Senior Engineer - Linux Kernel. Austin LilyLifestyle

Overview

The Senior Engineer - Systems (Kernel Sustaining) provides technical expertise and leadership for maintaining Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems. Senior Engineers work independently on complex kernel issues, address CVE vulnerabilities, and mentor junior engineers in kernel development. The role is based in Austin, TX, and offers remote work options.

• Development & Implementation:
  Maintain Linux kernel components, drivers, and subsystems; backport and integrate upstream kernel patches; ensure kernel stability, performance, and compatibility; write high‑quality, maintainable kernel code following Linux standards; debug and resolve complex kernel issues.
• Technical Leadership:
  Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers; participate in code reviews and technical discussions; contribute to architecture and design decisions; drive technical improvements and best practices; lead technical initiatives and small projects.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Collaborate effectively with team members and cross‑functional partners; work with distributed teams across the US, Romania, and India; share knowledge through documentation and technical discussions; participate in sprint planning, estimation, and retrospectives; contribute to team process improvements.
• Kernel Sustaining Specific:
  Address CVE vulnerabilities and security issues; backport upstream kernel patches to supported versions; maintain kernel drivers and subsystem components; test kernel changes on multiple hardware platforms; work with upstream kernel community when needed; guide technical direction for kernel components; design solutions for complex kernel problems.

• Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of software engineering experience, including 3+ years with embedded Linux or systems programming.
• Strong background in C programming in production systems and software development lifecycle.
• Solid proficiency in Linux kernel architecture and embedded systems development.
• Knowledge of build systems (Yocto, Buildroot, or similar) and strong debugging and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with version control (Git), code review, and Agile/Scrum methodologies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to mentor and guide junior engineers; proactive, self‑directed, with strong analytical thinking.

• Linux kernel development or maintenance.
• Device drivers and hardware interfaces.
• Kernel subsystems (memory management, process scheduling, etc.).
• Kernel security and CVE management.
• Kernel debugging and troubleshooting.
• Performance optimization.

• Experience with Yocto Project.
• Experience with kernel debugging and profiling tools.
• Understanding of kernel security mechanisms.
• Open source kernel contributions.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or industrial sectors.
• Knowledge of real‑time kernel features.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without any requirement for visa sponsorship or transfer, now or in the future. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.