Sr Software Engineer, Embedded Linux

Nrg Bluewater Wind; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 161,000 - 207,000; Full time

Job summary

Vivint Smart Home, an NRG-owned company, seeks an experienced software engineer for embedded Linux systems based in Seattle, WA. The role evolves from remote to hybrid with in-office presence four days a week and a dedicated WFH day.

Candidate will design and integrate software for IoT devices and home automation platforms. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of software development, BS in a related field, and strong C/C++ expertise, plus experience with Linux, Yocto/Buildroot, and hardware

Qualifications

• Experience: minimum of 5 years in professional software development.
• Education: BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
• Core Languages: strong C and modern C++.
• Embedded Linux: deep understanding of the embedded Linux ecosystem (kernel, device drivers, and the boot chain).
• Build Systems: Yocto, Buildroot, or similar.
• Hardware Debugging: board bring-up; JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
• BSP Integration: experience evaluating and integrating BSPs/drivers.
• Additional Languages: Python or Rust.
• IoT Protocols: HTTP, MQTT, JSON, Protobufs.
• Development Environment: compiling, cross-compiling, unit testing, and debugging in Linux environments.

Skills

C

C++

Embedded Linux

Python

Rust

Hardware debugging

Cross-compiling

Unit testing

Debugging in Linux

Education

BS in Computer Engineering, CS, or closely related field

Tools

Yocto

Buildroot

JTAG

Logic analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Device drivers

Cross-compilers

Job description

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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

Required Technical Skills & Experience

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.

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

Core Languages: Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.

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

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

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

BSP Integration: Experience evaluating and integrating vendor- or partner-delivered BSPs and drivers.

Additional Languages: Experience with Python or Rust.

IoT Protocols: Solid understanding of common web/IoT protocols (HTTP, MQTT, JSON, Protobufs).

Development Environment: 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.