System Software Engineer (Kernal)

Socket.dev; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 131,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Life insurance

Parental leave

11 paid holidays

Job summary

HP is seeking a System Software Engineer (Kernel) to develop and optimize Windows and Linux drivers for the commercial PC portfolio. You will lead design, development, and integration with hardware/firmware, while mentoring junior engineers and ensuring timely delivery.

The role requires strong C programming, embedded debugging, and collaboration across teams, with a focus on new technologies and robust documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in CS/CE/EE or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in Windows/Linux driver development.

Responsibilities

• Oversees development of instructional technical manuscripts on driver operations.
• Develops project plans with resources to meet specs.
• Leads multiple teams in design and development of advanced products.
• Manages relationships with internal and external development partners.
• Reviews designs to ensure standards compliance and quality.

Skills

C programming

Python

Batch scripting

Shell scripting

GitHub

JTAG

Embedded debugging

UART/I2C/SPI

RTOS

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Github

Job description

System Software Engineer (Kernal)

Description -

The Systems Software Engineer (Kernel) is tasked with developing advanced solutions for HP's commercial PC portfolio. This role encompasses leadership in the design, development, and optimization of Windows and Linux drivers as well as other software products. The engineer proactively identifies and resolves software issues, ensuring delivery of effective solutions within established timelines.

Beyond technical problem-solving, the position requires the preparation and upkeep of comprehensive technical documentation, including design specifications, detailed code annotations, and user guides to facilitate development and deployment activities. Additionally, the engineer remains informed about emerging technologies and industry trends pertinent to solution development, ensuring that all deliverables are both current and competitive.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the development and preparation of comprehensive instructional technical manuscripts related to driver operations.
• Allocates resources and develops detailed programming project plans to ensure deliverables are completed to specification.
• Leads multiple project teams comprising software engineers and both internal and external development partners, managing all phases of design and development for advanced products and platforms.
• Manages and strengthens relationships with internal and external development partners in software design and development.
• Reviews and assesses designs and project activities to ensure compliance with systems guidelines and standards, providing actionable feedback to enhance product quality and reduce risk.
• Offers domain-specific expertise and strategic leadership across organizational projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Collaborates with hardware and firmware engineers to facilitate effective integration and communication between hardware and firmware components.
• Defines and documents communication protocols, system states, and feature requirements in conjunction with firmware and software teams.
• Champions innovation by integrating new technologies into organizational projects and workflows.
• Mentors junior software engineers, guiding them toward successful project outcomes.

Education & Experience Recommended

• Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7–10 years of work experience, preferably in Windows/Linux Driver development.

Preferred Certifications

Software Engineering

• Deep understanding and experience with both user and kernel more device drivers
• Low footprint Peer2Peer decentralized systems development including security; experience with novel architectures desired.
• Control systems design
• Fault tolerant and high availability systems design
• CI/CD pipeline expertise

Connectivity and Interoperability

• Security development (cryptography, protocols, onboarding techniques)
• Wireless protocol stack development (multiple wireless protocols preferred)
• Interconnectivity protocols expertise
• Hardware Driver development expertise (well versed in details of the published specification to help drive new design approaches)

Knowledge & Skills

• Proficient in C; familiar with Python, batch files, and command shells, and other relevant scripting languages.
• Source control experience (Github)
• Bare metal systems and bootloader architecture knowledge
• Skilled in embedded firmware debugging (JTAG, SWD)
• Experienced with UART, I2C, SPI protocols
• Use of logic analyzers, I2C analyzers, oscilloscopes, and similar tools
• RTOS concepts and multi-threaded firmware development
• Basic analog/digital electronics knowledge; able to read HW schematics
• Capable of interpreting specifications and data sheets to develop firmware solutions

The pay range for this role is$130,700to$205,200USD annually with additional opportunities for pay in the form of bonus and/or equity (applies to United States of America candidates only). Pay varies by work location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:
HP offers a comprehensive benefits package for this position, including:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long term/short term disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Generous time off policies, including;
• 4-12 weeks fully paid parental leave based on tenure
• 11 paid holidays
• Additional flexible paid vacation and sick leave (US benefits overview)

The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Job -

Software

Schedule -

Full time

Shift -

No shift premium (United States of America)

Travel -

Relocation -

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) -

HP, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prospective employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, uniformed service status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state, and local law(s).

Please be assured that you will not be subject to any adverse treatment if you choose to disclose the information requested. This information is provided voluntarily. The information obtained will be kept in strict confidence.

For more information, review HP’s EEO Policy or read about your rights as an applicant under the law here: "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal"