Senior/Staff Software Engineer - Embedded Linux Operating Systems

Foster City, CA

Software – Software Systems /

Full-time /

Hybrid

Zoox's Robot Software Infrastructure team is seeking a passionate software engineer to help develop and advance the common performant operating system that powers several devices on our vehicle including Autonomy systems. This team develops platform-level software and services, including operating systems that enable complex, hardware-accelerated workloads critical for autonomous driving on automotive-grade hardware.

We work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, release management, hardware engineering, manufacturing and operations—to support vehicle development and deployment at scale. If you are excited to explore a broad problem space and are mindful of how components fit within a larger system, you may be a great fit!

In this role, you will:

Design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform that powers various on-bot devices and applications
Architect and implement platform-level software to support robust and scalable robotics infrastructure
Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot) to ensure reliable system startup and maintenance
Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements
Collaborate cross-functionally to support seamless integration and delivery of the OS platform, triage issues, support new hardware bring-up and manufacturing functions

Qualifications

8+ years delivering production systems and software applications, 2+ years of delivering custom Embedded Linux operating systems
Have a deep understanding of Linux, build systems like Yocto, and bootloaders like U-Boot
Be familiar with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces), and filesystems
Understand device drivers and kernel-space code and proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python
Strong written and verbal communication skills along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience

Bonus Qualifications

Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application
Familiarity with security software: PKI, secure boot, OTA software update, hardware key storage, etc.
Familiarity with Nvidia GPUs, Nvidia Thor/Orin, Cuda, TRT, etc.
Graduate degree with a focus on networking, operating systems, or firmware

$235,000 - $300,000 a year

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

apply for this job

Design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform that powers various on-bot devices and applications
Architect and implement platform-level software to support robust and scalable robotics infrastructure
Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot) to ensure reliable system startup and maintenance
Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements
Collaborate cross-functionally to support seamless integration and delivery of the OS platform, triage issues, support new hardware bring-up and manufacturing functions

8+ years delivering production systems and software applications, 2+ years of delivering custom Embedded Linux operating systems
Have a deep understanding of Linux, build systems like Yocto, and bootloaders like U-Boot
Be familiar with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces), and filesystems
Understand device drivers and kernel-space code and proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python
Strong written and verbal communication skills along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience

Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application
Familiarity with security software: PKI, secure boot, OTA software update, hardware key storage, etc.
Familiarity with Nvidia GPUs, Nvidia Thor/Orin, Cuda, TRT, etc.
Graduate degree with a focus on networking, operating systems, or firmware

Senior/Staff Software Engineer - Embedded Linux Operating Systems

Job Description