Staff Embedded Linux Engineer

AURORA; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 189,000 - 303,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Equity compensation

Benefits

Job summary

Aurora is seeking a seasoned Staff Embedded Linux Developer to architect, design, and implement system-level software for next-generation embedded platforms. You will lead BSP development with Yocto, optimize Linux kernels and bootloaders, and drive hardware bring-up with PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB interfaces.

Responsibilities include debugging at chip level, collaborating with hardware teams, and tuning performance, boot time, memory, and power for embedded devices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with a strong background in system-level programming and board bring-up.
• Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development, recipes (BitBake), and image generation.
• Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel-level development.
• In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel internals, memory management, scheduling, and device driver architecture.
• Hands-on experience with debugging tools like GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, and oscilloscopes.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, customization, and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) for various hardware platforms using the Yocto Project build system.
• Configure, build, and optimize the Linux kernel, bootloaders (U-Boot), and root file systems for custom hardware, ensuring system stability and performance.
• Develop, port, and debug Linux device drivers for a wide range of hardware interfaces, including PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers during initial board bring-up, debugging issues at the register and schematic levels using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Implement and enhance functionalities related to the PCIe subsystem, including DMA, memory management, and interrupt handling.
• Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations and integrate them with the embedded Linux environment as required for specific platforms (e.g., x86 architectures).
• Optimize system performance, boot time, memory footprint, and power consumption for embedded devices.
• Develop and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows for the embedded software stack.
• Create Requirements and Design, conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and develop unit test plans.

Job description

Who we are

Aurora’s mission is to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The Aurora Driver will create a new era in mobility and logistics, one that will bring a safer, more efficient, and more accessible future to everyone.

At Aurora, you will tackle massively complex problems alongside other passionate, intelligent individuals, growing as an expert while expanding your knowledge. For the latest news from Aurora, visit aurora.tech or follow us on LinkedIn.

Aurora hires talented people with diverse backgrounds who are ready to help build a transportation ecosystem that will make our roads safer, get crucial goods where they need to go, and make mobility more efficient and accessible for all. We are seeking a seasoned Staff Embedded Linux Developer to architect, design, and implement system-level software for our next-generation embedded platforms. This high-impact role requires deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, BSP customization with the Yocto Project, and hands‑on experience with hardware interfaces like PCIe, BIOS, and DDR RAM. The ideal candidate will lead complex debugging efforts, collaborate closely with hardware teams during board bring‑up, and drive performance optimization across all system components.

In this role, you will

• Lead the design, development, customization, and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) for various hardware platforms using the Yocto Project build system.

• Configure, build, and optimize the Linux kernel, bootloaders (U-Boot), and root file systems for custom hardware, ensuring system stability and performance.

• Develop, port, and debug Linux device drivers for a wide range of hardware interfaces, including PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB.

• Collaborate with hardware engineers during initial board bring‑up, debugging issues at the register and schematic levels using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.

• Implement and enhance functionalities related to the PCIe subsystem, including DMA, memory management, and interrupt handling.

• Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations and integrate them with the embedded Linux environment as required for specific platforms (e.g., x86 architectures).

• Optimize system performance, boot time, memory footprint, and power consumption for embedded devices.

• Develop and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows for the embedded software stack.

• Create Requirements and Design, conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and develop unit test plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8+ years of hands‑on experience in embedded Linux development, with a strong background in system‑level programming and board bring‑up.

• Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development, recipes (BitBake), and image generation.

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel‑level development.

• In‑depth knowledge of the Linux kernel internals, memory management, scheduling, and device driver architecture.

• Hands‑on experience with debugging tools like GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, and oscilloscopes.

• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with secure boot, OTA updates, and system security hardening.

• Exposure to open‑source contributions and community collaboration practices.

• Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and real‑time operating system (RTOS) concepts.

• Knowledge of Telecommunication and/or GNSS domain

The base salary range for this position is $189,000-$303,000per year. Aurora’s pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future. The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus, equity compensation, and benefits.

Working at Aurora

At Aurora, we bring together extraordinarily talented and experienced people united by the strength of our values. We operate with integrity, set outrageous goals, and build a culture where we win together — all without any jerks.

We believe in‑person work increases collaboration, empathy and our ability to lead effectively. As a result, we operate in a hybrid work environment where Aurorans are in office at least 3 days per week.

Our Careers page provides insight into what it is like to work at Aurora, and you can find all the latest updates in our Newsroom.

Our commitment to safety

At the core of everything we do is our commitment to safety. Building best‑in‑class self‑driving technology will take time, and we believe that each employee at Aurora has a role in contributing to safety, every step of the way. Aurora expects commitment to our safety policies from every employee, and seeks candidates who take an active responsibility, can contribute to building an atmosphere of trust, and invest in the organization’s long‑term success by prioritizing working safely, no matter what.

Our commitment to inclusion

Aurora considers candidates without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy status, parent or caregiver status, ancestry, political affiliation, veteran and/or military status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by federal or state law. Aurora considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].

For California applicants, information collected and processed as part of your application and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Aurora’s California Employment Privacy Policy.