Embedded Software Engineer (San Diego)

A San Diego based technology company that develops complex electronic products for highly regulated markets is hiring an Embedded Linux Software Engineer to shape the software architecture of its next generation of devices, and to carry that software from early concept all the way through to release. Experience in a regulated product development environment, such as medical devices, biotech, defense, aerospace, or automotive, is essential. The specific industry matters less than having built software where every requirement is traced, every change is controlled, and every release has to hold up to an audit.

In this role you will own the embedded Linux platform that runs on the company's products. You will make and defend architecture decisions across the software stack, including how the system is partitioned between kernel, drivers, middleware, and applications, how it boots, how it is updated safely in the field, and how it stays secure over a long service life. You will bring up Linux on new hardware alongside the electronics team, configure and maintain the build system that produces production images, and write and debug the C and C++ code that talks to the hardware. Because the products are regulated, you will work within a formal design control process: turning system requirements into software requirements and designs, maintaining traceability through verification, contributing to risk analysis, and producing documentation that holds up to external review. You will also help plan and execute verification, from unit and integration testing through system level testing on target hardware, and support manufacturing and field teams when issues come up after launch. This is a senior individual contributor role for someone who has taken embedded Linux products through the full lifecycle before and can set technical direction for the software without needing it set for them. It suits an engineer who is as comfortable writing a driver as writing the architecture document that explains why the driver exists.

This is a full time position based in San Diego, California. Full time onsite role, so candidates should already live within commuting distance. The base salary range for this position is $150,000 to $170,000 per year, depending on experience. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis without employer sponsorship, now or in the future. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and document the embedded Linux software architecture, including partitioning across kernel, drivers, middleware, and applications.
• Bring up Linux on new hardware platforms, working with the electronics team on bootloaders, device trees, and board support packages.
• Configure and maintain the Yocto or Buildroot build system and toolchains used to produce production images.
• Develop and debug kernel drivers and user space software in C and C++.
• Design secure boot, secure over the air update, and long-term maintenance strategies for devices with long service lives.
• Translate system requirements into software requirements and designs, maintaining full traceability through verification.
• Provide software input to risk analysis and hazard assessments and implement the resulting mitigations in the design.
• Plan and execute unit, integration, and system level verification on target hardware, and document the results.
• Produce design documentation, test evidence, and release records that meet regulatory and quality system requirements.
• Support manufacturing, service, and field teams with post release software issues, and mentor other engineers on the team.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5 to 10 years of experience developing embedded Linux software for commercial products.
• In depth knowledge of Linux internals, kernel configuration, device drivers, and board bring up, with strong C and C++ skills.
• Proven track record taking embedded Linux software through the full product development lifecycle, from architecture and design through verification, release, and sustaining support.
• Experience working under a formal design control or quality management system in a regulated industry such as medical devices, biotech, defense, aerospace, or automotive.
• Demonstrated experience defining or owning software architecture for an embedded product.
• A senior, self-directed engineer who is comfortable setting technical direction while staying hands-on in the code.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical decisions to engineering, quality, and regulatory stakeholders.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with embedded security, including secure boot, encryption, and vulnerability management.
• Experience with over the air update frameworks such as SWUpdate, Mender, or RAUC.
• Scripting in Python or Bash for build automation, testing, and tooling.
• Experience with CI pipelines and automated testing on embedded targets.