Senior Linux Kernel Engineer

MBRYONICS; Galway; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

MBRYONICS seeks a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer to architect, develop and optimize the low-level software platform powering cutting-edge optical communication systems.

You will own the OS layer, drive kernel-space development, and lead hardware-software integration in a fast-paced, high-tech environment in Ireland.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a related field.
• Extensive Linux kernel development experience with custom drivers.
• Deep embedded Linux knowledge including boot sequences and device trees.
• Expertise with Yocto/Buildroot/OpenEmbedded toolchains and Git.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and debug custom Linux kernel drivers and subsystems.
• Architect, build, and maintain BSPs for hardware platforms.
• Optimize kernel and user-space interfaces for real-time performance.
• Lead hardware bring-up and collaborate with electronics engineers.
• Own low-level software lifecycle from design to upstream patches.
• Mentor team on kernel testing, CI/CD, and hardware-in-the-loop workflows.
• Conduct rigorous code reviews and maintain documentation on design.

Skills

Linux kernel

Driver development

Real-time Linux

Embedded Linux

Git

Education

Master's or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Yocto Project

Buildroot

OpenEmbedded

Git

Job description

MBRYONICS is at the forefront of free space optical communications. Our product portfolio covers a wide range of emerging technologies from photonic integrated circuits to advanced optical systems and embedded software solutions. Our optical communications systems are integrated and deployed in satellite communications systems. The work is exciting and challenging and is at the forefront of the technology domains. As part of our expansion, we are currently looking for a suitably motivated - Senior Linux Kernel Engineer to join our group.

As a Senior Linux Kernel Engineer at MBRYONICS, you'll be a vital player on our engineering team, architecting, developing, and optimizing the low-level software platform that powers our cutting-edge optical communication systems. This is an excellent opportunity to own the OS layer, dive into high-performance kernel-space development, and lead hardware-software integration in a fast-paced, high-tech setting.

What you'll do

• Kernel & Driver Development: Design, implement, and debug custom Linux kernel drivers and subsystems used in our Free Space Optical Communication hardware.
• BSP Architecture: Architect, build, and maintain custom Board Support Packages (BSPs) using tools like Yocto Project or Buildroot.
• Performance Optimization: Optimize the Linux kernel and user-space interfaces for real-time responsiveness, low latency, high throughput, and deterministic behavior.
• Hardware Bring-up: Lead the initial bring-up of new custom hardware platforms, collaborating closely with electronics engineers to validate silicon and board designs.
• Lifecycle Leadership: Own the low-level software lifecycle—from architectural requirements and design to upstreaming patches, deployment, and long-term maintenance.
• Quality & CI/CD: Mentor the team on modern kernel testing methodologies, expanding our CI/CD pipelines to handle hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and automated kernel builds.
• Technical Governance: Conduct rigorous code reviews, establish low-level coding standards, and maintain thorough documentation for software design and system architecture.
• Continuous Innovation: Keep up-to-date with upstream Linux kernel developments, security patches, and emerging real-time Linux technologies (e.g., PREEMPT_RT).

Who you are

• Education: A Master's degree or PHD in Computer Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Kernel Expertise: Extensive, proven industry experience in Linux kernel development, writing custom character/block device drivers, and navigating the Linux kernel source tree.
• Embedded Linux Mastery: Deep understanding of the embedded Linux boot sequence (U-Boot/barebox), device trees, memory management, concurrency, and interrupt handling.
• Tooling Proficiency: Expert knowledge of build systems like Yocto Project, Buildroot, or OpenEmbedded, alongside deep familiarity with Git.
• Low-Level Protocols: Proven experience writing and debugging software for hardware interfaces such as SPI, I2C, UART, PCIe, CAN bus, and DMA engines.
• Networking Stack: Strong understanding of Linux network architecture, sockets, and high-speed interfaces (Ethernet, TCP/IP, UDP).
• Debugging Skills: Exceptional problem-solving skills using advanced debugging tools (GDB, JTAG/ICE probes, oscillo-scopes, logic analyzers) and kernel tracing utilities (ftrace, perf, printk).
• Soft Skills & Passion: Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines. A genuine passion for low-level software engineering and space technology.

What's in it for you

• Career Growth: Contribute to a world-class space-age communication program while developing your technical leadership skills in a state-of-the‑art manufacturing environment.
• Collaboration: Work with talented professionals across disciplines to drive impactful solutions.
• Innovation: Be part of a team pioneering advancements in manufacturing engineering for cutting‑edge FSO systems.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible work schedules and a comprehensive benefits package.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

Core ethical values, diversity and inclusion are invaluable to MBRYONICS’ business success. We recognise that the broad perspectives that result from recruiting, developing and retaining a globally diverse workforce promotes innovation and helps us succeed as a business enterprise. It is the policy and practice of the Company to provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants. The Company will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, civil status, family status, disability, age, or membership of the Traveller community.
Please advise us of any reasonable adjustments which MBRYONICS can make to the interview process on the interest of ensuring a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process where you can perform at your best.