Staff Software Engineer (Embedded OS)

TL;DR

Staff Software Engineer (Embedded OS): Designing and developing the foundational embedded Linux platform for next-generation software-defined vehicles with an accent on kernel configuration, BSP integration, and device drivers. Focus on optimizing system performance, resolving complex hardware-software boundaries, and scaling platform capabilities across a global vehicle portfolio.

Location: Hybrid in Mountain View, California. Must be based in or be able to relocate to the USA.

Salary: $217,000 – $275,000

Company

Global automotive leader transforming vehicle interaction through software-defined platforms and next-generation digital experiences.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and maintain Linux kernel modules, device drivers, and BSP components for in-vehicle compute platforms.
• Develop and manage Yocto-based embedded Linux distributions and associated build pipelines for production images.
• Optimize CPU, memory, and thermal behavior to meet stringent automotive performance and reliability requirements.
• Lead root-cause analysis and complex debugging across hardware, kernel, drivers, and user space.
• Collaborate with silicon vendors like Qualcomm to integrate new ARM SoC platforms and optimize capabilities.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring engineers through design and code reviews to drive engineering standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in embedded, systems, or kernel-level software development.
• Deep expertise with embedded Linux on ARM-based SoCs, including kernel subsystems and bootloaders.
• Strong hands-on experience with Yocto and a track record of shipping commercial embedded Linux deployments.
• Proficiency in C, plus practical experience with Make, Python, and shell scripting.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in architecture direction and driving execution across cross-functional teams.

Nice to have

• Contributions to the Linux kernel or other open-source projects.
• Experience with Android Automotive OS and HAL integration.
• Knowledge of automotive safety concepts (e.g., ISO 26262, ASIL).
• Deep comfort with classic UNIX/Linux command-line tooling (gdb, perf, strace).

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefit programs.
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and retirement savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and tuition assistance programs.
• GM vehicle discounts and employee assistance programs.
• Hybrid work model with regular onsite collaboration.