System Validation Engineer (PCIe & Linux Kernel

Maxonic maintains a close and long-term relationship with our direct client. In support of their needs, we are looking for:

Job Title:

Systems Debug Engineer - PCIe & Linux Kernel

Job Location:

Milpitas, CA

Work Schedule:

On-site

Please note:

This position is open to local candidates only
. Candidates requiring relocation will not be considered.

Description:

Responsible for diagnosing, debugging, and resolving PCIe, Linux kernel, and system-level issues on internal test platforms. Work closely with hardware, firmware, software, and validation teams to identify root causes, improve system stability, and support new platform development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate and debug PCIe-related issues, including link training failures, enumeration problems, bandwidth limitations, hot-plug events, AER errors, and device communication failures.
• Analyze Linux kernel logs, crash dumps, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks to determine root causes.
• Develop and execute debug plans using tools such as lspci, dmesg, kernel tracing, PCIe protocol analyzers, and logic analyzers.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) and drive corrective actions across hardware, firmware, BIOS, kernel, and application layers.
• Work with internal tester platforms involving PCIe switches, NVMe devices, custom hardware, and embedded controllers.
• Collaborate with HW, FW, BIOS, and SW teams to reproduce issues, validate fixes, and improve platform reliability.
• Create debug documentation, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides for engineering teams.
• Support system bring-up, qualification, and production readiness activities for new tester platforms.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of PCIe architecture, protocol, and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Experience with Linux kernel debugging, device drivers, and system-level diagnostics.
• Proficiency in Linux command-line tools and scripting (Python, Bash, or similar).
• Experience analyzing kernel logs, crash dumps, and system traces.
• Knowledge of BIOS/UEFI, hardware bring-up, and platform validation.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with NVMe/SSD systems and PCIe switches.
• Familiarity with protocol analyzers, oscilloscopes, and hardware debug tools.
• Experience supporting high-performance computing, storage, or test equipment platforms.
• Understanding of Linux kernel internals and driver development.