Linux Kernel Developer (Mid-to-Senior Level)

Medium; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

E-Space is a fast-growing startup building a space-grade Linux platform. This role focuses on kernel development, driver integration, and close collaboration with embedded and hardware teams to deliver stable, production-ready software for LEO satellite hardware.

You will design, implement, and optimize kernel components, configure builds with Yocto/Buildroot, and upstream patches while ensuring reliability, security, and performance in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing in C, with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals.
• Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules.
• Solid understanding of: Kernel subsystems (memory management, scheduling, filesystems, networking) and Linux boot process and bootloaders.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
• Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
• Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
• Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures
• Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
• Work with bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and board bring-up for new hardware revisions
• Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration
• Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
• Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), and CI integration
• Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that\'s practical and reusable

Skills

C programming

Linux kernel

Device drivers

Kernel internals

Debugging

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

GDB

Ftrace

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service deliveryassociated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

We\'re a successful, fast-growing startup building complex systems that run on custom Linux platforms in demanding, real-world environments. We\'re looking for a Linux Kernel Developer who\'s comfortable working deep in the stack — from drivers and subsystems to boot and memory management — and who wants to own kernel-level quality as our products scale.

In this role, you\'ll design, develop, and debug kernel code and low-level Linux components that power our hardware platforms. You\'ll work closely with embedded software engineers, systems engineers, and hardware teams to ensure our platforms are stable, performant, and production-ready.

This is a hands-on role suited for someone who enjoys solving hard problems close to the metal in a lean engineering organization.

What you will do:

• Design, develop, and maintain Linux kernel code, including drivers, subsystems, and kernel modules
• Port, configure, and optimize the Linux kernel for custom hardware platforms
• Write and maintain device drivers for a range of interfaces (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, USB, PCIe, Ethernet)
• Debug and resolve kernel panics, race conditions, memory issues, and other low-level system failures
• Profile and optimize kernel and driver performance, including boot time, latency, and power consumption
• Work with bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot) and board bring-up for new hardware revisions
• Collaborate with hardware engineers during board bring-up and hardware/software integration
• Upstream patches where appropriate, and track relevant upstream kernel changes and CVEs
• Contribute to kernel configuration, build systems (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot), and CI integration
• Document kernel architecture decisions, driver interfaces, and debugging procedures in a way that\'s practical and reusable

What you bring to this role:

• 5+ years of experience developing in C, with deep familiarity with Linux kernel internals
• Proven experience writing and debugging Linux device drivers and kernel modules
• Solid understanding of:
• Kernel subsystems (memory management, scheduling, filesystems, networking)
• Linux boot process and bootloaders
• Concurrency, locking, and interrupt handling in kernel space
• Experience with embedded Linux build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
• Comfort working directly with hardware during bring-up, debugging with tools like JTAG, oscilloscopes, or logic analyzers
• Strong debugging skills using tools such as gdb, ftrace, perf, kgdb, or crash dump analysis
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership in a lean startup environment

Bonus points for the following:

• Upstream Linux kernel contribution experience
• Experience with real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or other real-time operating systems
• Familiarity with security-hardening practices for embedded Linux (secure boot, kernel hardening)
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and kernel patch workflows (mailing lists, git send-email)
• Exposure to multiple CPU architectures (ARM, RISC-V, x86)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for embedded or system-level software

Compensation:

• $150,000 - $225,000 a year

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we\'re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that\'s your experience – then we\'ll be immediately wow-ed.

E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That\’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off