Senior Engineer - Kernel (Austin, TX)

Location: USA Remote Worksite

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Senior Engineer – Linux Kernel

Location: Austin, TX

 ABOUT WIND RIVER 

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.  

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.  Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone. 

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Senior Engineer - Systems (Kernel Sustaining) provides technical expertise and leadership for maintaining Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems. Senior Engineers work independently on complex kernel issues, address CVE vulnerabilities, and mentor junior engineers in kernel development.
 

In your daily job you will:

Development & Implementation

• Maintain Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems
• Address CVE vulnerabilities and security issues
• Backport and integrate upstream kernel patches
• Ensure kernel stability, performance, and compatibility
• Write high-quality, maintainable kernel code following Linux standards
• Debug and resolve complex kernel issues

Technical Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
• Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
• Contribute to architecture and design decisions
• Drive technical improvements and best practices
• Lead technical initiatives and small projects

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with team members and cross-functional partners
• Work with distributed teams across US, Romania, and India
• Share knowledge through documentation and technical discussions
• Participate in sprint planning, estimation, and retrospectives
• Contribute to team process improvements
   

Kernel Sustaining Specific

• Address CVE vulnerabilities and security issues
• Backport upstream kernel patches to supported versions
• Maintain kernel drivers and subsystem components
• Ensure kernel stability, performance, and compatibility
• Test kernel changes on multiple hardware platforms
• Work with upstream kernel community when needed

Guide technical direction for kernel components

• Design solutions for complex kernel problems
   

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of software engineering experience
• 3+ years of experience with embedded Linux or systems programming
• Experience with C programming in production systems
• Strong background in software development lifecycle Technical Skills
• Strong proficiency in C programming
• Solid understanding of Linux kernel architecture
• Experience with embedded systems development
• Knowledge of build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
• Experience with version control (Git) and code review
• Understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis - without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer, now, or at any time in future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• Must be a local resident of Greater Austin, TX, with ability to work on campus.

Domain Knowledge

• Linux kernel development or maintenance
• Device drivers and hardware interfaces
• Kernel subsystems (memory management, process scheduling, etc.)
• Kernel security and CVE management
• Kernel debugging and troubleshooting

Performance optimization

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers
• Technical writing and documentation skills
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Self-directed and proactive
• Attention to detail and quality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Yocto Project
• Experience with kernel debugging and profiling tools
• Understanding of kernel security mechanisms
• Open source kernel contributions
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors
• Knowledge of real-time kernel features
   

BENEFITS 

• Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility 
• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance 
• Short and long-term disability coverage 
• RRSP matching for financial security 
• Flexible time-off policies for work-life balance 
• Employee assistance program for mental well-being 
• Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars 

Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact begins here. 

Wind River is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

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Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.