Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Spectra Defense; Alpharetta, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectra Defense Alpharetta is seeking an Embedded Linux Software Engineer with deep expertise in NXP i.MX95. You will design, develop, and optimize Linux-based embedded software, including BSPs, drivers, kernel modules, boot loaders, and root file systems for high‑reliability aerospace and defense environments.

You will work with Yocto/OpenEmbedded to build and maintain distributions, integrate interfaces (PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet), and perform board bring‑up with JTAG tools.

Qualifications

• Expertise in embedded Linux on ARM-based SoCs and i.MX family.
• Strong knowledge of kernel internals, drivers, and low-level debugging.
• Proficiency with Yocto/OpenEmbedded and build automation.
• Experience integrating common interfaces (PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, Ethernet).
• Hands-on with JTAG, logic analyzers, and board bring-up.
• Secure software practices and safety-critical environments is a plus.
• Experience with U-Boot bootloaders and boot process customization.
• Version control using Git and collaborative development workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and customize BSPs for NXP i.MX95 with kernel config and hardware bring-up.
• Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers and kernel modules.
• Work with Yocto/OpenEmbedded to build and optimize embedded Linux distributions.
• Integrate interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Debug hardware–software interactions using JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Collaborate with hardware and systems teams during bring-up and integration.
• Develop and maintain production-quality C/C++ applications for ARM SoCs.
• Produce design artifacts, test plans, and release notes per NPI phases.
• Ensure software meets performance, reliability, and cybersecurity standards.

Skills

Embedded Linux development

ARM-based architectures

Yocto/OpenEmbedded

C/C++ development

Kernel drivers and modules

JTAG/debugging

Hardware interfaces (PCIe, I2C, SPI, U

U-Boot/bootloaders

Version control (Git)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering / Computer Science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

NXP i.MX95 platform

JTAG debugging tools

Lauterbach

U-Boot

Yocto/OpenEmbedded build system

Job description

Spectra Alpharetta is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Linux Software Engineer with deep expertise in the NXP i.MX95 processor family. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize Linux-based embedded software, including BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, boot loaders, root file systems and low-level system integrations. You will play a key part in architecting next-generation processing solutions for high-reliability systems in aerospace, defense, medical, or similar embedded environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and customize Linux Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the NXP i.MX95 platform, including kernel configuration, U-Boot updates, and hardware bring-up.
• Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers, kernel modules, and hardware abstraction layers.
• Work with Yocto/OpenEmbedded to build, maintain, and optimize embedded Linux distributions.
• Integrate and validate peripheral interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Debug hardware–software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and other low-level tools.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and engineering during board bring-up, prototype evaluation, and system integration.
• Develop robust, production-quality embedded applications in C/C++ for ARM-based SoCs.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design artifacts, test plans, and release notes, in alignment with NPI Phase Gate requirements (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Ensure software complies with performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and program standards.

Essential Skills

• Strong proficiency in embedded Linux development on ARM-based architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8, i.MX9 series; i.MX95 highly preferred).
• Expertise in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and system-level debugging.
• Fluent with Yocto/OpenEmbedded build environments.
• Strong background in C/C++ and low-level firmware development.
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as I2C, SPI, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and Ethernet.
• Experience using JTAG, Lauterbach, or equivalent tools for board bring‑up.
• Solid understanding of embedded system concepts, memory‑mapped I/O, and bootloaders.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
  

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• A Master’s degree is preferred but not required, especially for candidates with strong hands‑on experience.
• 7–10+ years of embedded Linux software development experience on ARM‑based SoCs.
• Significant hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8 or i.MX9 required; i.MX95 strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience developing BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, U‑Boot, and working with Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
• Strong low‑level debugging experience (JTAG, logic analyzers, board bring‑up).
• Experience working in regulated or high‑reliability environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive) is an advantage.
• Experience within the defense, aerospace, and/or rugged electronics sectors is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or ARM TrustZone.
• Exposure to real‑time Linux or mixed RTOS/Linux architectures.
• Experience with GPU accelerated applications on ARM‑based architectures.
• Background working in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated environments.
• Scripting experience (Python, Bash) for automation and tooling.
• Knowledge of safety‑critical or high reliability software practices.

Personal Traits and Characteristics:

• Analytical and detail‑oriented with strong problem solving skills.
• Collaborative, communicative, and effective in cross disciplinary engineering environments.
• Comfortable working in fast‑paced, evolving technical landscapes.
• Committed to high‑quality, maintainable, mission‑ready software.
• Mission‑focused: Dedicated to delivering reliable, high‑performance systems that support critical operations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

May require occasional travel (up to 10%) for field service or customer support.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Office environment with temperature control, may be exposed to chemicals related to the manufacturing process. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Sprectra provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.