Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Linux Platform (R5718)

The role

You will own and evolve the Linux platform that runs on Shield AI's edge compute hardware, with NixOS as the main focus. You will build OS images, packaging, BSP and driver integration, and deployment tooling so systems build and deploy reliably.

What you will do

• Own and evolve the Linux platforms deployed across edge compute systems, with NixOS as a primary focus
• Build and maintain OS images, configurations and software environments for production hardware across multiple Linux distributions
• Evolve and maintain the NixOS platform, including system configuration, packaging and dependency integration
• Develop C++ and Rust systems software and platform tooling for operating, configuring, deploying and updating edge systems
• Integrate and maintain vendor BSPs, Linux kernels, device trees, drivers and hardware dependencies
• Package application software, system components and third-party dependencies using Nix and other platform-appropriate mechanisms
• Define clean interfaces between the OS, hardware platform and application software
• Diagnose problems across application software, userspace Linux, the kernel, drivers and hardware interfaces
• Work with application, autonomy, perception, hardware and test engineers to integrate new capabilities and hardware
• Improve system reliability, boot behaviour, performance, security and resource utilisation

Required qualifications

• Strong understanding of Linux systems, from userspace through the kernel and hardware interfaces
• Experience building, configuring or maintaining Linux systems used in a deployed product
• Experience with Nix/NixOS, Yocto, Buildroot, Debian/Ubuntu or similar Linux build and distribution technologies
• Strong software engineering experience in C, C++ or Rust, ideally for systems or Linux-based edge devices
• Experience with reproducible builds, dependency management, software packaging or software supply chains
• Experience diagnosing difficult problems across application, operating system and hardware boundaries
• Experience with CI/CD and automated build and test systems
• Ability to take ownership of complex platform problems from investigation through deployment and long-term support
• An interest in developing deep expertise in NixOS and reproducible software delivery

Nice to have

• Experience with NixOS (highly valued)
• Experience with Yocto, Buildroot, Debian/Ubuntu or other Linux build and distribution systems

Before you apply

• All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check
• Salary depends on skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and work location

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company that builds intelligent systems to protect service members and civilians. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.