Embedded Linux Software Engineer

About Heads Up Technologies

At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace, ALTO Aviation, and Innovative Advantage under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft.

Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.

As an Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you will architect, build, and maintain Linux‑based board support packages (BSPs) and system images for next‑generation business‑jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS). You will own the Yocto/Open Embedded build infrastructure, develop custom layers and recipes, and bring up Linux on custom ARM/SoC hardware. This role bridges low‑level platform software with application teams—ensuring a stable, optimized, and certification‑ready Linux foundation for production aircraft.

• Work Days and
  
  Hours:
  
  Monday to Friday. Flexibility to set schedule.
• Location:
  
  This is a full‑time onsite position located in Addison, TX.

• Compensation:
  Based on qualifications and comprehensive benefits package.

• Work Eligibility:
  Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Own and maintain Yocto/Open Embedded build systems: create and curate custom layers, recipes, and machine configurations for in‑house SoC platforms.
• Develop and upstream Linux kernel drivers, device‑tree configurations, and board bring‑up code for custom ARM‑based hardware.
• Integrate peripherals (I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet) and validate functionality through driver development and system testing.
• Support video and audio distribution pipelines: integrate display interfaces (HDMI, Display Port), audio codecs, and media frameworks; debug AV routing, latency, and synchronization across cabin systems.
• Optimize boot time, footprint, and real‑time performance for resource‑constrained embedded targets.
• Collaborate with hardware and FPGA teams during bring‑up; debug with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and kernel tracing tools.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for automated image builds, regression testing, and release management.
• Contribute to certification‑aligned processes (requirements traceability, design documentation, code reviews, unit/integration tests); DO‑178C exposure a plus.
• Document BSP architecture, build procedures, and interfaces; mentor team members on Yocto best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of embedded Linux development experience.
• Strong hands‑on experience with Yocto Project / Open Embedded: custom layers, recipes, bbappends, machine configurations, and distro features.
• Proficiency in C and shell scripting; familiarity with Python for Yocto/Bit Bake development.
• Experience with Linux kernel internals: device drivers, device tree, kernel configuration, and cross‑compilation.
• Familiarity with ARM architecture, boot loaders (U‑Boot), and hardware bring‑up workflows.
• Understanding of low‑level peripheral interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO) and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast).
• Ability to read schematics and datasheets to support hardware integration.
• Strong debugging skills: kernel logs, ftrace, perf, GDB, and hardware debug tools.
• Clear communicator who takes ownership, flags risks early, and delivers on commitments.

• Experience with Peta Linux or Xilinx‑based SoC platforms (Zynq/ZynqMP).
• Familiarity with video/audio subsystems: V4L2, ALSA/Pulse Audio, GStreamer, DRM/KMS, or AVover‑IP protocols.
• Exposure to real‑time Linux () or heterogeneous AMP configurations (Linux + RTOS/bare‑metal).
• Familiarity with containerized or OTA update strategies for embedded Linux (SWUpdate, RAUC, Mender).
• Background in aviation, automotive, or other…