Senior Systems Software Development Engineer

Sonos•Boston, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Sonos we want to create the ultimate listening experience for our customers and know that it starts by listening to each other. As part of the Sonos team, you’ll collaborate with people of all styles, skill sets, and backgrounds to realize our vision while fostering a community where everyone feels included and empowered to do the best work of their lives. This is a hybrid role, based in our Boston, MA office. #LI-Hybrid Visa Sponsorship: Sonos is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at this time. We ask that applicants be authorized to work for any US employer, both now and in the future. What You’ll Do: Design and implement real-time system software architectures leveraging SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) and AMP (asymmetric multiprocessing) approaches for embedded audio systems Bring up, debug, and maintain bootloader (U-Boot) and embedded Linux across new hardware platforms. Lead early board bring-up and debug of new PCBs using ARM SoCs, WiSoCs, BT SoCs, and microcontrollers. Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers across a wide range of subsystems, interfaces, and peripherals. Own and evolve the HDMI software stack, including: Video path integration ARC/eARC CEC Userspace interfaces supporting the audio/product pipeline Integrate vendor SDKs, BSP components, and OS modules into the build and release process Develop and maintain HAL libraries enabling clean, testable interfaces between hardware and user space. Identify platform gaps relative to hardware capabilities and product requirements; propose and deliver improvements to enable faster prototyping and evaluation of new hardware. Contribute to BSP validation and system-level debugging across HW/SW boundaries. Define, execute, and document unit and integration testing for system software components. Partner with silicon and component vendors to coordinate support and resolve platform issues across CPU/radio SoCs, MCU/PIC, NPU/GPU, and peripheral devices. Support hardware engineering teams with deep technical debugging and contribute to OS/platform modernization efforts. What You’ll Need Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field At least 5 years of professional experience developing firmware/system software for embedded systems Strong proficiency in C/C++ Significant experience with embedded Linux, kernel internals, and device driver development. Experience bringing up and debugging systems using U-Boot and common boot flows. Experience with toolchain and debug tooling (e.g., gcc, binutils, gdb). Experience designing and developing software/firmware using Free-RTOS as developing bare-metal applications for microcontrollers Strong debugging capability using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes. Proven ability to build performance-critical software in resource-constrained environments (e.g., high-speed peripheral drivers). Proficiency with Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded workflows. Strong understanding of Linux execution contexts and concurrency, including locking/mutexes, SMP behavior, and kernel/user boundaries. Familiarity with key interfaces/protocols such as: DDR, NAND, PCIe, Ethernet, USB SPI, I2C, UART, I2S TCP/IP, Wi-Fi (802.11), Bluetooth/BLE Preferred Qualifications: Proficiency in Python Experience with the HDMI subsystem (Video, ARC/eARC, CEC). Prior hardware design exposure and ability to read schematics/datasheets. Familiarity for low-level optimization and performance tuning. Familiarity with USBPD and development experience in USB PD ICs Experience working in Agile development environments. Your profile will be reviewed and you'll hear from us once we have an update. At Sonos we take the time to hire right and appreciate your patience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field
At least 5 years of professional experience developing firmware/system software for embedded systems
Strong proficiency in C/C++
Significant experience with embedded Linux, kernel internals, and device driver development.
Experience bringing up and debugging systems using U-Boot and common boot flows.
Experience with toolchain and debug tooling (e.g., gcc, binutils, gdb).
Experience designing and developing software/firmware using Free-RTOS as developing bare-metal applications for microcontrollers
Strong debugging capability using tools such as JTAG, logic analyzers, and oscilloscopes.
Proven ability to build performance-critical software in resource-constrained environments (e.g., high-speed peripheral drivers).
Proficiency with Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded workflows.
Strong understanding of Linux execution contexts and concurrency, including locking/mutexes, SMP behavior, and kernel/user boundaries.
Familiarity with key interfaces/protocols such as: DDR, NAND, PCIe, Ethernet, USB SPI, I2C, UART, I2S TCP/IP, Wi-Fi (802.11), Bluetooth/BLE

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Python
Experience with the HDMI subsystem (Video, ARC/eARC, CEC).
Prior hardware design exposure and ability to read schematics/datasheets.
Familiarity for low-level optimization and performance tuning.
Familiarity with USBPD and development experience in USB PD ICs
Experience working in Agile development environments.

Responsibilities

Design and implement real-time system software architectures leveraging SMP (symmetric multiprocessing) and AMP (asymmetric multiprocessing) approaches for embedded audio systems
Bring up, debug, and maintain bootloader (U-Boot) and embedded Linux across new hardware platforms.
Lead early board bring-up and debug of new PCBs using ARM SoCs, WiSoCs, BT SoCs, and microcontrollers.
Develop and maintain Linux kernel drivers across a wide range of subsystems, interfaces, and peripherals.
Own and evolve the HDMI software stack, including: Video path integration ARC/eARC CEC Userspace interfaces supporting the audio/product pipeline
Integrate vendor SDKs, BSP components, and OS modules into the build and release process
Develop and maintain HAL libraries enabling clean, testable interfaces between hardware and user space.
Identify platform gaps relative to hardware capabilities and product requirements; propose and deliver improvements to enable faster prototyping and evaluation of new hardware.
Contribute to BSP validation and system-level debugging across HW/SW boundaries.
Define, execute, and document unit and integration testing for system software components.
Partner with silicon and component vendors to coordinate support and resolve platform issues across CPU/radio SoCs, MCU/PIC, NPU/GPU, and peripheral devices.
Support hardware engineering teams with deep technical debugging and contribute to OS/platform modernization efforts.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
A 401(k) plan with company matching and immediate vesting
An Open Time Off policy (OTO) so you have maximum opportunity to disconnect and recharge, with no tenure-based vacation accruals required
80 hours of sick time upon hire, refreshed annually
Up to 12 paid holidays per calendar year
Sonos offers a generous paid leave program for new parents or to care for a family member with a serious health condition, as well as short- and long-term disability for your own medical condition
Company-paid Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
Voluntary benefits, including Voluntary Life, AD&D, Accident, and Pet Insurance
Mental health benefits to support your holistic well-being
A generous employee discount program & Sonos Radio HD - on us!