Senior/Staff Software Engineer - Embedded Linux Operating Systems
At a glance
Senior Embedded & Firmware role at Zoox. Foster City · full-time · $237,000–$322,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and maintain the operating system used by vehicle devices and their applications
- Create platform software that supports dependable, scalable robotics infrastructure
- Set up embedded Linux builds and bootloader workflows so systems start and remain reliable
- Improve device drivers and kernel code in C, C++ or Rust to meet performance and reliability needs
- Work with partner teams on OS integration, issue triage, hardware bring-up and manufacturing support
What you bring
- At least eight years delivering production systems and software, including two years building custom Embedded Linux operating systems
- Strong command of Linux, Yocto-style build systems and bootloaders such as U-Boot
- You can work with Linux initialization, containers, filesystems, device drivers and kernel code
- You write in a language without automatic memory management and use multiple scripting languages, including bash or Python
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent hands-on experience, plus strong written and spoken communication
Who this fits
This role suits a senior engineer who can work across operating systems, hardware integration and vehicle deployment, while considering how components fit together. The position is hybrid in Foster City.
From the employer
Zoox's Robot Software Infrastructure team is seeking a passionate software engineer to help develop and advance the common performant operating system that powers several devices on our vehicle including Autonomy systems. This team develops platform-level software and services, including operating systems that enable complex, hardware-accelerated workloads critical for autonomous driving on automotive-grade hardware.
We work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, release management, hardware engineering, manufacturing and operations—to support vehicle development and deployment at scale. You'll have the opportunity to influence the next generation of our platform, hardware, and robotaxi. If you are excited to explore a broad problem space and are mindful of how components fit within a larger system, you may be a great fit!
In this role, you will:
- Design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform that powers various on-bot devices and applications
- Architect and implement platform-level software to support robust and scalable robotics infrastructure
- Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot) to ensure reliable system startup and maintenance
- Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support seamless integration and delivery of the OS platform, triage issues, support new hardware bring-up and manufacturing functions
Qualifications
- 8+ years delivering production systems and software applications, 2+ years of delivering custom Embedded Linux operating systems
- Have a deep understanding of Linux, build systems like Yocto, and bootloaders like U-Boot
- Be familiar with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces), and filesystems
- Understand device drivers and kernel-space code and proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python
- Strong written and verbal communication skills along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application
- Familiarity with security software: PKI, secure boot, OTA software update, hardware key storage, etc.
- Familiarity with Nvidia GPUs, Nvidia Thor/Orin, Cuda, TRT, etc.
- Graduate degree with a focus on networking, operating systems, or firmware
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AccommodationsIf you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
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