Lead firmware developer

KOHLER India; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

KOHLER India is seeking a Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Development Lead Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high-performance Linux-based systems for embedded devices. You will drive system architecture, kernel optimization, board bring-up, and OTA updates across ARM/MIPS based platforms.

The role requires deep experience in C/C++, Python, and embedded Linux, with hands-on work on U-Boot, Device Tree, and device drivers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering or related field.
• Expertise in embedded Linux and kernel development.
• Strong C/C++ programming and Python scripting experience.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Design: Lead embedded Linux system design with middleware and kernel choices.
• BSP Development: Develop and maintain custom BSPs including U-Boot optimization and Device Tree configs.
• Driver & Kernel Development: Write and optimize Linux kernel drivers and modules (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB).
• User-space Development: Implement applications in C/C++ for embedded Linux using IPC and threads.
• Build Systems & Toolchains: Use Yocto or Buildroot to build firmware images.
• Performance Optimization: Improve boot time, resource usage, and power consumption.
• Security & OTA Updates: Implement secure boot and OTA mechanisms (e.g., SWUpdate, Mender).
• Debugging & Testing: Deep debugging with GDB, JTAG, perf, strace; validate components.
• Mentorship: Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Embedded systems design

C/C++ programming

Python

Scripting (Bash, Python)

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering

Tools

GDB

JTAG

Yocto Project

Buildroot

Azure DevOps

Job description

Job Title: Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Development Lead Engineer
Job Description:
Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Development Lead Engineerisresponsible for designing, developing, and maintaining high-performance, secure Linux-based systems for embedded devices(ARM/MIPS, IoT hubs, gateways). The role spans the full product lifecycle, from bootloader/board bring-up to kernel optimization, middleware integration, and production provisioning. The Embedded Lead will be responsible for designing and developing embedded systems architecture, integrating hardware and firmware components, and ensuring that embedded systems meet high-quality standards. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams to define system requirements, develop architectural guidelines, and lead the development of innovative solutions to meet customer needs.
Key Responsibilities:
System Architecture & Design:Lead the architectural design of embedded Linux systems, selecting proper middleware, libraries, and kernel versions.

• Board Support Package (BSP) Development:Develop and maintain custom BSPs, including U-Boot optimization, Device Tree configurations, and kernel customization.
• Driver & Kernel Development:Write, debug, and optimize Linux kernel drivers and modules (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, Display, Camera).
• User-space Development:Implement complex applications in C/C++ for embedded Linux, utilizing IPC, POSIX threads, and sockets.
• Build Systems & Toolchains:Build, maintain, and customize firmware images usingYocto ProjectorBuildroot.
• Performance Optimization:Optimize system boot time, resource usage (CPU/memory), and power consumption.
• Security & Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates:Implement secure boot, hardware security modules (HSM), and reliable OTA mechanisms (e.g., SWUpdate, Mender).
• Debugging & Testing:Drive deep debugging using GDB, JTAG, logic analyzers, and system tracing tools (perf, strace).
• Mentorship:Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.

Skills and Tools Required:

• Strong experience in embedded systems design and architecture.
• Proficient in programming languages such as C and C++, Python with hands-on experience in embedded domain

• Languages:Expert-level C/C++ programming; proficient in scripting (Bash, Python).
• Kernel/Driver:Deep understanding of Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and device tree.

Embedded web app experience is good to have

• Expertise in Microcontrollers (STM32) and Microprocessors
• Experience with real-time operating systems (FreeRTOS or any RTOS) and embedded Linux.
• Knowledge of hardware design principles, including microcontrollers and microprocessors.
• Familiarity with software development life cycle (SDLC) and agile methodologies.

• Good to have Azure Deveops knowledge.
• Experience with debugging tools and methodologies for embedded software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronics Engineering or a related field.