Linux SoC Infra Lead

Job Requirements

We are seeking a highly experienced software engineer to lead the design, development, and optimization of low-level software infrastructure for complex System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms. This role focuses on Linux kernel, device drivers, bootloaders, board support packages (BSP), and embedded firmware to enable cutting-edge hardware across multiple product lines. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in embedded systems, deep understanding of SoC architecture, and a proven track record of delivering robust and performant low-level software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and develop SoC software infrastructure including bootloaders, kernel bring-up, and board support packages.
• Design, implement, and maintain Linux kernel drivers for peripherals such as I²C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, networking, multimedia, and camera subsystems.
• Lead SoC bring-up on new hardware platforms — from first silicon to mass production.
• Collaborate with hardware, FPGA, and ASIC teams to define hardware/software interfaces.
• Develop low-level firmware (secure monitor, power management firmware, DSP/Microcontroller firmware) as needed for SoC components.
• Optimize system performance, memory footprint, and power efficiency for embedded Linux environments.
• Integrate and validate IP blocks into the SoC software stack.
• Create and maintain automated test and CI pipelines for low-level software.
• Debug complex hardware/software interaction issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and kernel trace tools.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide software architecture decisions.
• Work with product and manufacturing teams to ensure software readiness for production.

Work Experience

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years professional experience in embedded software development for Linux-based SoCs.
• Strong expertise in:

Linux kernel internals and driver development.

Bootloaders (U-Boot, Coreboot, or similar).

Board Support Package (BSP) design.

Device Tree configuration and customization.

• Proficient in C/C++ for low-level system programming; scripting (Python, Bash) for tooling.
• Deep understanding of SoC architectures (ARM, RISC-V, or similar), Qualcomm, Intel, memory subsystems, and peripheral interfaces.
• Hands-on experience with hardware bring-up and lab debugging tools.
• Familiarity with power management frameworks and low-power design.
• Experience with secure boot and trusted execution environments (TEE, OP-TEE, ARM TrustZone).
• Strong problem-solving skills with ability to lead technical investigations from silicon anomalies to kernel race conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with multimedia subsystems (GPU, ISP, camera pipelines).
• Knowledge of virtualization on embedded platforms (KVM, Xen).
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS) alongside Linux.
• Experience contributing to upstream Linux kernel projects.
• Exposure to Yocto Project or Buildroot and or Qualcomm build system for embedded Linux distributions.
• Background in safety-critical or security-certified software (ISO 26262, IEC 61508, Common Criteria).

Core Competencies / Skills :

• Linux Kernel & BSP: Device drivers (char, block, net, misc), platform drivers, device tree, clock framework, regulator, thermal
• SoC Infrastructure: Power domains, interconnect, memory controller, bus fabrics (AMBA, AXI, APB)
• Firmware & Boot: U-Boot, ARM Trusted Firmware (ATF), secure boot
• Debug & Profiling: JTAG, Lauterbach, ftrace, perf, kgdb
• Languages: C, Python (automation), Shell scripting
• Tools: Git, Gerrit, Buildroot, Yocto
• Standards & Interfaces: I²C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, Ethernet

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Leadership in technical decision-making.
• Ability to translate complex hardware/software constraints into practical solutions.
• Mentorship and technical coaching for junior engineers.