Staff Embedded Linux Engineer

Staff Embedded Linux EngineerStep into a foundational engineering role at a fast-growing grid intelligence company.We are seeking a Staff Embedded Linux Engineer to join our customer focused team, take charge of the Linux kernel, drivers, and bootloader beneath our current technology, and shape the embedded architecture of future generation products.LineVision's customers include eight of the ten largest US utilities, which rely on field deployed device sensors to run securely and reliably. You will work on ruggedized, solar-powered sensors mounted on poles away from the transmission lines they monitor. Each pairs a Linux compute module with a companion microcontroller, connects over cellular, and must run for years without a site visit.Reporting to the Senior Manager of Embedded Software Engineering, you will have broad autonomy over kernel and bootloader maintenance, security patching, board bring-up, system software improvements, and device security, including secure boot. You will bridge a hardware-focused embedded team with Data Science and Computer Vision, moving algorithms onto the device and raising the team's software depth, delivering LineVision devices that are lean, secure, and ready for what comes next.Please note: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.Core Responsibilities and Key Performance ObjectivesMaintain the Linux kernel and bootloader on LineVision devices, including security patching, driver development, and operating system improvementsLead board bring-up on new hardware platforms, from first boot through productionDrive system software improvements across the device platform, including performance, power efficiency, and reliabilityDesign hardware-level device security, including secure boot and factory-signed software, with hardware and manufacturing teamsWork with Data Science and Computer Vision to adapt algorithms for low-footprint, on-device execution, using the NPU, GPU, and other hardware blocks where they save CPU and powerOwn the Linux BSP and build system for the platform, including device trees, OS image releases, and the kernel and bootloader upgrade strategyLead root cause analysis on cross-layer problems such as kernel crashes, power and thermal behavior, and field or manufacturing failures that span hardware and softwareInfluence SoC, module, and peripheral selection for future hardware, weighing Linux support, vendor BSP quality, long-term maintainability, and security featuresSet technical standards for embedded Linux through design reviews, code review, and mentoring, and act as the technical resource for engineers across hardware, firmware, and cloud application softwareWithin the first 3 months:Assume day-to-day responsibility for kernel, driver, and bootloader work, with a documented security patching processBaseline current system performance, including boot time, shutdown time, and power drawReview the platform's kernel, bootloader, and security posture and present a prioritized technical roadmap to Engineering leadershipWithin the first 6 months:Ship production system software improvements with measurable gains against the baselineDefine the device security architecture and roadmap with Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, and the security team, covering secure boot and chain of trust, signed software and updates, key management and factory provisioning, protection of debug and physical interfaces, data protection, and regulatory cybersecurity requirements such as EU REDWithin the first year:Lead the embedded software architecture for the next generation sensor, covering OS, bootloader, update mechanism, and security, and document the decisions for the wider teamEstablish a repeatable workflow with Data Science and Computer Vision for moving models and algorithms onto the deviceGrow the team's embedded Linux depth through design reviews, code review, and coaching, so kernel and driver work no longer depends on one personKey CompetenciesCritical Thinking: Develop frameworks for solving complex embedded problems, from kernel behavior to hardware interactions. Mentor teammates in structured debugging and root cause analysis.Delivering Innovative Solutions: Develop strategies for the device software platform, including the next generation, and guide the team in executing them.Empowering Others: Coach engineers on Linux and software practices while learning about LineVision's hardware from teammates. Drive initiatives that develop the team.Stakeholder Management: Develop approaches for working with Data Science, Computer Vision, and hardware teams. Influence decisions on what runs where on the device.Essential SkillsLinux kernel and device driver development in C, including device trees and common bus and camera interfacesBootloader development (U-Boot or similar) and board bring-up of new SoCs or modulesEmbedded Linux security patching and maintenance over a multi-year product life, including CVE triage and kernel upgradesA software engineering background with strong working knowledge of hardware: reading schematics and datasheets, debugging with JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzersScripting in Python and BashA track record of technical leadership: setting direction for a platform or subsystem and raising the bar for the engineers around youWhat Sets the Best Candidates ApartHardware-level device security experience, including secure boot, chain of trust, key management, and secure factory provisioningExperience optimizing embedded Linux for boot time, power, and reliabilityExperience running workloads on NPUs or GPUsExperience with OTA update systems for deployed fleets, including A/B partitioning and rollbackYocto/OpenEmbedded, FreeRTOS, or Rust experienceUpstream Linux kernel contributions, or cybersecurity compliance experience such as EU RED / EN 18031Reporting & Team StructureReports to Senior Manager Embedded Software Engineering, and joins an embedded team of engineers with deep hardware expertise.Collaborates closely with Data Science, Software Engineering, and Hardware Engineering.Interview ProcessApply Online.Round 1: Phone screen (Recruiter)Round 2: Hiring Manager InterviewRound 3: Panel Interviews Panel 1: Technical competency & experiencePanel 2: Teamwork, culture fit, and customer presenceFinal Round: Leadership Team & Hiring Manager Sign-OffWhat does joining LineVision mean for you?Impact. Your talent, time, and energy will critically impact our success in accelerating our mission of providing utilities with grid intelligence to enable affordable, reliable power.Ownership. You will hold broad responsibilities with high autonomy and trust in a communicative, collaborative, and fast-paced environment.Flexibility. You will be empowered to maintain work-life balance with trust-based PTO and a flexible work schedule.Real World Innovation. You will join a motivated and high-performing team working with cutting edge, patented technology to help solve key obstacles to meet the demands of an AI-powered future.Who we are…LineVision is a grid-enhancing technology company enabling electric utilities to deliver affordable, reliable power and accelerate the electrification of the global economy. Our grid intelligence platform delivers the most accurate, network-wide dynamic line ratings and enables safer, more reliable grid operations with a combination of optical sensors and advanced environmental modeling. LineVision's global customer base includes eight of the ten largest US utilities, including National Grid, Southern Company, and Exelon.We are LineVisionaries:We are Innovators: We light the way with tenacious creativity and do good work.We are Empowered: With high trust and high autonomy, the floor is yours, LineVision