Sr Embedded Linux Engineer

Darkhive; San Antonio (TX); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental and vision insurance

401k with employer contribution

Paid vacation and personal time off

11 holidays and 5 sick days

Stock options

Job summary

Darkhive, Inc. is seeking a Senior Embedded Linux Engineer to contribute to full‑stack embedded development, from driver work to hardware bring‑up. You will integrate high‑performance camera sensors and wireless modules on modern embedded Linux platforms, with a focus on real‑world deployments.

The role is full‑time and exempt, with remote work and up to 25% travel to HQ or other sites. A strong background in kernel/driver development and hardware bring‑up is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, CE or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong Linux kernel design, driver debugging and kernel module creation.
• Experience with camera sensors and MIPI CSI integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and low-level system software for embedded compute platforms and sensors.
• Build and integrate software stacks for wireless modules including RF tuning and power management.
• Port and debug embedded Linux builds on Qualcomm Snapdragon or similar platforms (Yocto/AOSP a plus).
• Work with device trees, bootloaders, and bring‑up for new hardware platforms.
• Perform hardware‑software integration, including camera tuning and I2C/SPI debugging.
• Collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams for board bring‑up and validation.
• Support customer integrations with driver-level debugging and system recommendations.
• Troubleshoot and optimize embedded systems for performance and RF compliance.

Skills

Linux kernel development

Kernel module creation

Driver debugging

MIPI CSI interfaces

Camera sensor integration

V4L2 pipeline

Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth drivers

Embedded Linux platforms

Cross-compiling

Hardware debugging

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Yocto/Buildroot

JTAG/SWD

Kernel/U-Boot customization

Job description

Darkhive does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to our work with export-controlled technologies, all candidates must be a 'U.S. Person' as defined by ITAR and EAR (e.g., U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee).

About Darkhive, LLC

Established in 2021, Darkhive is redefining the future of autonomous systems. We design and build next-generation hardware and software solutions that seamlessly integrate into critical public safety and defense networks. Our core focus centers on developing tactical, human-machine interfaces and scaling the mass production of affordable, attritable uncrewed systems alongside our government partners.

Senior Embedded Linux Engineer

You’ll contribute to full-stack embedded development—from writing low-level Linux drivers to bringing up hardware prototypes in the lab. The work involves integrating high-performance camera sensors, wireless communication modules, and real-time subsystems on modern embedded Linux platforms. You'll be part of a small, fast-moving team shipping systems that operate in real environments, not just test benches.

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the VP of Engineering. This position is remote with travel up to 25% to our company headquarters or other locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and low-level system software for embedded compute platforms, wireless modules, and custom MIPI image sensors
• Build and integrate software stacks for Wi‑Fi and RF communication modules, including power management, firmware bring‑up, and regulatory tuning
• Port and debug embedded Linux builds on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms (Yocto, AOSP experience a plus)
• Work with device trees, bootloaders, and system bring‑up for new hardware platforms
• Perform hardware‑software integration, including camera tuning, I2C/SPI debug, and scope/logic analyzer work
• Collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams to validate new designs and support board bring‑up
• Support integration and troubleshooting efforts for customers using our hardware, including driver‑level debugging and system‑level recommendations
• Troubleshoot and optimize embedded systems for performance, stability, and RF compliance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
• Strong experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module creation, and driver debugging
• Solid understanding of MIPI CSI interfaces, camera sensor integration, and V4L2 pipeline
• Familiarity with wireless driver stacks (Wi‑Fi/BT), including wpa_supplicant/hostapd and RF tuning
• Hands‑on experience with embedded Linux platforms (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon, NXP i.MX, or similar)
• Proficient with embedded toolchains, cross‑compiling, and kernel/u‑boot customization
• Comfortable working with hardware prototypes, schematics, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom PCB bring‑up and low‑level hardware debugging
• Familiarity with sensor initialization via I2C/SPI and power sequencing
• Exposure to antenna tuning or RF compliance testing for wireless modules
• Experience with camera tuning (gain, exposure, white balance) or GStreamer pipelines
• Proficiency with Yocto or Buildroot for embedded Linux build automation
• Experience with JTAG/SWD debuggers, bootloader recovery, or automated hardware tests
• Knowledge of edge AI model deployment
• Familiarity with USB gadget drivers, PCIe or SDIO peripherals, or low‑level protocol analyzers
• Direct experience in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) or robotics industry
• U.S. Military Veteran experienced with tactical equipment from a user or developer perspective
• Active Security clearance
• Prior experience in a fast‑paced, startup environment

Physical And/or Mental Requirements

• Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time
• Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations
• Ability to maintain awareness during business hours
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds
• Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language
• Learns and memorizes routine tasks
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position
• Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position

Selection Process

• Hiring team reviews applications
• 20‑minute screen with Darkhive recruiter
• 30‑minute interview with hiring manager
• Take‑home assessment project
• In‑person or video interview with hiring team

Benefits Darkhive Offers

• Comprehensive medical plans
• 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums
• Automatic 401k employer contribution with vesting
• Paid vacation and personal time off
• 11 Paid holidays
• 5 days of sick leave
• Stock options
• Welcoming and friendly work environment
• Respect of work‑life balance

Darkhive is an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.