Platform Engineer – Real-Time Linux & ROS2 for Autonomy

Outsiders Fund; Atlanta, Northern (GA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVect is seeking a Platform Engineer in Atlanta to own reliability, performance, and scalability of our Ubuntu/Linux foundation for autonomous ground vehicles.

You will design custom real-time Linux distributions, optimize ROS 2 middleware, develop kernel modules and drivers, and implement CI/CD for OS images. Collaborate with autonomy teams to ensure safe, production-ready deployments and field readiness at customers worldwide.

Qualifications

• 3+ years developing or maintaining Linux-based embedded platforms.
• Deep knowledge of Ubuntu/Linux packaging, systemd, networking, and kernel configuration.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; kernel module and user-space driver experience.
• Hands-on ROS 1/2 in production or research.
• Familiarity with USB, Ethernet, CAN, PCIe, SPI, I2C.
• Strong grasp of real-time performance tuning, profiling tools (perf, eBPF, tracing).
• Experience with Git, Docker/OCI, and automated builds (Yocto, Buildroot).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain custom Ubuntu/Linux distributions for real-time workloads.
• Optimize ROS 2 DDS middleware for low latency and high throughput.
• Develop, integrate, and maintain kernel modules and drivers for LiDARs, cameras, radars, GNSS/INS, CAN, and other interfaces.
• Maintain and expand the network interfaces of the system.
• Implement observability and logging for system health and performance in lab and field deployments.
• Profile CPU/GPU usage and remove bottlenecks across the stack.
• Harden the platform with security patches, secure boot, and OTA update pipelines.
• Own CI/CD pipelines for OS images and driver packages; automate builds, tests, deployments.
• Provide on-call support during field trials and customer pilots.
• Contribute to technical documentation and best-practice guidelines.

Skills

Ubuntu/Linux

ROS 2

C/C++

Python

Kernel modules

CI/CD

Git

Docker

Build systems (Yocto/Buildroot)

RT/real-time tuning

Tools

Yocto/Buildroot

GStreamer

NVIDIA Jetson/Xavier

eBPF/tracing tools

Perf profiling

Job description

AeroVect is seeking a Platform Engineer in Atlanta to own reliability, performance, and scalability of our Ubuntu/Linux foundation for autonomous ground vehicles.

You will design custom real-time Linux distributions, optimize ROS 2 middleware, develop kernel modules and drivers, and implement CI/CD for OS images. Collaborate with autonomy teams to ensure safe, production-ready deployments and field readiness at customers worldwide.