Lead Engineer, Senior - Linux Software APSS Image Integration

Overview

Lead end-to-end technical execution and delivery of Linux-based software platforms across kernel, BSP, middleware, and system integration layers. Drive cross-functional alignment between silicon, software, validation, and product teams to deliver scalable Linux solutions aligned with upstream and open-source best practices.

What you'll do

• Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up, stabilization, and releases.
• Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.
• Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first, and open development models where applicable.
• Act as the single technical point of ownership connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware (RDKB, OWRT, PRPL), validation, security, and customer teams.
• Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.
• Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.
• Provide technical guidance on Linux kernel, Device Tree / overlays, Yocto Project / build systems, and platform boot flows.
• Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.
• Define and track feature readiness, risks, and quality metrics across releases.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system-level issues, including boot, stability, performance, and CVEs.
• Ensure timely delivery of release artifacts, documentation, and hand-offs.
• Promote and enforce upstream-first and open-source compliance practices.
• Review patches for upstream quality, licensing, and maintainability.
• Engage with open-source communities as required.
• Support internal and external customers with technical reviews, issue triage, and roadmap alignment.
• Translate customer and product requirements into clear technical execution plans.
• Present status, risks, and technical trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.
• Deliver Linux platform milestones and releases on time, maintain platform stability and upstream alignment, reduce integration issues and late-cycle surprises, and support cross-team trust and execution predictability.

What you'll need

• 6 to 9 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 3+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience, or Master's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 2+ years of Software Engineering or related work experience, or PhD in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field and 1+ year of Software Engineering or related work experience.
• 2+ years of academic or work experience with a programming language such as C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
• Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals, including drivers, power, memory, scheduling, and security.
• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP development.
• Strong working knowledge of Yocto/OWRT Project / BitBake.
• Strong working knowledge of Device Tree (DTS/DTB, overlays).
• Strong working knowledge of bootloaders (UEFI, U-Boot).
• Strong working knowledge of debugging tools (ftrace, perf, gdb, crash, JTAG).
• Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.
• Proven ability to drive complex, multi-team technical programs.
• Strong execution mindset with experience managing dependencies, risks, and milestones.
• Ability to balance engineering depth with delivery deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with senior engineers, architects, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to influence without authority and resolve conflicts pragmatically.

Nice to have

• Experience with mainline Linux development or upstream contributions.
• Exposure to virtualization (KVM, Xen, Gunyah) or containers.
• Experience with security hardening, CVE management, and compliance.
• Prior experience as a Tech Lead, System Lead, or Project Engineer for platform software.

Details

• Location: Hyderabad, Telangāna, India.
• The role works across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.