Principal Embedded Linux Engineer

HawkEye 360•Herndon, VA

About The Position

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Principal Embedded Linux Engineer to advance our next-generation spacecraft payload platforms. The Software Team's mission is to design, build, and test embedded Linux systems for small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics. You will focus on the design, development, and optimization of Linux-based platforms for mission-critical embedded systems, supporting robust data collection and processing in orbit. As a deeply technical principal engineer, you'll define embedded system architectures, establish development and testing best practices, and guide complex FPGA-SoC integration challenges. You will ensure seamless integration across FPGA, software, electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams. We're looking for a deeply technical, solutions-oriented engineer with extensive hands-on embedded Linux experience and a passion for advancing space-based embedded systems technology.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
10+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with deep expertise in Yocto, kernel customization, device driver development, and ARM-based SoCs
Proven ability to define and execute board bring-up programs using tools such as JTAG debuggers, logic analyzers, oscilloscopes, and serial consoles
Strong technical depth in Linux kernel internals (device tree, driver model, memory management, scheduling, power management)
Expertise in C/C++ for kernel and driver development, with proficiency in Python for scripting and test automation
Deep understanding of hardware-software interfaces, including I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, DMA, interrupts, and memory-mapped I/O
Experience with FPGA integration workflows (Xilinx Zynq, Intel SoC FPGAs) and hardware-software co-design
Strong troubleshooting and system-level integration skills across hardware, FPGA, and software domains
Experience with version control (git), code review workflows, and modern CI/CD pipelines for embedded systems

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the smallsat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
Hands-on space flight hardware experience (board bring-up, satellite integration, hardware debugging, prototyping)
Excellent communication and collaboration skills—able to translate complex technical concepts for cross-functional stakeholders
Experience handling ESD-sensitive components and operating in cleanroom environments
Experience with space-grade or high-reliability embedded systems (radiation-tolerant designs, fault tolerance, watchdog systems)
Experience with project management tools such as JIRA or Confluence

Responsibilities

Develop, configure, and maintain Yocto-based Linux images for embedded ARM platforms
Lead board bring-up efforts, kernel customization, device driver development, and device tree configuration
Define and implement hardware-software interfaces for FPGA-enabled SoCs with Linux-based application layers
Optimize system performance and resource utilization for Low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) platforms
Architect and maintain build systems, including custom Yocto layers, recipes, and BSP configurations
Troubleshoot complex embedded Linux problems on orbit or in a flatsat environment including boot failures, kernel panics, driver issues, and performance bottlenecks
Collaborate with FPGA, software, electrical, AI&T, and systems engineering teams to develop and support reliable, high-performance payload capabilities
Mentor embedded software engineers on Linux internals, driver development, and debugging techniques