Embedded Software Engineer

Role Overview

Our partner is an early-stage defense company building fully autonomous vehicles. This is a founding seat with direct ownership of the Linux platform on the vehicle's primary computer, from first boot through at-sea testing, on hardware that ships in months rather than years.

Role Description

You will lead embedded Linux for a custom GPU-accelerated edge compute board, developed largely in-house.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the Linux platform end-to-end, from requirements and architecture through deployment on the vehicle

• Build and maintain board support packages plus Yocto, Buildroot or comparable build systems

• Partner with hardware on board bring-up: bootloader, device tree, early boot debug

• Tune the kernel; write and maintain drivers for sensors, peripherals, high-bandwidth interfaces

• Deliver secure boot, real-time performance, networking, time sync

• Handle logging and software updates for vehicles with no live connection in the field

• Support vehicle integration, field testing, root-cause investigation

Skills and Experience

• 5+ years writing production embedded Linux (flexible for the right profile); mostly integration or validation backgrounds won't be a fit

• Hands-on BSP, bootloader, kernel, driver work

• Strong C and C++ in real-time, resource-limited environments

• Board bring-up experience, comfortable with schematics and lab debug tools

• Background in real-time or deterministic systems: automotive, aerospace, launch, drones, self-driving, robotics, industrial automation

• Pluses: Jetson, i.MX or similar SoC platforms; PREEMPT_RT

Why Join

• Founding seat owning the vehicle's primary compute platform

• Clean-sheet stack, direct line from design to deployment

• Hardware in the water within months

• Mission tied directly to US naval capability

• Early stage, meaningful equity

Export Control

Requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data. US citizenship required; candidates must be eligible for a US security clearance.