Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Spectra Alpharetta is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Linux Software Engineer with deep expertise in the NXP i.MX95 processor family. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize Linux-based embedded software, including BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, boot loaders, root file systems and low-level system integrations. You will play a key part in architecting next-generation processing solutions for high-reliability systems in aerospace, defense, medical, or similar embedded environments.

• Develop and customize Linux Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the NXP i.MX95 platform, including kernel configuration, U-Boot updates, and hardware bring-up.
• Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers, kernel modules, and hardware abstraction layers.
• Work with Yocto/Open Embedded to build, maintain, and optimize embedded Linux distributions.
• Integrate and validate peripheral interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Debug hardware–software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and other low-level tools.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and engineering during board bring-up, prototype evaluation, and system integration.
• Develop robust, production-quality embedded applications in C/C++ for ARM-based SoCs.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design artifacts, test plans, and release notes, in alignment with NPI Phase Gate requirements (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
• Ensure software complies with performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and program standards.

• Strong proficiency in embedded Linux development on ARM-based architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8, i.MX9 series; i.MX95 highly preferred).
• Expertise in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and system-level debugging.
• Fluent with Yocto/Open Embedded build environments.
• Strong background in C/C++ and low-level firmware development.
• Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as I2C, SPI, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and Ethernet.
• Experience using JTAG, Lauterbach, or equivalent tools for board bring‑up.
• Solid understanding of embedded system concepts, memory‑mapped I/O, and bootloaders.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
• A Master’s degree is preferred but not required, especially for candidates with strong hands‑on experience.
• 7–10+ years of embedded Linux software development experience on ARM‑based SoCs.
• Significant hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8 or i.MX9 required; i.MX95 strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated experience developing BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, U‑Boot, and working with Yocto/Open Embedded.
• Strong low‑level debugging experience (JTAG, logic analyzers, board bring‑up).
• Experience working in regulated or high‑reliability environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive) is an advantage.
• Experience with in the defense, aerospace, and/or rugged electronics sectors is highly desirable.

• Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or ARM Trust Zone.
• Exposure to real‑time Linux or mixed RTOS/Linux architectures.
• Experience with GPU accelerated applications on ARM‑based architectures.
• Background working in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated environments.
• Scripting experience (Python, Bash) for automation and tooling.
• Knowledge of safety‑critical or high reliability software practices.

• Analytical and detail‑oriented with strong problem solving skills.
• Collaborative, communicative, and effective in cross disciplinary engineering…