Senior System Engineer – OS Kernel

Aptiv PLC; Walnut Creek (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Disability coverage

RRSP matching

Flexible time off

Employee assistance program

Learning benefits

Job summary

Wind River in Walnut Creek, CA is seeking a Senior OS Kernel Engineer to contribute to kernel components for the VxWorks operating system, supporting implementation, testing, and debugging in collaboration with senior engineers.

You will develop core OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks, deliver high quality design and tests in a CI/CD model, investigate issues, and work with cross‑functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of operating system concepts.
• Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality.
• Proficiency in C programming with hands‑on embedded systems experience.
• Experience with assembly, C++, Python; those are a plus.
• Experience with low‑level device drivers, BSP bring‑up, or architecture‑level development.
• Experience with industry certification standards (DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MIL) is a plus.
• Ability to drive a project end‑to‑end from concept to release.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Team player with fast learning and adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Develop core OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks OS.
• Develop and deliver high quality design, code, and tests following CI/CD and agile.
• Investigate and resolve issues reported during product verification and by customers.
• Create design documents for new technologies and conduct code reviews.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions.

Skills

OS concepts

RTOS development

C programming

Assembly

C++

Python

Low‑level drivers

BSP bring‑up

Architecture‑level dev

Certification standards

End‑to‑end project delivery

Communication

Teamwork

Self‑motivated learner

Job description

Senior System Engineer – OS Kernel

Location: Walnut Creek, CA

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission‑critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability. Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.

YOUR ROLE

As a Senior OS Kernel Engineer, you will contribute to the development of kernel components for the VxWorks operating system, supporting implementation, testing, and debugging while collaborating with other senior engineers to ensure performance, reliability, and security.

In your daily job you will:

• Develop core OS technologies for our embedded VxWorks OS
• Develop and deliver high quality design, code, and tests following a CI/CD model and agile methodology
• Investigate and resolve issues reported during product verification and from customers
• Create design documents for new technologies and conduct code reviews
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to integrate hardware and software solutions

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:

• Strong understanding of operating system concepts
• Experience with RTOS software development, including core OS kernel functionality
• Proficiency in C programming with hands‑on experience in embedded systems development
• Experience with assembly, C++, Python, and other development languages is a plus
• Experience with low‑level device drivers, BSP board bring‑up, or architecture‑level development is a plus
• Experience in developing software compliant with industry certification standards, including DO-178C, ISO 26262, ASPICE, MIL is a plus
• Ability to drive a project end‑to‑end, from concept and requirements through implementation, delivery, and release
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to thrive as an exceptional team player who works well in collaborative environments
• Self‑motivated, fast learner with a demonstrated ability to adopt and master new technologies

BENEFITS

• Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
• Short and long‑term disability coverage
• RRSP matching for financial security
• Flexible time‑off policies for work‑life balance
• Employee assistance program for mental well‑being
• Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars

Compensation

This role is compensation range is between $130,00 to $160,000 USD plus annual incentive plan bonus. Compensation is determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays.

APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE: Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. At Wind River, we strictly adhere to all applicable data privacy laws. Please review Wind River's Applicant Privacy Notice, which can be found here.

Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

Join us at Wind River, where we’re not just shaping technology; we’re shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here.