Senior Engineer - Linux Kernel
Location: Austin, TX
ABOUT WIND RIVER
Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.
Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company's software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world. Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We've achieved recent 5G milestones including the world's first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.
The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a "Top Workplace" for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Engineer - Systems (Kernel Sustaining) provides technical expertise and leadership for maintaining Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems. Senior Engineers work independently on complex kernel issues, address CVE vulnerabilities, and mentor junior engineers in kernel development.
In your daily job you will:
Development & Implementation
Maintain Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems
Address CVE vulnerabilities and security issues
Backport and integrate upstream kernel patches
Ensure kernel stability, performance, and compatibility
Write high-quality, maintainable kernel code following Linux standards
Debug and resolve complex kernel issues
Technical Leadership
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers
Participate in code reviews and technical discussions
Contribute to architecture and design decisions
Drive technical improvements and best practices
Lead technical initiatives and small projects
Team Collaboration
Collaborate effectively with team members and cross-functional partners
Work with distributed teams across US, Romania, and India
Share knowledge through documentation and technical discussions
Participate in sprint planning, estimation, and retrospectives
Contribute to team process improvements
Kernel Sustaining Specific
Address CVE vulnerabilities and security issues
Backport upstream kernel patches to supported versions
Maintain kernel drivers and subsystem components
Ensure kernel stability, performance, and compatibility
Test kernel changes on multiple hardware platforms
Work with upstream kernel community when needed
Guide technical direction for kernel components
Design solutions for complex kernel problems
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
Key skills and competencies for succeeding in this role are:
Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field
5+ years of software engineering experience
3+ years of experience with embedded Linux or systems programming
Experience with C programming in production systems
Strong background in software development lifecycle Technical Skills
Strong proficiency in C programming
Solid understanding of Linux kernel architecture
Experience with embedded systems development
Knowledge of build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar)
Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
Experience with version control (Git) and code review
Understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis - without requirement for any type of visa sponsorship/transfer, now, or at any time in future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
Must be a local resident of Greater Austin, TX, with ability to work on campus.
Domain Knowledge
Linux kernel development or maintenance
Device drivers and hardware interfaces
Kernel subsystems (memory management, process scheduling, etc.)
Kernel security and CVE management
Kernel debugging and troubleshooting
Performance optimization
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers
Technical writing and documentation skills
Problem-solving and analytical thinking
Self-directed and proactive
Attention to detail and quality
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Yocto Project
Experience with kernel debugging and profiling tools
Understanding of kernel security mechanisms
Open source kernel contributions
Experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors
Knowledge of real-time kernel features
BENEFITS
Hybrid work model for workplace flexibility
Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance
Short and long-term disability coverage
RRSP matching for financialsecurity
Flexibletime-off policies for work-life balance
Employee assistance program for mental well-being
Learning benefits, including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and seminars
Join us at Wind River, where we're not just shaping technology; we're shaping the future of a safer, more connected world. Your journey to make a meaningful impact... For full info follow application link.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
