Sr Software Engineer, Embedded Linux
At a glance
Senior Embedded & Firmware role at NRG Energy. Seattle · $160,700–$206,600 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and adapt Linux distributions with Yocto, Buildroot or a comparable system
- Bring up boards and diagnose hardware-software issues using schematics, datasheets and debug instruments
- Assess and integrate vendor or partner BSPs and drivers into embedded Linux products
- Develop, compile, cross-compile, test and debug software in Linux environments
What you bring
- At least five years of professional software development experience
- A bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science or a closely related technical discipline
- Strong C and modern C++ skills, with deep knowledge of embedded Linux, including drivers and the boot process
- Practical experience customizing Linux builds, debugging board-level hardware and integrating BSPs or drivers
Who this fits
This senior role suits an embedded engineer with strong C and C++ skills and experience working across Linux software and hardware. The job begins remotely, then requires a hybrid schedule in Seattle, with office days Monday through Thursday and Friday at home.
From the employer
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
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Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional software development experience.
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Education: BS in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical field.
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Core Languages: Strong proficiency in C and modern C++.
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Embedded Linux: Deep understanding of the embedded Linux ecosystem (kernel, device drivers, and the boot chain: bootloader, device tree, init).
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Build Systems: Hands-on experience building and customizing Linux distributions using Yocto, Buildroot, or similar.
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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).
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BSP Integration: Experience evaluating and integrating vendor- or partner-delivered BSPs and drivers.
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Additional Languages: Experience with Python or Rust.
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IoT Protocols: Solid understanding of common web/IoT protocols (HTTP, MQTT, JSON, Protobufs).
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Development Environment: Proficiency with compiling, cross-compiling, unit testing, and debugging within Linux environments.
Highly Desirable Skills (Nice-to-Have)
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Direct experience collaborating with JDM/ODM or contract manufacturing partners on hardware/software co-development.
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Familiarity with wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee, Z-Wave).
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Experience with SoC platforms from vendors like NXP, Rockchip, Qualcomm, etc.
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Understanding of embedded security fundamentals (secure boot, OTA updates, and device provisioning).
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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.
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