Embedded Linux Software Engineer - Tycho

Polluxa, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Tycho AI is seeking an experienced embedded Linux engineer to design and maintain custom Linux images for on-board autonomy systems. You will patch kernels, develop drivers, and manage device trees for target hardware, while enhancing security and boot performance.

You will collaborate with hardware to bring up boards, read schematics, and debug with advanced tools and CI/CD workflows. Expertise in PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, USB 3.x, and DMA-based data movement is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in CS/CE/EE or equivalent experience.
• Embedded Linux development experience.
• Strong proficiency in C and C++.
• Deep knowledge of Linux kernel architecture, device trees, and user-space/kernel-space interactions.
• Hands-on bring-up and debugging of PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, USB 3.x.
• Working knowledge of I2C, SPI, UART, CAN and DMA-based data movement.
• Proficiency with debugging tools (GDB, JTAG, logic analyzers) and Git/Jenkins/CI/CD.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain custom Linux images for on-board autonomy computers, including bootloader, kernel, and root filesystem configuration.
• Configure, customize, and patch the Linux kernel, develop custom device drivers, and manage device trees for target hardware.
• Implement system security features and optimize memory, boot time, and CPU utilization.
• Build automation scripts and test frameworks in Python or Bash, and integrate with CI.
• Collaborate with hardware team: define requirements, read schematics, bring up new boards, and debug with oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and JTAG.

Skills

Embedded Linux

C/C++

Kernel architecture

Device trees

PCIe bring-up

MIPI CSI-2

USB 3.x

I2C

SPI

UART

CAN

DMA

GDB

JTAG

Logic analyzers

Git

Jenkins

CI/CD tooling

Education

Bachelor's or advanced degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Git

Jenkins

Job description

Responsibilities

Build and maintain custom Linux images for on-board autonomy computers, including bootloader, kernel, and root filesystem configuration.

Configure, customize, and patch the Linux kernel, develop custom device drivers, and manage device trees for target hardware.

Implement system security features (secure boot, encryption, firewall rules) and optimize memory, boot time, and CPU utilization.

Build automation scripts and test frameworks in Python or Bash, and integrate them with CI.

Collaborate with hardware team: define requirements, read schematics, bring up new boards, and debug with oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and JTAG.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Embedded software development experience in Linux environments.

Strong proficiency in C and/or C++.

Deep knowledge of Linux kernel architecture, device trees, and user-space/kernel-space interactions.

Hands-on experience with bring-up and debugging of high-speed hardware interfaces like PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, USB 3.x.

Working knowledge of low-speed peripheral protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN) and DMA-based data movement.

Proficiency with debugging tools (GDB, JTAG, logic and protocol analyzers) and version control and CI/CD practices (Git, Jenkins or similar).

Nice to Have:

NVIDIA Jetson platforms (JetPack, L4T) or comparable system bring-up.

Hands-on experience with the Yocto Project and BitBake build engine.

Real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT), scheduling and latency analysis, or RTOS experience.

Bare-metal or RTOS microcontroller firmware (STM32 or similar ARM Cortex-M), including peripheral configuration and DMA.

Camera and sensor pipeline work: V4L2 driver development, image sensor bring-up, and timestamp synchronization.

High-rate, high-throughput inter-process communication.

Aviation, automotive, robotics, or other safety-critical systems experience.

Why Tycho.AI

Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.

Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.

Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Tycho AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.