Embedded Linux Software Engineer

Spectra Defense Technologies•Alpharetta, GA

4d•$115,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

Spectra Alpharetta is seeking a highly skilled Embedded Linux Software Engineer with deep expertise in the NXP i.MX95 processor family. In this role, you will design, develop, and optimize Linux-based embedded software, including BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, boot loaders, root file systems and low-level system integrations. You will play a key part in architecting next-generation processing solutions for high-reliability systems in aerospace, defense, medical, or similar embedded environments.

Requirements

Strong proficiency in embedded Linux development on ARM-based architectures.
Hands-on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8, i.MX9 series; i.MX95 highly preferred).
Expertise in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and system-level debugging.
Fluent with Yocto/OpenEmbedded build environments.
Strong background in C/C++ and low-level firmware development.
Knowledge of hardware interfaces such as I2C, SPI, PCIe, GPIO, UART, and Ethernet.
Experience using JTAG, Lauterbach, or equivalent tools for board bring-up.
Solid understanding of embedded system concepts, memory-mapped I/O, and bootloaders.
Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related technical discipline.
7–10+ years of embedded Linux software development experience on ARM‑based SoCs.
Significant hands‑on experience with NXP i.MX processors (i.MX8 or i.MX9 required; i.MX95 strongly preferred).
Demonstrated experience developing BSPs, device drivers, kernel modules, U‑Boot, and working with Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
Strong low‑level debugging experience (JTAG, logic analyzers, board bring‑up).

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is preferred but not required, especially for candidates with strong hands‑on experience.
Experience working in regulated or high‑reliability environments (aerospace, defense, medical, automotive) is an advantage.
Experience within the defense, aerospace, and/or rugged electronics sectors is highly desirable.
Experience with secure boot, Trusted Execution Environments (TEE), or ARM TrustZone.
Exposure to real-time Linux or mixed RTOS/Linux architectures.
Experience with GPU accelerated applications on ARM-based architectures.
Background working in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other regulated environments.
Scripting experience (Python, Bash) for automation and tooling.
Knowledge of safety-critical or high reliability software practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and customize Linux Board Support Packages (BSPs) for the NXP i.MX95 platform, including kernel configuration, U-Boot updates, and hardware bring-up.
Design, implement, and maintain Linux device drivers, kernel modules, and hardware abstraction layers.
Work with Yocto/OpenEmbedded to build, maintain, and optimize embedded Linux distributions.
Integrate and validate peripheral interfaces such as PCIe, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and Ethernet.
Debug hardware–software interactions using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and other low-level tools.
Collaborate closely with hardware, systems, and engineering during board bring-up, prototype evaluation, and system integration.
Develop robust, production-quality embedded applications in C/C++ for ARM-based SoCs.
Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design artifacts, test plans, and release notes, in alignment with NPI Phase Gate requirements (SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR).
Ensure software complies with performance, reliability, cybersecurity, and program standards.