Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Department: Software Engineering

Location: Cambridge, MA

Employment Type: FullTime

About Tycho.AI

Tycho.AI is redefining the future of autonomous intelligence. Spun out of MIT and backed by DoD contracts, we are building breakthrough AI and autonomy solutions for unmanned systems operating in GPS-denied and contested environments. We are a fast-growing, dual-use technology company at the forefront of national security and commercial innovation, with a mission to push the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.

Joining Tycho.AI means being part of a team shaping the next decade of autonomy from defense applications to commercial opportunities in areas like logistics, disaster response, and beyond. If you want to work at the cutting edge of autonomy and robotics with a company that’s poised for major impact and growth, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain custom Linux images for on-board autonomy computers, including bootloader, kernel, and root filesystem configuration.

• Configure, customize, and patch the Linux kernel, develop custom device drivers, and manage device trees for target hardware.

• Implement system security features (secure boot, encryption, firewall rules) and optimize memory, boot time, and CPU utilization.

• Build automation scripts and test frameworks in Python or Bash, and integrate them with CI.

• Collaborate with hardware team: define requirements, read schematics, bring up new boards, and debug with oscilloscope, logic analyzer, and JTAG.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.

• Embedded software development experience in Linux environments.

• Strong proficiency in C and/or C++.

• Deep knowledge of Linux kernel architecture, device trees, and user-space/kernel-space interactions.

• Hands-on experience with bring-up and debugging of high-speed hardware interfaces like PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, USB 3.x.

• Working knowledge of low-speed peripheral protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN) and DMA-based data movement.

• Proficiency with debugging tools (GDB, JTAG, logic and protocol analyzers) and version control and CI/CD practices (Git, Jenkins or similar).

Nice to Have:

• NVIDIA Jetson platforms (JetPack, L4T) or comparable system bring-up.

• Hands-on experience with the Yocto Project and BitBake build engine.

• Real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT), scheduling and latency analysis, or RTOS experience.

• Bare-metal or RTOS microcontroller firmware (STM32 or similar ARM Cortex-M), including peripheral configuration and DMA.

• Camera and sensor pipeline work: V4L2 driver development, image sensor bring-up, and timestamp synchronization.

• High-rate, high-throughput inter-process communication.

• Aviation, automotive, robotics, or other safety-critical systems experience.

Why Tycho.AI

• Be part of a rapidly scaling startup defining the future of autonomous intelligence.

• Collaborative, high-trust culture that values innovation, execution, and continuous learning.

• Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and generous benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

Tycho AI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify and Right to Work

Tycho AI participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and may be subject to a government security clearance process