You will focus on the design, development, and optimization of Linux-based platforms for mission-critical embedded systems, supporting robust data collection and processing in orbit. As a deeply technical principal engineer, you'll define embedded system architectures, establish development and testing best practices, and guide complex FPGA-SoC integration challenges. You will ensure seamless integration across FPGA, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams.
We're looking for a deeply technical, solutions-oriented engineer with extensive hands-on embedded Linux experience and a passion for advancing space-based embedded systems technology.
As the Principal Embedded Linux Engineer, your main responsibilities will be:- Develop, configure, and maintain Yocto-based Linux images for embedded ARM platforms
- Lead board bring-up efforts, kernel customization, device driver development, and device tree configuration
- Define and implement hardware-software interfaces for FPGA-enabled SoCs with Linux-based application layers
- Optimize system performance and resource utilization for Low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms
- Architect and maintain build systems, including custom Yocto layers, recipes, and BSP configurations
- Troubleshoot complex embedded Linux problems on orbit or in a flatsat environment including boot failures, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks
- Collaborate with FPGA, software, electrical, AI&T, and systems engineering teams to develop and support reliable, high-performance payload capabilities
- Mentor embedded software engineers on Linux internals, driver development, and debugging techniques
Your skills and qualifications:
Essential education and experience:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with deep expertise in Yocto, kernel customization, device driver development, and ARM-based SoCs
- Proven ability to define and execute board bring-up programs using tools such as JTAG debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and serial consoles
- Strong technical depth in Linux kernel internals (device tree, driver model, memory management, scheduling, power management)
- Expertise in C/C++ for kernel and driver development, with proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation
- Deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, DMA, interrupts, and memory-mapped I/O
- Experience with FPGA integration workflows (Xilinx Zynq, Intel SoC FPGAs) and hardware-software co-design
- Strong troubleshooting and system-level integration skills across hardware, FPGA, and software domains
- Experience with version control (git), code review workflows, and modern CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems
Desirable:- Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
- Hands-on space flight hardware experience (board bring-up, satellite integration, hardware debugging, prototyping)
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills-able to translate complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders
- Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
- Experience with space-grade or high-reliability embedded systems (radiation-tolerant designs, fault tolerance, watchdog systems)
- Experience with project management tools such as JIRA or Confluence
Base Salary Range: $170,000 - $200,000 annually
HawkEye 360 offers a compensation package that includes a competitive base salary plus annual performance bonus and benefits. We consider many factors when determining salary offers, such as candidate's work experience, education, training & skills, as well as market and business considerations. We are also open to considering candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than required in a job posting, which may affect the compensation package offered.
