Embedded Linux Engineer

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

Job summary

North Vector Dynamics is seeking an Embedded Linux Engineer to own the software from BSP to the application layer on its flight computer platforms. You will work close to hardware, writing and debugging kernel drivers, boot code, and real-time software for the CM-70 interceptor.

You will collaborate with GNC, avionics, and electrical teams to integrate flight software with sensors and actuators, build CI/CD pipelines, and perform hardware-in-the-loop testing for embedded validation.

Qualifications

• Production experience developing embedded Linux systems (kernel & drivers).
• Strong understanding of Linux internals and boot process (bootloaders e.g. U-Boot).
• Experience with BSP customization and vendor SDKs for ARM-based compute modules.
• Strong C++ and Python development with good software engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain embedded Linux software from BSP to application layer on flight computer platforms.
• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and BSP customizations (Yocto/Buildroot) for custom hardware.
• Port, optimize, and maintain software on ARM/SOC compute modules, including sensor interfaces and buses.
• Build real-time, deterministic software meeting flight-critical timing and safety requirements.
• Develop bootloaders (U-Boot) and system init for embedded hardware.
• Collaborate with GNC, avionics, and electrical engineers to integrate software with sensors and actuators.
• Build CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure for validation.
• Debug across kernel, drivers, and application layers using JTAG, scopes, and logic analyzers.

Skills

Embedded Linux development

Kernel & driver development

C++

Python

CI/CD for embedded

Embedded buses (CAN, SPI, I2C, Ether)

JTAG/Hardware debugging

CAN bus

SPI

I2C

Ethernet

ARM SoC/ GPUs

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science / Software Engineering

Tools

U-Boot

Yocto/Buildroot

CI/CD tooling

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.

Required

What You Bring

• 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.