Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel and Device Driver

Axiado is an AI-enhanced security processor company redefining the control and management of every digital system. The company was founded in 2017, and currently has 150+ employees. At Axiado, developing great technology takes more than talent: it takes amazing people who understand collaboration, respect each other, and go the extra mile to achieve exceptional results. It takes people who have the passion and desire to disrupt the status quo, deliver innovation, and change the world. If you have this type of passion, we invite you to apply for this job.

We are seeking a highly skilled Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel and Device Driver to provide technical leadership for the architecture, development, and optimization of our low-level software stack. This role requires strong expertise in debugging complex system-level issues and performing root-cause analysis across hardware and software layers. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to build robust and scalable solutions for next-generation embedded systems. 

Key responsibilities 

• Design, development, and maintenance of Linux kernel modules and subsystems, with a strong focus on device drivers for a variety of hardware interfaces (e.g., Ethernet, PCIe, USB, I2C, SPI, SGPIO, eSPI, Display). 

• Own the kernel-level aspects of system integration and board bring-up. Collaborate with hardware and other software teams to define interfaces, debug bring-up issues, and validate functionality. 

• Employ expert-level debugging skills to diagnose and resolve complex kernel-level issues, including kernel panics, race conditions, and tricky hardware-software interactions. 

• Partner with hardware and system-level software teams to define requirements, co-design interfaces, and ensure seamless hardware-software integration. 

• Participate in the broader Linux kernel community, contributing patches, and staying current with evolving kernel development. 

• Use advanced tools (e.g., ftrace, perf, kdump) to profile the kernel and drivers, and implement improvements for stability and performance.  

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field. 

• 10+ years of experience in Linux kernel development, with a specialization in device drivers. Deep knowledge of Linux kernel internals, including memory management, process scheduling, and concurrency. 

• Proficiency in C/C++ and assembly programming for embedded systems. 

• Strong experience with Linux kernel, device drivers, and system-level software. 

• Proficiency in debugging tools such as GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, serial consoles, and oscilloscopes. 

• Ability to perform root cause analysis for hardware/software interaction issues. 

• Hands-on experience with embedded Linux systems, Drivers, Board Support Packages (BSPs), and bootloaders (e.g., U-Boot). 

• Familiarity with one or more of the hardware communication protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, USB, SGPIO, eMMC, eSPI, Display, and Ethernet. 

• Experience with Yocto Project, Buildroot, and cross-compilation toolchains. 

• Experience with Software open-source methodologies for Linux Kernel and related projects is a plus. 

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse technical teams. 

Axiado is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the highest caliber talent in a diverse and multifaceted environment. We are headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, with access to the world's leading research, technology and talent.

We are building an exceptional team to secure every node on the internet. For us, solving real-world problems takes precedence over purely theoretical problems. As a result, we prefer individuals with persistence, intelligence and high curiosity over pedigree alone. Working hard and smart, continuous learning and mutual support are all part of who we are.

Axiado is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Axiado does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.