Linux Systems Engineer

Ghost Robotics; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off policy

Competitive base salary

Full benefits package

Equity incentive package

Job summary

Ghost Robotics is seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to join our engineering department in Philadelphia, PA. In this role, you will handle the architecture, development, and optimization of Linux environments critical to our hardware infrastructure.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of software applications with embedded Linux systems. This full-time, on-site position requires hands-on experience with Linux kernel development and strong programming skills in languages including C++ and Python.

The company offers a competitive salary, full benefits, and equity incentives, focusing on impact and output.

Qualifications

• Experience with multiple Linux distributions including Yocto Project and Ubuntu.
• Proficient with debugging tools for Linux.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform custom Linux kernel patching and configuration.
• Deploy and manage Linux distributions for embedded architectures.
• Design and implement automation scripts for deployment.

Skills

C++

Python

Advanced Bash scripting

Linux kernel development

System diagnostics

Infrastructure automation

Tools

Git

gdb

strace

VS Code

Docker

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to join our engineering department. In this role, you will be responsible for the architecture, development, optimization, and maintenance of Linux environments that power our hardware infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Linux kernel development, embedded systems, system diagnostics, and infrastructure automation.

You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and QA teams to ensure seamless integration between applications and underlying operating system platforms, particularly within embedded Linux environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform custom Linux kernel patching, configuration, compilation, and lifecycle maintenance across multiple hardware platforms.
• Configure and maintain Linux operating systems for stability, performance, and scalability.

Embedded Systems Integration

• Deploy, manage, and optimize Linux distributions for embedded hardware architectures.
• Support and maintain NVIDIA Jetson modules and associated embedded platforms.

Build System Architecture

• Develop and maintain sophisticated Linux build environments.
• Manage software dependencies, cross-compilation toolchains, and package management systems.

Network Engineering

• Design, configure, and troubleshoot complex Linux networking environments.
• Manage routing protocols, firewalls (iptables, nftables), custom network bridges, and network interfaces.

System Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

• Perform advanced debugging and root‑cause analysis of Linux system issues.
• Diagnose kernel panics, configuration inconsistencies, and performance bottlenecks.

Infrastructure Automation

• Design and implement automation scripts for:
  • Software deployment
  • System validation testing
  • Operational maintenance tasks

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with hardware engineering, software development, and QA teams.
• Ensure successful integration of software applications with embedded Linux operating systems.

Requirements

Technical Skills

• Strong programming experience in:
  • C++
  • Python
  • Advanced Bash scripting
• Extensive experience administering and troubleshooting headless Linux systems through the command‑line interface.
• Deep familiarity with a variety of Linux distributions, including:
  • Custom/source-based distributions (Yocto Project, Gentoo, Arch Linux)
  • Enterprise distributions (Ubuntu, Debian)

System Diagnostics & Development Tools

• Proficiency with Linux debugging and diagnostic utilities, including:
  • gdb
  • strace
  • dmesg
  • journalctl
  • perf
  • Valgrind
• Advanced experience using version control systems such as Git.
• Familiarity with industry‑standard development tools and editors, including:
  • VS Code
  • Vim
  • nano

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create clear and detailed technical documentation for complex system architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with:
  • NVIDIA Jetson architectures
  • JetPack SDKs
  • Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Experience with build systems and utilities such as:
  • CMake
  • Make
  • Ninja
• Experience integrating embedded Linux systems into CI/CD pipelines using:
  • GitLab CI
  • GitHub Actions
  • Jenkins
• Familiarity with containerization technologies for embedded environments, including:
  • Docker
  • systemd-nspawn
• Knowledge of hardware communication interfaces and low‑level system integration:
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • UART
  • GPIO
  • Device Tree Source (DTS) modification

Location

Philadelphia, PA. This is a full‑time, on‑site role. No remote candidates will be considered at this time.

Travel

None required, though domestic and international opportunities exist for engineers who want field exposure.

Compensation

Competitive base salary, full benefits, and a highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time off policy. We focus on output, impact, and the ability to work alongside a stellar interdisciplinary team.

Additional Information

Clear standard background checks are required pre‑hire, post‑hire, and at any time during employment. Permanent U.S. residency is required.