Staff Embedded Linux Engineer, Aurora
$189-303k
The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation
3+ days a week in office (Mountain View, CA)
Self-driving technology company
Be an early applicant
Self-driving technology company
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
$189-303k
The successful candidate will also be eligible for an annual bonus and equity compensation
3+ days a week in office (Mountain View, CA)
1001+ employees
Company mission
To deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.
Role
Who you are
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum of 8+ years of hands-on experience in embedded Linux development, with a strong background in system-level programming and board bring-up
- Deep expertise in the Yocto Project, including custom layer development, recipes (BitBake), and image generation
- Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming for embedded and kernel-level development
- In-depth knowledge of the Linux kernel internals, memory management, scheduling, and device driver architecture
- Hands-on experience with debugging tools like GDB, JTAG, Lauterbach, and oscilloscopes
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
Desirable
- Familiarity with secure boot, OTA updates, and system security hardening
- Exposure to open-source contributions and community collaboration practices
- Knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP) and real-time operating system (RTOS) concepts
- Knowledge of Telecommunication and/or GNSS domain
What the job involves
- We are seeking a seasoned Staff Embedded Linux Developer to architect, design, and implement system-level software for our next-generation embedded platforms
- This high-impact role requires deep expertise in Linux kernel internals, BSP customization with the Yocto Project, and hands-on experience with hardware interfaces like PCIe, BIOS, and DDR RAM
- The ideal candidate will lead complex debugging efforts, collaborate closely with hardware teams during board bring-up, and drive performance optimization across all system components
- Lead the design, development, customization, and maintenance of Board Support Packages (BSPs) for various hardware platforms using the Yocto Project build system
- Configure, build, and optimize the Linux kernel, bootloaders (U-Boot), and root file systems for custom hardware, ensuring system stability and performance
- Develop, port, and debug Linux device drivers for a wide range of hardware interfaces, including PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and USB
- Collaborate with hardware engineers during initial board bring-up, debugging issues at the register and schematic levels using tools such as JTAG, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers
- Implement and enhance functionalities related to the PCIe subsystem, including DMA, memory management, and interrupt handling
- Work with BIOS/UEFI configurations and integrate them with the embedded Linux environment as required for specific platforms (e.g., x86 architectures)
- Optimize system performance, boot time, memory footprint, and power consumption for embedded devices
- Develop and maintain robust CI/CD pipelines and automated testing workflows for the embedded software stack
- Create Requirements and Design, conduct code reviews, mentor junior engineers, and develop unit test plans
Our take
In spite of emerging from stealth mode in 2018, Aurora is making strong waves in the flurry of startups racing to develop fully autonomous vehicles. Aurora’s hardware and software developments have historically focused on self-driving trucks, which it expects to launch commercially in 2024.
It recently named Ossa Fisher as its new President, who will focus on scaling operations ahead of this commercial launch. Passenger cars and associated services are expected to roll out following this launch. However, the self-driving industry is riddled with unmet deadlines, cash shortfalls, and tough technological challenges.
To remain competitive with deep-pocket industry giants like Tesla and Google’s Waymo, the company continues to land substantial backing from the likes of Sequoia Capital, accelerating its post-IPO growth. The pedigree of its founders may well continue to win over investor confidence. It boasts leading prior positions in the self-driving divisions of Tesla, Uber, and Google.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
8% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Dec 2020
$400m
GROWTH EQUITY VC
Feb 2019
$600m
SERIES B
Total funding: $1.1bn
Company benefits
- Choice of regional HMO options, PPO options, and high deductible plans, with the option to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). If you choose a high deductible health plan, Aurora will make employer contributions to your HSA
- Comprehensive dental coverage and access to a nationwide provider network
- Coverage for vision exams, glasses, contacts, discounts for LASIK, and other vision services through a nationwide provider network
- In-office lunches, snacks, and drinks available
- GymPass offers on-demand virtual classes (fitness, yoga, strength, and more), well-being coaching, and budget management. Discount on nationwide gym memberships
- Headspace offers access to guided sessions that focus on everything from stress to relationships, anxiety, and sleep
- SoFi. Refinance your home, student and personal loans
- Fetch offers discounts on pet insurance
- PerkSpot offers discounts on vacations, car rentals, and entertainment
- Access support services to help with your family planning journey including fertility care, adoption, and surrogacy. Reimbursement of $20,000 lifetime benefit
- Save for your future with Aurora’s 401(k) Plan. Pre-tax and Roth contribution options are available
- 24/7 access to online resources and unlimited phone consultations for stress, grief counseling, depression, and relationship conflicts (personal and professional), and limited in-person sessions
- Set aside pre-tax money to pay for qualified transit and commuter benefits
- Cigna travel accident insurance provided for business travel
- LinkedIn Learning is an e-learning resource to support professional development. Aurora Academy is an internal learning and development program designed to up-level our team by teaching skills that are essential to Aurora’s mission
- Modern Health is a mental wellness benefit that includes 14 sessions with a certified coach and 12 sessions with a therapist, if needed. Unlimited access to live provider- lead community circles, digital mediation, and more
- Flexible/reasonable vacation for salaried employees; accrual of 20 vacation days per year for non-exempt employees, 11 paid company holidays per year, and reasonable sick time to stay home, rest, and get better
- Network of employee-led groups that represent Aurorans, organized by cultural identity or collaborative purpose
- Aurora provides all new parents and caregivers 18 weeks of coordinated pay and time off for the birth or placement of a child. Up to 4 weeks of paid medical leave for your own personal illness or injury, or to care for a sick family member
- Set aside pre-tax money to pay for healthcare and dependent daycare expenses using FSA plans
- Company-paid premiums for life insurance (2x salary up to $500,000). Voluntary life & AD&D coverage for you and your dependents is available. Short-term disability benefits are 60% weekly benefit up to a max of $2,500 after a short waiting period. Long-term disability benefits are 60% of monthly salary to $10,000 after a waiting period. Option to enroll in voluntary life/AD&D insurance
- 24/7 access to Unum’s worldwide emergency travel assistance services for personal travel
Company HQ
Strip District, Pittsburgh, PA
Leadership
Chris Urmson
(Co-Founder & CEO)They have a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon, and worked as a robotics research scientist at SAIC. They were CTO of Self-Driving Cars at Google.
Drew Bagnell
(Chief Scientist)They hold a Robotics PhD from Carnegie Mellon, where they are also an Associate Professor. They were Autonomy Architect and Perception Lead at Uber Advanced Technology Center. Held the position of CTO at Aurora for over 3 years.
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