but also provides opportunities to broaden your technical skills and network within the organization.

What does a Linux Software Engineer do?

A Linux Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software that runs on Linux-based systems. Their work often involves writing code in languages such as C, C++, Python, or Shell scripting, and optimizing applications for performance and security on Linux platforms. They may also contribute to open-source projects, customize Linux distributions, and ensure software compatibility with different hardware architectures. Additionally, Linux Software Engineers often collaborate with other engineers to troubleshoot issues and improve system stability.

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

AspectLinux Software EngineerLinux Developer
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and maintaining Linux-based software systems and applications.Writing, testing, and debugging code specifically for Linux environments, often focusing on application development.
Required SkillsProficiency in Linux OS, C/C++, scripting, system architecture, and debugging tools.Strong coding skills in languages like C, C++, Python, and familiarity with Linux APIs and tools.
Work EnvironmentTypically in engineering teams working on system-level software, embedded systems, or infrastructure.Often in software development teams creating applications or tools for Linux platforms.

Linux Software Engineers focus on system-level design and maintenance of Linux-based systems, while Linux Developers primarily write and test applications for Linux. Both roles require Linux proficiency but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Linux Software Engineer jobs in California? For Linux Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Linux Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Linux Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Linux Software Engineer jobs in CA? For Linux Software Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Linux Software Engineer jobs near you

Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer

Horizon Surgical Systems, Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$133.60K - $175.10K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Open Position - Senior/Staff Embedded Software Engineer
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc.
Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. is revolutionizing the world of surgical ophthalmology by developing a novel, AI driven, and imaging-guided surgical robotic system. Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. aims to expand access to care, provide superior capabilities to the human surgeon, and enhance patient outcomes. Microsurgery in general and Ophthalmology are subfields of surgery for which the surgical outcomes can be significantly improved by robotic systems to allow superior dexterity, precision, accuracy, and visualization beyond the human surgeon's own capabilities.
We are seeking highly motivated, and intellectually inquisitive individuals looking to make a positive impact on healthcare via the development of robotic technology. The core values of Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. are:
  • Commitment to Excellence: We aim to deliver superior patient outcomes and surgeon experiences
  • Passion for Creativity and Innovation: We are driven by new ideas and aim to push the boundaries of what's possible
  • Teamwork and Camaraderie: We achieve our best when we collaborate and work together
  • Welcoming of Critical Opinion: We are enriched by constructive criticism and support the best ideas
  • Personal Accountability: We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions

Horizon Surgical Systems Inc. offers:
  • An opportunity to build autonomous surgical robotic systems driven by image guidance and AI technology for the future of affordable, high-quality healthcare.
  • The opportunity to work alongside clinicians, engineers, and global leaders in cutting-edge AI, imaging, and robotics technology.
  • Competitive compensation and an excellent company-paid benefits package.
Role Description
In your role as an Embedded Software Engineer at Horizon Surgical Systems, you will contribute to the architecture and design of a cutting-edge surgical robotics system, implementing and verifying mission-critical software modules. The ability to enforce deterministic timing, and fail-safe behaviors, in the controls software is paramount to its clinical efficacy and regulatory approval. You will be responsible for supporting a robotic system with EtherCAT servo drives and redundant control-diagnostic checks, and so you will be debugging issues with peripheral hardware, Linux kernel latency, and real-time safety. Working closely with the hardware team, you will work to bring up new peripherals, and you will need to consider the fail-safe implications in the event of motor controller failure. Your development and testing will be performed primarily with Linux, and embedded targets where required to interface with hardware. The ability to optimize code for a true RTOS on a microcontroller as well as for PREEMPT_RT Linux, and to design protocols between these environments, is especially valuable for this role.
Required Qualifications & Abilities:
Educational Background:
  • Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

Technical Skills:
  • Strong proficiency in modern C++ (at least C++11) is a must.
  • Ability to write real-time C / C++ on a bare-metal embedded system, or with FreeRTOS / SafeRTOS / QNX.
  • Ability to implement and optimize control loops that integrate servo drives.

Experience:
  • 5+ years of developing C++ robotics software that interfaces with hardware.
  • 5+ years deploying and testing Linux software and RTOS or bare-metal firmware environment.
  • Prior experience working on mission-critical software.
  • Prior experience with medical device development is a plus.

Knowledge:
  • Ability to independently implement Linux user-space drivers and custom wire interface protocols for controls data. (Kernel development experience is not required, but you should be comfortable designing a servo drive control daemon from scratch.)
  • Ability to analyze latency and jitter of high-frequency data in a distributed system.
  • Working knowledge of typical embedded protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.).
  • Experience with CANOpen (DS-402) servo drive control, or EtherCAT, strongly preferred.
  • Experience with some formal software or motion control safety standard (e.g., ISO 26262, IEC 61800-5-2), and/or software verification by an independent safety certifying body, is advantageous.
  • Experience with motor control for serial robotic manipulators is preferred.
  • Experience with kinematics and rigid-body dynamics is helpful for collaborating on control algorithms which use the servo drives that you integrate.
  • Ability to read electrical schematics in collaboration with PCB design engineers.

Soft Skills:
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • Good communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including software engineers, electrical/mechanical engineers, and product managers.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and adapt to new challenges.

Other Requirements:
  • Comfortable working in a lab or workshop environment alongside surgical robotic systems.
  • Ability to work on-site for hands-on software integration.

Responsibilities:
  • Software Implementation:
    • Designing, implementing, and testing embedded and Linux controls software for multiple generations of surgical robotic systems.
    • Performing device failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) for the hardware / software boundary, and implementing appropriate diagnostics to mitigate risks.
  • Integration & Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high performance of software modules.
    • Engage in pair programming, code reviews, and design discussions to maintain high coding standards.
  • Testing & Reliability:
    • Test your software with and without hardware, implementing the appropriate virtual fixtures where it saves time and aids in automation.
    • Strive for the simplest possible, most easily testable software design, to make unit- and integration-test coverage seamless.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-tech startup that is poised to revolutionize surgical robotics in ophthalmology.

Apply