Embedded Linux Engineer

North Vector Dynamics Inc.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

North Vector Dynamics Inc. is seeking an Embedded Linux Engineer to own software from BSP to application layer on flight-ready hardware.

You’ll write kernel drivers, boot code, and real-time software, working closely with GNC, avionics, and electrical teams to bring the flight computer from bench to flight. You’ll design and maintain embedded Linux software, integrate sensor interfaces, and optimize GPU-accelerated compute modules.

Qualifications

• Production experience developing embedded Linux systems, kernel and driver work, and BSP customization.
• Strong understanding of Linux internals and boot processes including U-Boot.
• Experience with vendor SDKs for ARM-based SoCs and hardware interfaces (CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet).
• Comfort debugging near hardware using JTAG and scope/logic analyzers.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain embedded Linux software for flight-connected systems.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and BSP customizations (Yocto/Buildroot).
• Port and optimize software on ARM SoC compute modules with sensor interfaces.
• Build real-time components meeting flight-critical timing and reliability needs.
• Develop bootloaders (U-Boot) and init for embedded platforms.
• Collaborate with GNC/avionics/electrical teams to integrate hardware and software.
• Build CI/CD pipelines, automated tests, and hardware-in-the-loop infrastructure.
• Debug across kernel, drivers, and application software with relevant tools.
• Contribute to system architecture balancing performance, power, and size.

Skills

Embedded Linux

Kernel driver development

Yocto/Buildroot

C++

Python

CAN/SPI/I2C/Ethernet

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Post-secondary in computer/electrical engineering or CS

Tools

JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Logic analyzers

U-Boot

GPU compute (CUDA/TensorRT)

Job description

About the Role

North Vector Dynamics is building the next-generation unmanned systems. We’re looking for an Embedded Linux Engineer to own the software that enables these systems, from the board support packages up through the application layer. You’ll work close to the hardware, writing and debugging kernel drivers, boot code, and real-time software. You’ll report to our Flight Software Lead and work directly with our GNC, avionics, and electrical teams to bring the flight computer from bench to flight. If you want your code running on hardware that actually leaves the ground, this was written for you.

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and maintain the embedded Linux software running on the CM-70 interceptor’s onboard flight and mission computer, from the board support package through the application layer.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and BSP customizations (Yocto/Buildroot) for custom flight computer hardware, including sensor interfaces, communication buses, and peripheral I/O.
• Port, optimize, and maintain software running on GPU-accelerated ARM SoC compute modules, including driver bring-up and vendor SDK integration for onboard sensor processing.
• Build real-time and deterministic software components that meet the timing, reliability, and safety demands of a flight-critical system.
• Develop and maintain low-level device drivers, bootloaders (U-Boot), and system init for custom embedded hardware platforms.
• Work closely with GNC, avionics, and electrical engineers to integrate flight computer software with sensors, actuators, and communication systems (CAN, SPI, I2C, Ethernet, and similar).
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure for embedded software validation.
• Debug issues across the full stack, from kernel and driver level up through application software, using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Contribute to system architecture decisions that balance performance, power, size, weight, and reliability constraints for a flight vehicle.
• Support integration, bench testing, and field testing of the interceptor’s electronics as required.
• Step into whatever the mission demands: this is a startup, and no two weeks will look the same.

What You Bring

Required

• Production experience developing embedded Linux systems, including kernel and driver development, BSP customization, and build systems such as Yocto or Buildroot.
• Solid understanding of Linux internals: process and memory management, device drivers, interrupt handling, and the boot process, including bootloaders such as U-Boot.
• Experience with embedded communication protocols and buses, such as SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Experience working with vendor-supplied Linux distributions and SDKs for ARM-based SoC compute modules, and comfort picking up a new vendor ecosystem quickly.
• Comfort working close to the hardware: reading schematics and using JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers to debug issues that span software and electronics.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals: version control, testing, code review, and CI/CD for embedded targets.
• Strong experience with C++ and Python
• Eligibility for a Government of Canada security clearance; active clearance is a significant asset.

Preferred

• Experience developing software for flight computers, avionics, or other safety- or mission-critical embedded systems in aerospace or defence.
• Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) testing, flight software verification, or formal systems engineering processes.
• Familiarity with GPU-accelerated compute on embedded/edge platforms (e.g., CUDA, TensorRT) for sensor processing or onboard inference.
• Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Military background is a strong asset, we deeply value the operational context, mission focus, and technical discipline that veterans bring. Candidates with prior service in the Canadian Armed Forces or allied militaries, particularly in technical or avionics roles, are highly encouraged to apply.
• Post-secondary education in computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, software engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Why North Vector Dynamics

• Real ownership from day one, the systems and processes you build will be foundational to how this company operates for years to come.
• We’re working on technology that matters at a national and global level, and every person on the team feels that weight and that purpose.
• A tight-knit, high-calibre team that moves fast, holds each other to a high standard, and doesn’t waste time on bureaucracy for its own sake.
• Competitive compensation and meaningful upside from joining an early-stage company at the forefront of the defence technology sector.
• On-site in Calgary, AB, a growing hub for tech and defence, with a culture built around resilience and getting things done.