Linux Low-Level Software Engineer

Location: Somerset West

Linux Low-Level Software Engineer

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our Holdings Company is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West, close to all amenities and diverse natural beauty, providing great lifestyle options.

Are you passionate about building robust, high-performance systems from the ground up? We’re seeking a skilled Linux Low-Level Software Engineer to design and optimize software that powers mission-critical applications. In this role, you’ll work on kernel-level development, device drivers, and performance tuning to ensure our solutions run seamlessly on Linux platforms. If you thrive in solving complex technical challenges and want to make an impact in cutting-edge technology, this is the opportunity for you.

Job

Purpose

Design, develop, and maintain robust, efficient, and secure low-level Linux-based embedded software for edge computing platforms deployed in orbit, ensuring system reliability, fault tolerance, and optimal performance under extreme space conditions.

Responsibilities System Architecture & Platform Integration

• Develop and maintain custom Linux distributions (Yocto) tailored for space-grade hardware.
• Integrate kernel modules, device drivers, and board support packages (BSPs) for radiation-hardened processors and microcontrollers.
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to align software with board-level specifications and constraints.

Kernel & Driver Development

• Customize and optimize the Linux kernel for real-time performance and minimal resource usage.
• Develop and maintain device drivers for sensors, communication interfaces (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C), and specialized space hardware.
• Implement power management and thermal control strategies at the kernel level.

Embedded Software Reliability

• Design fault-tolerant software systems capable of autonomous recovery and graceful degradation.
• Implement watchdogs, health monitoring, and telemetry reporting mechanisms.
• Conduct rigorous testing (unit, integration, HIL) to validate software under simulated space conditions.

Security & Hardening

• Apply secure boot, kernel hardening, and sandboxing techniques to protect against unauthorized access and system compromise.
• Ensure compliance with space cybersecurity standards and protocols.
• Monitor and patch vulnerabilities in deployed systems via secure OTA updates.

Performance Optimization

• Profile and optimize system performance for constrained environments (CPU, memory, power).
• Implement efficient data handling pipelines for edge AI/ML workloads and telemetry processing.
• Support real-time scheduling and deterministic behaviour for mission-critical tasks.

Collaboration & Documentation

• Work closely with mission software, AI/ML, and ground control teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Maintain detailed documentation of system architecture, configurations, and operational procedures.
• Participate in design reviews, code audits, and mission readiness assessments.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree Computer Engineering, or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or Computer Science, or Mechatronics Engineering

Required Experience

5+ years of experience, especially in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability domains.

Embedded Linux Development

• Hands‑on experience building and customizing Linux distributions (e.g., Yocto, Buildroot) for embedded platforms.
• Experience with kernel configuration, patching, and driver development.

Low‑Level Programming

• Strong experience in C/C++ for hardware‑near programming.
• Familiarity with assembly language and debugging at the register level is a plus.

Real‑Time and Mission‑Critical Systems

• Experience developing software for real‑time operating systems (RTOS) or real‑time Linux.
• Proven track record in designing fault‑tolerant, deterministic systems for aerospace, automotive, or industrial control.

Hardware‑Software Integration

• Experience working closely with hardware teams to bring up new boards and debug hardware/software interactions.
• Familiarity with board support packages…