Lead Embedded Linux Systems Engineer
Darkhive
Software Engineering
San Antonio, TX, USA
Posted on May 30, 2025
About Darkhive, LLC
Darkhive is making robotics accessible. Established in 2021, we are focused on the application of robotics in the public safety and defense communities. Our approach in accessibility is built on three pillars: low-cost, ease-of-use, and open interface design.
With our autonomy software stack, military and public safety users intuitively interact with our robotics platforms which enable them to understand their environment and make decisions when it matters most. Our palm-sized, autonomous drone demonstrates the capabilities of our integrated software and hardware solutions.
Darkhive is a growing group of U.S. Special Operations veterans, aerospace engineers, robotics perception experts, DevSecOps, defense technology executives, and superb support staff-above all, we are mission first team. We believe that the U.S. and our allies around the world deserve high-quality, affordable tools that keep them safe when each second counts.
If you are a free-thinking problem solver who is looking for a highly collaborative and innovative environment, apply with Darkhive today!
We are looking for a hands-on Lead Embedded Linux Systems Engineer to join our growing engineering team. This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of hardware and software, building real-world systems that power advanced robotics, drones, and connected devices.
You’ll contribute to full-stack embedded development—from writing low-level Linux drivers to bringing up hardware prototypes in the lab. The work involves integrating high-performance camera sensors, wireless communication modules, and real-time subsystems on modern embedded Linux platforms. You'll be part of a small, fast-moving team shipping systems that operate in real environments, not just test benches.
The Lead Embedded Linuz Systems Engineer is a full-time, exempt, non-supervisory role reporting to the VP of Engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers and low-level system software for embedded compute platforms, wireless modules, and custom MIPI image sensors
- Build and integrate software stacks for Wi-Fi and RF communication modules, including power management, firmware bring-up, and regulatory tuning
- Port and debug embedded Linux builds on Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms (Yocto, AOSP experience a plus)
- Work with device trees, bootloaders, and system bring-up for new hardware platforms
- Perform hardware-software integration, including camera tuning, I2C/SPI debug, and scope/logic analyzer work
- Collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams to validate new designs and support board bring-up
- Support integration and troubleshooting efforts for customers using our hardware, including driver-level debugging and system-level recommendations
- Troubleshoot and optimize embedded systems for performance, stability, and RF compliance
Qualifications you bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- Strong experience with Linux kernel development, kernel module creation, and driver debugging
- Solid understanding of MIPI CSI interfaces, camera sensor integration, and V4L2 pipeline
- Familiarity with wireless driver stacks (Wi-Fi/BT), including wpa_supplicant/hostapd and RF tuning
- Hands-on experience with embedded Linux platforms (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon, NXP i.MX, or similar)
- Proficient with embedded toolchains, cross-compiling, and kernel/u-boot customization
- Comfortable working with hardware prototypes, schematics, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Eligibility to work in the U.S.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Experience with custom PCB bring-up and low-level hardware debugging
- Familiarity with sensor initialization via I2C/SPI and power sequencing
- Exposure to antenna tuning or RF compliance testing for wireless modules
- Experience with camera tuning (gain, exposure, white balance) or GStreamer pipelines
- Proficiency with Yocto or Buildroot for embedded Linux build automation
- Experience with JTAG/SWD debuggers, bootloader recovery, or automated hardware tests
- Knowledge of edge AI model deployment
- Familiarity with USB gadget drivers, PCIe or SDIO peripherals, or low-level protocol analyzers
- U.S. Military Veteran
Physical and/or Mental Requirements
- Ability to sit and/or stand for periods of time.
- Ability to use a keyboard, mouse, and other equipment with or without accommodations.
- Ability to maintain awareness during business hours.
- Ability to lift up to 15 pounds.
- Excellent written and verbal communication and good command of the English language.
- Learns and memorizes routine tasks.
- Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any person with a disability to be able to perform the essential job functions of this position.
- Darkhive retains the right to change or assign other duties as required for this position.
Selection Process:
- Hiring team reviews applications
- 15 – minute pre-screen with Darkhive recruiter
- 30-minute phone screen with the hiring manager
- Take home project
- In-person or video interview with hiring team
Benefits Darkhive offers:
- Comprehensive medical plans; 2 plans are 100% employer paid insurance premiums
- 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance premiums
- Automatic 401k employer contribution with immediate vesting
- Unlimited vacation
- 11 Paid holidays
- 5 days of sick leave
- Stock options
- Welcoming and friendly work environment
- Respect of work-life balance
Darkhive is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant because of race, color, gender (including pregnancy), age, gender identity, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
