Embedded Software Engineer

MachScale; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity stake

Mission-driven work

Job summary

MachScale in Los Angeles is seeking a lead embedded Linux engineer to own the vehicle's primary compute platform, from boot to in-water testing on hardware shipping in months.

You will drive end-to-end Linux development, build board support using Yocto or Buildroot, work with hardware bring-up, tune kernels, and deliver secure, real-time performance for autonomous vehicles.

Qualifications

• 5+ years writing production embedded Linux (flexible for the right profile)
• Strong C and C++ in real-time, resource-limited environments
• Board bring-up experience, comfortable with schematics and lab debug tools
• Background in real-time or deterministic systems: automotive, aerospace, launch, drones, robotics, industrial automation
• Pluses: Jetson, i.MX or similar SoC platforms; PREEMPT_RT

Responsibilities

• Lead the Linux platform end-to-end, from requirements and architecture through deployment on the vehicle
• Build and maintain board support packages plus Yocto, Buildroot or comparable build systems
• Partner with hardware on board bring-up: bootloader, device tree, early boot debug
• Tune the kernel; write and maintain drivers for sensors, peripherals, high-bandwidth interfaces
• Deliver secure boot, real-time performance, networking, time sync
• Handle logging and software updates for vehicles with no live connection in the field
• Support vehicle integration, field testing, root-cause investigation

Skills

Embedded Linux

C/C++

Board bring-up

Real-time systems

PREEMPT_RT

Tools

Jetson

i.MX

Job description

Our partner is an early-stage defense company building fully autonomous vehicles. This is a founding seat with direct ownership of the Linux platform on the vehicle's primary computer, from first boot through at-sea testing, on hardware that ships in months rather than years.

Role Description

You will lead embedded Linux for a custom GPU-accelerated edge compute board, developed largely in-house.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the Linux platform end-to-end, from requirements and architecture through deployment on the vehicle
• Build and maintain board support packages plus Yocto, Buildroot or comparable build systems
• Partner with hardware on board bring-up: bootloader, device tree, early boot debug
• Tune the kernel; write and maintain drivers for sensors, peripherals, high-bandwidth interfaces
• Deliver secure boot, real-time performance, networking, time sync
• Handle logging and software updates for vehicles with no live connection in the field
• Support vehicle integration, field testing, root-cause investigation

Skills and Experience

• 5+ years writing production embedded Linux (flexible for the right profile); mostly integration or validation backgrounds won't be a fit
• Strong C and C++ in real-time, resource-limited environments
• Board bring-up experience, comfortable with schematics and lab debug tools
• Background in real-time or deterministic systems: automotive, aerospace, launch, drones, self-driving, robotics, industrial automation
• Pluses: Jetson, i.MX or similar SoC platforms; PREEMPT_RT

Why Join

• Founding seat owning the vehicle's primary compute platform
• Clean-sheet stack, direct line from design to deployment
• Hardware in the water within months
• Mission tied directly to US naval capability
• Early stage, meaningful equity

Export Control

Requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data. US citizenship required; candidates must be eligible for a US security clearance.