Embedded Software Engineer

Quantum Technologies. LLC; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 193,000; Part time

Job summary

Quantum Technologies LLC is seeking an expert Embedded Software / Firmware Contractor to design, implement, and optimize high-throughput multi-threaded software for embedded Linux on AMD Xilinx FPGA/MPSoC and RFSoC architectures (Zynq UltraScale+).

The contractor will accelerate critical workloads using ARM NEON and interface C/C++ applications with custom FPGA IP blocks, delivering production-grade code with comprehensive docs for internal hand-off.

Qualifications

• Expert-level C for embedded Linux environments.
• Hands-on ARm NEON intrinsics and assembly optimization.
• Experience with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+/RFSoC platforms (PetaLinux).
• Deep understanding of AXI4, PCIe, AXI DMA and Linux memory management.
• Strong multi-threading, real-time scheduling and synchronization.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-throughput multi-threaded software for embedded Linux.
• Vectorize critical loops using ARM NEON intrinsics and assembly.
• Develop drivers/interfaces to exchange data with FPGA IP blocks.
• Profile and tune performance with Linux profiling tools.
• Deliver production-grade source with documentation and build scripts.

Skills

Embedded C for embedded Linux

ARM NEON SIMD

Xilinx Zynq MPSoC/RFSoC

Hardware interfacing (AXI4, PCIe, AXI‑

Tools

GCC/Clang cross-compiler

GDB

Vivado/Vitis

CMake

Git

Job description

We are seeking an expert Embedded Software / Firmware Contractor to design, implement, and optimize high-throughput multi-threaded software for embedded Linux on AMD Xilinx FPGA / MPSoC and RFSoc architectures (e.g., Zynq UltraScale+).

The contractor will be responsible for accelerating critical computational workloads (such as signal processing or array arithmetic) using ARM NEON SIMD instructions and interfacing custom C/C++ applications with hardware IP blocks in the FPGA logic.

Scope of Work & Deliverables

• High-Performance Multi-Threading: Architect and implement efficient C/C++ userspace applications utilizing POSIX threads (pthreads), thread isolation, CPU affinity, and lock-free synchronization routines to handle real-time streaming data on embedded Linux.
• ARM NEON Optimization: Vectorize and optimize critical algorithmic loops using ARM NEON intrinsics and assembly to maximize SIMD throughput on ARM Cortex-A processor cores.
• FPGA Hardware Integration: Develop robust software drivers/interfaces (e.g., Linux UIO, AXI DMA, memory-mapped registers) to exchange data between Linux software applications and custom IP blocks in the Xilinx Programmable Logic (PL).
• Profiling & Performance Tuning: Utilize Linux profiling tools (perf, Valgrind, custom execution benchmarks) to diagnose bottlenecks, optimize cache usage, and ensure deterministic performance.
• Technical Documentation & Code Hand-off: Deliver well-commented, productiongrade source code along with architectural notes, integration build scripts, and test procedures for internal engineering hand-off.

Required Technical Expertise:

• Core Programming: Expert-level C for embedded Linux environments.
• Vector Acceleration: Hands-on proficiency with ARM NEON SIMD intrinsics and assembly-level optimization techniques.
• Xilinx SoC Platform: Demonstrated experience with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC/RFSoC platforms (PetaLinux).
• Hardware Interfacing: Deep understanding of AXI4, PCIe, AXI DMA engines, and Linux memory management (DMA-BUF, /dev/mem, UIO).
• Multi-Threaded Systems: Solid background in concurrent programming, memory synchronization, and real-time POSIX scheduling.
• Tooling: Expertise with GCC/Clang cross-compilation toolchains, GDB, Vivado / Vitis, CMake, and Git.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship/ immigration status, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.