Embedded Linux Engineer

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus is searching for an Embedded Linux Engineer to build and maintain the Linux platform on onboard computers, including board bring-up, kernel and driver development, and secure OTA updates. You will optimize boot times, power use, and system performance while collaborating with autonomy and application teams.

Requirements include a US location within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC, a bachelor's in a relevant field, and strong C and embedded Linux experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience developing embedded Linux systems.
• Experience with Linux kernel configuration, device trees, and drivers.
• Experience with Yocto or Buildroot.
• Proficiency in C.

Responsibilities

• Bring up embedded Linux on new compute modules and carrier boards.
• Develop and maintain kernel configurations, device trees, and drivers.
• Maintain Yocto or Buildroot build systems.
• Implement secure boot, disk encryption, and signed software updates.
• Optimize boot time, power, and system performance.
• Write and maintain kernel drivers for cameras, network interfaces, and peripherals.
• Support autonomy and application teams on platform issues.

Skills

C programming

Embedded Linux

Linux kernel config

Device trees

Drivers development

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

Job description

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus aircraft carry onboard computers running embedded Linux for autonomy, video, and mission software. They must boot reliably, accept signed updates in the field, and stay within fixed power and thermal limits.

This role owns the operating system layer on those computers: bootloader, kernel, device drivers, and build system. Applications such as the video pipeline and autonomy software run on the platform this role maintains.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking an Embedded Linux Engineer to build and maintain the Linux platform on onboard computers, including board bring-up, kernel and driver development, Yocto or Buildroot builds, secure boot, and over-the-air updates.

Key Responsibilities

• Bring up embedded Linux on new compute modules and carrier boards
• Develop and maintain kernel configurations, device trees, and drivers
• Maintain Yocto or Buildroot build systems
• Implement secure boot, disk encryption, and signed software updates
• Optimize boot time, power, and system performance
• Write and maintain kernel drivers for cameras, network interfaces, and peripherals
• Support autonomy and application teams on platform issues

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience developing embedded Linux systems
• Experience with Linux kernel configuration, device trees, and drivers
• Experience with Yocto or Buildroot
• Proficiency in C
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NVIDIA Jetson or Qualcomm platforms
• Experience with secure boot and over-the-air updates
• Experience with real-time Linux
• Experience with GStreamer or camera pipelines
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

What We Look For

Candidates should have brought up Linux on a new board and shipped it in a product that received field updates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.