Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel Developer

GlobalFoundries; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RISC‑V platform ownership

End‑to‑end project ownership

Collaborative, technically strong team

Long‑term growth on strategic platform

Job summary

GlobalFoundries in Bengaluru is seeking a Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel Developer to lead Linux bring‑up and SDK validation for a 64‑bit RISC‑V MPU platform, collaborating with architecture, hardware and software teams across pre‑silicon, FPGA and first silicon stages. You will own kernel and BSP enablement, develop drivers, and contribute tests and documentation.

Requires 3–5 years Embedded Linux experience, expert C, deep Linux internals, and hands‑on BSP bring‑up with U‑Boot, Device Tree and

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level or higher in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years experience in Embedded Linux platform/BSP development.
• Expert-level C programming; comfortable reading low-level firmware and kernel code.
• Strong Linux internals knowledge: boot flow, memory management, interrupts, SMP.
• Hands-on SoC/platform bring-up experience and ownership mindset for BSP quality.

Responsibilities

• Linux SDK development, validation, and release for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
• Pre- and post-silicon validation including FPGA and first silicon tests.
• Drive SoC bring-up with SoC architects and hardware teams; provide debug data.
• Develop and debug drivers for multimedia, connectivity, and platform services.

Skills

Embedded Linux

C programming

Linux kernel

BSP bring-up

Debugging

Education

B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer/Electrical Engineering

Tools

U-Boot

Device Tree

Yocto/OpenEmbedded

GDB

OpenOCD/JTAG

Job description

Title: Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel Developer

About** GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundriesis a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Build the Linux foundation for a next-gen RISC‑V MPU platform.

About the Role

We’re building a next-generation, application-class RISC‑V MPU SoC platform for Linux systems - bringing together multimedia, industrial connectivity, security, and heterogeneous compute subsystems.

In the Platform Software team, you’ll own key pieces of Linux bring‑up and SDK validation, partner closely with architecture and hardware teams, and help shape SoC/CPU decisions with hands‑on data from pre‑silicon, FPGA, and first‑silicon debug.

Key Responsibilities

• Linux SDK development & validation: build, enable, and release a production-quality SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
  • Develop and maintain a Linux SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
  • Enable the boot and firmware stack (boot flow, early platform initialization, U‑Boot, OpenSBI).
  • Drive Linux kernel/BSP enablement: SoC bring‑up, Device Tree, CPU/memory/interrupt subsystems.
  • Develop and debug device drivers (multimedia, connectivity, DMA, power/clock/reset, platform services).
  • Deliver SDK releases: integration, validation, and developer‑facing documentation.
• Pre- & post-silicon validation (AVV): create tests, validate on FPGA/first silicon, and unblock teams through system‑level debug.
  • Contribute to pre‑silicon validation using FPGA, emulation, and virtual platforms.
  • Develop platform tests and validate on FPGA/first silicon; root‑cause issues across HW/FW/kernel.
• Cross‑functional execution: work day‑to‑day with architects, hardware, and safety teams to land features and de‑risk schedules.
  • Partner with system architects, hardware, and safety teams to define requirements and execution plans.
  • Provide bring‑up and validation feedback that influences next‑gen RISC‑V CPU/SoC features.
  • Align with internal and external stakeholders on roadmaps, deliverables, and release readiness.
• Customer & ecosystem engagement: support early adopters and contribute fixes upstream when appropriate.
  • Work with OEMs/Tier‑1s during early enablement, bring‑up, and SDK adoption; upstream fixes where it makes sense.

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience (typically 3-5 years) in Embedded Linux platform/BSP development.
• Expert‑level C programming; comfortable reading low‑level firmware and kernel code.
• Strong Linux internals knowledge: boot flow, memory management/MMU, interrupts, SMP.
• Hands‑on SoC/platform bring‑up experience and ownership mindset for BSP quality.
• Hands‑on with U‑Boot, Linux kernel, Device Tree, and Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
• Strong debugging skills with GDB and at least one of OpenOCD/JTAG, Lauterbach, or similar tools.
• Experience working on FPGA, emulation, or early‑silicon platforms.

Good to Have

• RISC‑V (RV64) experience or strong exposure to other application‑class CPU architectures.
• Background in pre‑silicon/FPGA validation or post‑silicon debug and triage.
• Experience with multimedia subsystems (camera, display, audio) and their Linux stacks.
• Familiarity with platform security (secure boot, trusted firmware, firmware/OS boundaries).
• Experience with QEMU, virtual platforms, or emulation workflows.
• Exposure to CI/CD and automated validation (test frameworks, dashboards, regressions).

What We Offer

• Build a RISC‑V MPU platform from the ground up and see it shipped in real products.
• End‑to‑end ownership across pre‑silicon → FPGA → first silicon → production SDK releases.
• Work closely with CPU architects and SoC teams; your data drives decisions.
• Deep technical work, strong peer group, and long‑term growth on a strategic platform.

GlobalFoundriesis an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe having a multicultural workplace enhances productivity,efficiencyand innovation whilst our employees feel truly respected,valuedand heard.

As an affirmative employer, all qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, marital status, citizenship, race, religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation and medical and/or physical abilities.

All offers of employment withGlobalFoundriesare conditioned upon the successful completion of background checks,medical screenings as applicable and subject to the respective local laws and regulations

Information about our benefits you can find here: https://gf.com/about-us/careers/opportunities-asia