Sr Software Engineer, Embedded Linux

NRG; Beaverton (OR); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivint Smart Home, an NRG owned company, seeks an experienced software engineer to advance embedded Linux on smart home hardware. The role entails developing software with C/C++, leveraging Yocto/Buildroot, and collaborating on board bring-up and debugging.

Strong skills in Python or Rust, MQTT/JSON/Protobufs, and cross-compiling are required; a hybrid schedule is available with in-office work and remote days.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
• BS in Computer Engineering, CS, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.
• Experience with embedded Linux: kernel, device drivers, boot chain.
• Experience with Yocto/Buildroot for Linux distributions.
• Board bring-up and hardware/software debugging.
• Experience with vendor BSPs and drivers.
• Python or Rust experience.
• Familiarity with MQTT/JSON/Protobufs protocols.

Responsibilities

• Develop software for embedded Linux systems on smart home hardware.
• Collaborate with hardware teams on board bring-up and debugging.
• Evaluate and integrate BSPs and drivers from vendors.
• Cross-compile and test in Linux environments; write tests.
• Work with MQTT/JSON/Protobufs for IoT communications.

Skills

C/C++

Embedded Linux

Yocto/Buildroot

Board bring-up debugging

Python

Rust

MQTT/JSON/Protobufs

Cross-compiling

Education

BS in Computer Engineering, CS, or related field

Tools

JTAG

Oscilloscopes

Logic Analyzers

Job description

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. Vivint Smart Home, an NRG owned company, is a leading smart home company in the United States, dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services. We find purpose in proactively protecting and keeping our customers connected to home, no matter where they are. Join the Smart Home team to create smarter, safer and more sustainable homes.

Who Are We:

Vivint Smart Home is the leading provider of smart home services in North America. Vivint delivers an integrated smart home system with in-home consultation, professional installation and support delivered by its Smart Home Pros, as well as 24-7 customer care and monitoring. Dedicated to redefining the home experience with intelligent products and services, Vivint serves more than two million customers throughout the U.S.

Job Functions:

Position requires in-office presence in Seattle, WA on a hybrid schedule for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with a work from home day on Friday. The position will start remote and then will move into the hybrid schedule.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.


• BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.


• Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.


• Deep understanding of the embedded Linux ecosystem (kernel, device drivers, and the boot chain: bootloader, device tree, init).


• Hands-on experience building and customizing Linux distributions using Yocto, Buildroot, or similar.


• Proven track record with board bring-up and debugging at the hardware/software boundary (reading schematics/datasheets; utilizing JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes).


• Experience evaluating and integrating vendor- or partner-delivered BSPs and drivers.


• Experience with Python or Rust.


• Solid understanding of common web/IoT protocols (MQTT, JSON, Protobufs).


• Proficiency with compiling, cross-compiling, unit testing, and debugging within Linux environments.

Highly Desirable Skills (Nice-to-Have)

• Direct experience collaborating with JDM/ODM or contract manufacturing partners on hardware/software co-development.


• Familiarity with wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee, Z-Wave).


• Experience with SoC platforms from vendors like NXP, Rockchip, Qualcomm, etc.


• Understanding of embedded security fundamentals (secure boot, OTA updates, and device provisioning).


• Experience leveraging generative AI developer tools (e.g., Claude Code, GitHub Copilot) to design, build, debug, and review production software.

The base salary range for this position is: $160,700 to $206,600*.

*The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability.

Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

Official description on file with Talent.