Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel Developer

Location: IND - Maharashtra - Pune, IND - Karnataka - Bengaluru - North

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Build the Linux foundation for a next-gen RISC-V MPU platform.

About the Role

We’re building a next-generation, application-class RISC‑V MPU SoC platform for Linux systems - bringing together multimedia, industrial connectivity, security, and heterogeneous compute subsystems.

In the Platform Software team, you’ll own key pieces of Linux bring-up and SDK validation, partner closely with architecture and hardware teams, and help shape SoC/CPU decisions with hands-on data from pre-silicon, FPGA, and first-silicon debug.

Key Responsibilities

• Linux SDK development & validation: build, enable, and release a production-quality SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
  • Develop and maintain a Linux SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
  • Enable the boot and firmware stack (boot flow, early platform initialization, U‑Boot, OpenSBI).
  • Drive Linux kernel/BSP enablement: SoC bring-up, Device Tree, CPU/memory/interrupt subsystems.
  • Develop and debug device drivers (multimedia, connectivity, DMA, power/clock/reset, platform services).
  • Deliver SDK releases: integration, validation, and developer-facing documentation.
• Pre- & post-silicon validation (AVV): create tests, validate on FPGA/first silicon, and unblock teams through system-level debug.
  • Contribute to pre-silicon validation using FPGA, emulation, and virtual platforms.
  • Develop platform tests and validate on FPGA/first silicon; root-cause issues across HW/FW/kernel.
• Cross-functional execution: work day-to-day with architects, hardware, and safety teams to land features and de-risk schedules.
  • Partner with system architects, hardware, and safety teams to define requirements and execution plans.
  • Provide bring-up and validation feedback that influences next-gen RISC‑V CPU/SoC features.
  • Align with internal and external stakeholders on roadmaps, deliverables, and release readiness.
• Customer & ecosystem engagement: support early adopters and contribute fixes upstream when appropriate.
  • Work with OEMs/Tier‑1s during early enablement, bring-up, and SDK adoption; upstream fixes where it makes sense.

Required Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience (typically 3-5 years) in Embedded Linux platform/BSP development.
• Expert-level C programming; comfortable reading low-level firmware and kernel code.
• Strong Linux internals knowledge: boot flow, memory management/MMU, interrupts, SMP.
• Hands-on SoC/platform bring-up experience and ownership mindset for BSP quality.
• Hands-on with U‑Boot, Linux kernel, Device Tree, and Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
• Strong debugging skills with GDB and at least one of OpenOCD/JTAG, Lauterbach, or similar tools.
• Experience working on FPGA, emulation, or early-silicon platforms.

Good to Have

• RISC‑V (RV64) experience or strong exposure to other application-class CPU architectures.
• Background in pre-silicon/FPGA validation or post-silicon debug and triage.
• Experience with multimedia subsystems (camera, display, audio) and their Linux stacks.
• Familiarity with platform security (secure boot, trusted firmware, firmware/OS boundaries).
• Experience with QEMU, virtual platforms, or emulation workflows.
• Exposure to CI/CD and automated validation (test frameworks, dashboards, regressions).

What We Offer

• Build a RISC‑V MPU platform from the ground up and see it shipped in real products.
• End-to-end ownership across pre-silicon → FPGA → first silicon → production SDK releases.
• Work closely with CPU architects and SoC teams; your data drives decisions.
• Deep technical work, strong peer group, and long-term growth on a strategic platform.