Staff Embedded Linux Engineer

Aurora Innovation$189K — $303K *
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with system-level programming expertise.
  • Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development and image generation.
  • Proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel-level development.
  • In-depth knowledge of Linux kernel internals and device driver architecture.
  • Experience with debugging tools like GDB and JTAG.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with effective cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) using the Yocto Project.
  • Configure and optimize the Linux kernel and bootloaders for custom hardware stability.
  • Develop and debug Linux device drivers for various hardware interfaces.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers on board bring-up and debug at the schematic level.
  • Implement and enhance functionalities of the PCIe subsystem, including memory management.
  • Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations for specific platforms.
  • Optimize system performance, boot time, and power consumption for embedded devices.
  • Develop and maintain CI/CD pipelines for the embedded software stack.

Benefits

  • Eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation.
  • Hybrid work environment with in-office days for collaboration.
  • Work with a diverse team committed to improving transportation.
  • Opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
Full Job Description
Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We are seeking a seasoned Staff Embedded Linux Developer to architect, design, and implement system-level software for our next-generation embedded platforms. This high-impact role requires deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, BSP customization with the Yocto Project, and hands-on experience with hardware interfaces like PCIe, BIOS, and DDR RAM. The ideal candidate will lead complex debugging efforts, collaborate closely with hardware teams during board bring-up, and drive performance optimization across all system components.

In this role, you will
  • Lead the design, development, customization, and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) for various hardware platforms using the Yocto Project build system.
  • Configure, build, and optimize the Linux kernel, bootloaders (U-Boot), and root file systems for custom hardware, ensuring system stability and performance.
  • Develop, port, and debug Linux device drivers for a wide range of hardware interfaces, including PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB.
  • Collaborate with hardware engineers during initial board bring-up, debugging issues at the register and schematic levels using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
  • Implement and enhance functionalities related to the PCIe subsystem, including DMA, memory management, and interrupt handling.
  • Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations and integrate them with the embedded Linux environment as required for specific platforms (e.g., x86 architectures).
  • Optimize system performance, boot time, memory footprint, and power consumption for embedded devices.
  • Develop and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows for the embedded software stack.
  • Create Requirements and Design, conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and develop unit test plans.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with a strong background in system-level programming and board bring-up.
  • Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development, recipes (BitBake), and image generation.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel-level development.
  • In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel internals, memory management, scheduling, and device driver architecture.
  • Hands-on experience with debugging tools like GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, and oscilloscopes.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Desirable Qualifications
  • Familiarity with secure boot, OTA updates, and system security hardening.
  • Exposure to open-source contributions and community collaboration practices.
  • Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts.
  • Knowledge of Telecommunication and/or GNSS domain


The base salary range for this position is $189,000-$303,000 per year. Aurora's pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

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We believe in-person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

About Aurora Innovation

Aurora Innovation is a technology company that develops self-driving car technology. The company was founded in 2017 by a team of experts in the field of autonomous vehicles, including former executives from Google, Tesla, and Uber. Aurora's technology is designed to enable vehicles to operate safely and efficiently in a variety of driving conditions, and the company has partnerships with a number of major automakers, including Volkswagen and Hyundai. Aurora is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Learn more about Aurora Innovation
Size
600 employees
Market Cap
$1.3 billion
Industry
NASDAQ

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