Senior Lead Engineer - Linux Software APSS Image Integration

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General Summary:

The Linux Software APSS image integration lead is responsible for end-to-end technical execution and delivery of Linux-based software platforms, working across kernel, BSP, middleware, and system integration layers. This role acts as the technical integrator and execution owner, driving cross-functional alignment between silicon, software, validation, and product teams to deliver high-quality, scalable Linux solutions aligned with upstream and open-source best practices.

Relevant experience – 8 to 10 years.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Program Execution

• Own technical planning, execution, and delivery of Linux software milestones across platform bring-up, stabilization, and releases.
• Drive BSP and platform enablement for SoCs, including bootloader, kernel, device tree, drivers, and root filesystem.
• Ensure alignment with mainline kernel, upstream-first, and open development models where applicable.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the single technical point of ownership connecting kernel, Yocto/build, middleware (RDKB, OWRT, PRPL), validation, security, and customer teams.
• Coordinate with SoC, firmware, hardware, and power/performance teams to resolve platform-level issues.
• Drive execution across geographically distributed teams and stakeholders.

Architecture & Technical Oversight

• Provide technical guidance on:
  • Linux kernel (drivers, power management, security, virtualization)
  • Device Tree / overlays
  • Yocto Project / build systems
  • Platform boot flows (UEFI, U-Boot, fastboot)
• Review architecture decisions for scalability, reuse, and upstream compatibility.

Quality & Release Management

• Define and track feature readiness, risks, and quality metrics across releases.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of system-level issues (boot, stability, performance, CVEs).
• Ensure timely delivery of release artifacts, documentation, and hand-offs.

Open Source & Upstream Engagement

• Promote and enforce upstream-first and open-source compliance practices.
• Review patches for upstream quality, licensing, and maintainability.
• Engage with open-source communities as required.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support internal and external customers with technical reviews, issue triage, and roadmap alignment.
• Translate customer and product requirements into clear technical execution plans.
• Present status, risks, and technical trade-offs to leadership and stakeholders.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in Linux kernel internals (drivers, power, memory, scheduling, security).
• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux BSP development.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Yocto/OWRT Project / BitBake
  • Device Tree (DTS/DTB, overlays)
  • Bootloaders (UEFI, U-Boot)
  • Debugging tools (ftrace, perf, gdb, crash, JTAG)
• Experience with ARM-based SoCs and hardware bring-up.

Project & Execution Skills

• Proven ability to drive complex, multi-team technical programs.
• Strong execution mindset with experience managing dependencies, risks, and milestones.
• Ability to balance engineering depth with delivery deadlines.

Soft Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with senior engineers, architects, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to influence without authority and resolve conflicts pragmatically.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mainline Linux development or upstream contributions.
• Exposure to virtualization (KVM, Xen, Gunyah) or containers.
• Experience with security hardening, CVE management, and compliance.
• Prior experience as a Tech Lead, System Lead, or Project Engineer for platform software.

Success Metrics

• On-time delivery of Linux platform milestones and releases.
• Platform stability, quality, and upstream alignment.
• Reduction in integration issues and late-cycle surprises.
• Strong cross-team trust and execution predictability.

Minimum Qualifications:

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