Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Architect

Kohler; Pune District; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Kohler is seeking a Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Architect/Lead Engineer to design, develop, and maintain high-performance Linux-based systems for ARM/MIPS IoT devices, from bootloader bring-up to kernel optimization and OTA provisioning.

You will lead system architecture, BSP/kernel development, and device-driver work, building secure, production-ready firmware with Yocto or Buildroot and modern debugging tools.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in embedded systems design and architecture.
• Proficient in C/C++ and Python with hands-on embedded domain experience.
• Expertise in Linux kernel internals, device drivers, and device tree.
• Embedded web app experience is good to have.
• Experience with STM32 microcontrollers, RTOS, and embedded Linux.

Responsibilities

• System Architecture & Design: lead embedded Linux system designs and select middleware/kernel versions.
• BSP Development: develop/maintain BSPs, U-Boot optimization, and kernel customization.
• Driver & Kernel Development: write/optimize Linux drivers and modules.
• User-space Development: implement complex C/C++ apps for embedded Linux.
• Build Systems & Toolchains: manage firmware images with Yocto/Buildroot.
• Performance & Security: optimize boot, resource usage, and OTA updates.

Skills

Embedded systems design

C/C++

Python

Kernel/Driver development

Build systems

Debugging tools

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electronics Engineering

Tools

Yocto Project

Buildroot

Device Tree

U-Boot

SWUpdate/Mender

GDB/JTAG/strace

Job description

Job Description: Senior Embedded Linux Firmware Architect/Lead Engineer is responsible 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 Architect 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 using Yocto Project or Buildroot.
• 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.

Mandatory Skills Embedded Linux Architect, Embedded Firmware BSP and Kernel Development Embedded C/C++