Senior Linux System Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

We currently have a career opportunity for an Senior Linux Platform Engineer to join our team located in Santa Clara, CA.  This is a hybrid role with the requirement to be onsite with the client 4 days each week.

Are you passionate about Linux at its core-from kernel to application-and driven to build systems that truly matter?

We are seeking a Senior Linux Platform Engineer to design, build, and evolve a custom Debian-based Linux platform powering next-generation medical devices. You will play a critical role in ensuring this platform is secure, scalable, and production-ready for regulated environments. 

As a Senior Technical Consultant you will participate in all aspects of the software development lifecycle which includes estimating, technical design, implementation, documentation, testing, deployment and support of application developed for our clients. As a member working in a team environment you will take direction from solution architects and Leads on development activities.

• Own and evolve a custom Debian-based Linux distribution
• Customize kernel, drivers, and low-level system components
• Build and maintain Debian packages and repositories
• Enhance build, testing, and release pipelines
• Troubleshoot and root-cause analysis of complex system-level issues across software and hardware
• Collaborate with engineering teams to enable successful product delivery

• Proactively and continuously improve platform performance, security, and automation

Required Qualifications

• Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in SW Engineering or other Engineering discipline
• 10+ years of Linux systems engineering experience
• Proven experience with custom Linux distributions (Debian preferred)
• Strong expertise in Debian packaging
• Advanced Python and Shell scripting skills
• Deep understanding of operating systems, build systems, and system debugging
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support data-informed task execution.  
• Familiarity with AI-enhanced platforms is a plus.  

• A solid understanding of AI capabilities and limitations including ethical considerations is expected

Preferred Skills

• Experience with C/C++ or systems programming
• Background in embedded systems, ARM, or driver development
• Familiarity with containers, virtualization, and CI/CD
• Experience with AWS cloud platform and Infrastructure as Code

About the team

We're a trusted partner to top healthcare and life sciences organizations, delivering transformative solutions that enhance care, accelerate innovation, and improve digital experiences. With 20+ years of expertise in business transformation, modernization, data, and consumer engagement, we help the industry's biggest names boost efficiency and drive meaningful outcomes. We also leverage AI to improve clinical decision-making, streamline operations, personalize patient engagement, and unlock insights that advance research and care delivery.  

Perficient, Inc. proudly provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Perficient, Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Perficient, Inc. expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or covered veterans. Improper interference with the ability of Perficient, Inc. employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Disability Accommodations: Perficient is committed to providing a barrier-free employment process with reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or the posting is removed.

The salary range for this position takes into consideration a variety of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, level of experience, applicable office location, training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The new hire salary range displays the minimum and maximum salary targets for this position across all US locations, and the range has not been adjusted for any specific state differentials. It is not typical for a candidate to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the unique facts and circumstances regarding each candidate. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range for this position is $64,974.00 to $149,880.00. Please note that the salary range posted reflects the base salary only and does not include benefits or any potential variable compensation programs. Information regarding the benefits available for this position are in our benefits overview. 

Disclaimer:  The above statements are not intended to be a complete statement of job content, rather to act as a guide to the essential functions performed by the employee assigned to this classification.  Management retains the discretion to add or change the duties of the position at any time. 

#LI-GS1 #LI-AIFirst. #LI-SantaClara

• Own and evolve a custom Debian-based Linux distribution
• Customize kernel, drivers, and low-level system components
• Build and maintain Debian packages and repositories
• Enhance build, testing, and release pipelines
• Troubleshoot and root-cause analysis of complex system-level issues across software and hardware
• Collaborate with engineering teams to enable successful product delivery
• Proactively and continuously improve platform performance, security, and automation