Actalent
Overview
Linux Kernel Developer role at Actalent. We are seeking a highly experienced Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development of device drivers and embedded Linux infrastructure for a ruggedized computing platform. This system integrates FPGA-based peripherals and supports both terrestrial and space applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and Yocto-based distribution customization. Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain Linux kernel device drivers for character, block, and network devices. Develop drivers for FPGA-connected peripherals via PCIe, AXI, or custom buses. Implement support for CANBUS using the socketCAN framework. Collaborate with FPGA engineers to define register maps, protocols, and bring-up procedures. Perform kernel-level debugging using tools such as ftrace, printk, and crash analysis. Optimize system performance, reduce latency, and improve throughput. Flash, bring-up, and validate drivers on new hardware platforms. Demonstrate a deep understanding of Linux kernel architecture, including memory management, scheduling, interrupts, and process handling. Work with PCIe subsystems, including BARs, DMA, and MSI/MSI-X interrupt handling. Troubleshoot and root-cause hardware/software interaction issues. Essential Skills
Minimum 5 years of experience developing Linux kernel device drivers, with 10+ years preferred. Proven track record of writing various Linux kernel drivers, including character, block, and network drivers. Comfortable working in low-level C, with hands-on development and debugging experience. Experience with CANBUS and familiarity with the socketCAN framework in Linux. Willingness to be deeply involved in hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration. Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Yocto & BSP Development. Ability to build and customize Yocto-based Linux distributions tailored to target hardware. Experience developing and maintaining Board Support Packages (BSPs), including U-Boot bootloader configuration and customization. Experience with kernel patching and configuration. Experience with root filesystem integration using recipes, layers, and meta-layers. Experience maintaining reproducible builds and supporting CI/CD pipelines for embedded Linux systems. Work Environment
Work involves developing device drivers and embedded Linux infrastructure for a ruggedized computing platform. Strong understanding of Linux kernel internals and collaboration with FPGA engineers required. Hands-on hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration experience expected. Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Merritt Island, Florida. Pay and Benefits
Pay range: $60.00 - $76.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be specific to elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits may include: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace
This is a fully onsite position in Merritt Island, FL. Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2025. About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. Company Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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Linux Kernel Developer role at Actalent. We are seeking a highly experienced Linux Kernel Engineer to lead the development of device drivers and embedded Linux infrastructure for a ruggedized computing platform. This system integrates FPGA-based peripherals and supports both terrestrial and space applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in Linux kernel internals, driver development, and Yocto-based distribution customization. Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain Linux kernel device drivers for character, block, and network devices. Develop drivers for FPGA-connected peripherals via PCIe, AXI, or custom buses. Implement support for CANBUS using the socketCAN framework. Collaborate with FPGA engineers to define register maps, protocols, and bring-up procedures. Perform kernel-level debugging using tools such as ftrace, printk, and crash analysis. Optimize system performance, reduce latency, and improve throughput. Flash, bring-up, and validate drivers on new hardware platforms. Demonstrate a deep understanding of Linux kernel architecture, including memory management, scheduling, interrupts, and process handling. Work with PCIe subsystems, including BARs, DMA, and MSI/MSI-X interrupt handling. Troubleshoot and root-cause hardware/software interaction issues. Essential Skills
Minimum 5 years of experience developing Linux kernel device drivers, with 10+ years preferred. Proven track record of writing various Linux kernel drivers, including character, block, and network drivers. Comfortable working in low-level C, with hands-on development and debugging experience. Experience with CANBUS and familiarity with the socketCAN framework in Linux. Willingness to be deeply involved in hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration. Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Yocto & BSP Development. Ability to build and customize Yocto-based Linux distributions tailored to target hardware. Experience developing and maintaining Board Support Packages (BSPs), including U-Boot bootloader configuration and customization. Experience with kernel patching and configuration. Experience with root filesystem integration using recipes, layers, and meta-layers. Experience maintaining reproducible builds and supporting CI/CD pipelines for embedded Linux systems. Work Environment
Work involves developing device drivers and embedded Linux infrastructure for a ruggedized computing platform. Strong understanding of Linux kernel internals and collaboration with FPGA engineers required. Hands-on hardware bring-up, debugging, and integration experience expected. Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Merritt Island, Florida. Pay and Benefits
Pay range: $60.00 - $76.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be specific to elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits may include: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace
This is a fully onsite position in Merritt Island, FL. Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2025. About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. Company Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Contract Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Business Consulting and Services
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