Technical Lead - Embedded Linux & Kernel Engineering

Role Overview :

We are seeking an experienced Technical Lead to drive embedded software engineering across Linux-based products and hardware platforms.

This role combines low-level systems development, kernel engineering, processor bring-up, and technical project ownership, with responsibility for guiding multiple engineering assignments from initial requirements through implementation and delivery.

The ideal candidate will remain actively involved in C programming and debugging while leading a team of engineers, engaging with international customers, and ensuring that technical solutions meet performance, quality, and delivery expectations.

Key Responsibilities :

- Embedded Software Development : Design, implement, and debug embedded software components using C, C++, FreeRTOS, and Linux-based development environments.

- Linux Kernel Engineering : Develop and maintain kernel-level components, including device drivers, and investigate issues involving kernel behaviour, hardware interfaces, and system stability.

- Platform Integration : Lead board bring-up activities and software enablement for embedded platforms built around SoCs from vendors such as NXP, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Broadcom, or Marvell.

- System Architecture : Evaluate hardware and software dependencies, define embedded software structures, and make design decisions that support maintainability, performance, and platform scalability.

- Kernel Subsystem Development : Apply in-depth knowledge of at least one Linux kernel subsystem to implement features, troubleshoot defects, and improve system-level functionality.

- Build and Integration Management : Configure and maintain embedded build environments using Yocto, Buildroot, CMake, and Makefiles to support reproducible development and integration.

- Technical Design Reviews : Lead discussions on software architecture, feature implementation, interface definitions, and engineering trade-offs across project teams.

- Debugging and Code Quality : Use tools such as GDB, Valgrind, and static analysis utilities, including Cppcheck, to investigate memory issues, runtime faults, and code-quality concerns.

- Hardware-Level Investigation : Review schematics, support PCB-related debugging, and use laboratory instruments such as logic analysers and digital oscilloscopes to diagnose hardware-software interaction problems.

- Project Delivery : Oversee concurrent engineering projects, monitor milestones, resolve technical dependencies, and ensure deliverables meet agreed schedules and quality standards.

- Team Leadership : Guide a team of approximately 8 - 12 engineers, distribute technical responsibilities, review implementation progress, and mentor junior engineers and fresh graduates.

- Customer Engagement : Work directly with customers, particularly those based in the US and Europe, to clarify requirements, explain technical decisions, present progress, and address engineering concerns.

- Engineering Documentation : Review requirements specifications, architectural and detailed design documents, test plans, test cases, and implementation records.

- Business and Capability Support : Contribute to presales discussions, technical proposals, effort estimation, candidate interviews, and team capability development.

- Flexible Engineering Contribution : Adapt to different embedded technologies and customer assignments, including onsite engagement when project needs require it.

Mandatory Technical Expertise :

- 8 - 14 years of experience in embedded software development, systems engineering, or embedded platform development.

- Strong hands-on programming and debugging skills in C, with working knowledge of C++ and object-oriented programming concepts.

- Practical experience developing Linux user-space applications and Linux kernel device drivers from the ground up.

- At least 2 years of hands-on Linux kernel development experience, with familiarity with Linux kernel versions 3.0 and above.

- Strong understanding of at least one Linux kernel subsystem and its interaction with hardware or other system components.

- Experience with FreeRTOS and embedded software architecture.

- Knowledge of ARM processor architectures, including Cortex-A series, and general-purpose microcontrollers.

- Experience with SoC-based board bring-up and embedded platform integration.

- Familiarity with Yocto, Buildroot, CMake, Makefiles, and Git.

- Practical debugging experience using GDB, Valgrind, and static code analysis tools.

- Ability to review technical designs, guide implementation decisions, and resolve complex system-level defects.

- Strong spoken and written English, with experience handling direct customer communication.

Additional Technical Skills :

- Embedded graphical user interface development.

- Hardware schematic interpretation and PCB debugging.

- Familiarity with logic analysers, digital oscilloscopes, and other hardware diagnostic equipment.

- Experience coordinating software integration across hardware, firmware, and application layers.

Leadership and Professional Requirements :

- Demonstrated ability to manage several technical projects simultaneously while remaining involved in critical engineering tasks.

- Experience leading, mentoring, and evaluating engineers with varying levels of technical experience.

- Ability to conduct design reviews, code reviews, and technical assessments while maintaining consistent engineering standards.

- Strong customer-facing skills, including requirements clarification, technical presentations, and proposal preparation.

- Sound analytical judgement, structured problem-solving, and accountability for delivery commitments.

- Willingness to support onsite assignments and work across different technology areas according to customer requirements.

Key Success Outcomes :

- Successful delivery of embedded Linux projects from requirements analysis through integration and release.

- Reliable kernel drivers and platform software across target hardware configurations.

- Effective resolution of complex hardware-software defects.

- Improved engineering productivity through mentoring, technical reviews, and reusable development practices.

- Strong customer relationships supported by clear communication, technical ownership, and predictable project execution