2026 Embedded Linux platform engineer (Freelance)

Smart Design • New York, NY

8h • $100 - $130 • Hybrid

About The Position

Smart Design is seeking a freelance Embedded Linux Platform Engineer for a client project building x86-based Linux devices for field use. The engineer will own the platform layer, from firmware power-on through a locked-down, encrypted system, including the kernel and device integration beneath the applications.

The role is full-time and hybrid, with the ability to work onsite at Smart Design’s Brooklyn studio at least every other week. The hourly rate is $100 to $130, depending on years of experience.

Requirements

• Experience with UEFI secure boot on x86, including key management and module signing.
• Experience with Linux full disk encryption using LUKS2; TPM2 experience is preferred.
• Solid understanding of the x86/UEFI boot process.
• Knowledge of USB protocols and device classes, including HID, CDC, UVC, UAC, and mass storage.
• Experience with udev rules.
• Kernel module development and kernel compilation experience.
• Strong C programming skills, plus Bash and Python.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with hardware debugging tools such as logic analyzers and USB analyzers.
• Experience with Yocto or Buildroot.
• Experience with USB gadget mode.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the x86 secure boot chain, including UEFI, shim, bootloader, signed kernels, and modules.
• Implement full disk encryption with TPM2-based unlocking and recovery.
• Configure, patch, and compile custom Linux kernels.
• Write and maintain kernel modules for custom hardware.
• Integrate USB devices across classes and write udev rules for naming, permissions, and hotplug.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed