Embedded OS Architect

Department: Hardware

Location: San Francisco, Bellevue

Compensation: $190K – $320K

Employment Type: FullTime

About Sesame

Sesame believes in a future where computers are lifelike - with the ability to see, hear, and collaborate with us in ways that feel natural and human. With this vision, we're designing a new kind of computer, focused on making voice agents part of our daily lives. Our team brings together founders from Oculus and Ubiquity6, alongside proven leaders from Meta, Google, and Apple, with deep expertise spanning hardware and software. Join us in shaping a future where computers truly come alive.

About the Role

A device intended for a new kind of human-machine interface requires a new kind of operating system. As an Embedded OS Architect, you will be critical in designing and developing the next-generation operating system for Sesame’s AI-driven computing platform. You will lead architectural decisions, optimize system performance, and ensure seamless integration of hardware and software. Your expertise in building operating systems will help define the foundation for a new class of intelligent, responsive, and real-time computing experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Architect and develop a custom embedded operating system optimized for AI-driven, real-time consumer applications.

• Design and implement core OS components, including kernel, device drivers, memory management, process scheduling, and inter-process communication.

• Optimize system performance, power efficiency, and real-time responsiveness.

• Work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration with custom silicon and peripherals.

• Define and enforce security, reliability, and scalability best practices within the OS stack.

• Drive OS bring-up on new hardware platforms, debugging low-level system issues.

• Evaluate and integrate open-source or proprietary OS components where applicable.

• Collaborate with application developers to ensure smooth and efficient interaction between the OS and higher-level software stacks.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in operating system development, with contributions to major OS projects (Linux, QNX, RTOS, AOSP, etc.).

• Deep expertise in kernel development, scheduling, memory management, and low-level systems programming.

• Strong proficiency in C/C++ and assembly programming for embedded architectures.

• Experience with hardware-software co-design, including bootloaders, BSP development, and device drivers.

• Hands-on experience with debugging tools such as JTAG, GDB, and logic analyzers.

• Strong understanding of security, sandboxing, and OS hardening techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience architecting OS platforms for AI, AR/VR, or edge computing applications.

• Familiarity with modern AI workloads and optimizing OS-level interactions for machine learning.

• Knowledge of distributed or microkernel-based OS architectures.

• Prior experience with power management and performance tuning for embedded systems.

• Contributions to open-source operating system projects.

Sesame is committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We welcome all qualified applicants, embracing diversity in race, gender, identity, orientation, ability, and more. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Contact [email protected] for assistance.

Full-time Employee Benefits: 

• 401 (k) max employer match: 3.5% of compensation

• 100% employer-paid health, vision, and dental benefits for you and your dependents

• Unlimited PTO and sick time

• Flexible spending account with employer matching up to $1,650/year (medical FSA)

• Guardian Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Opportunity to share in the company's success with competitive stock options

Benefits do not apply to contingent/contract workers.