Zipline
Software Engineer – Embedded Linux (Senior-Staff)
Zipline, South San Francisco, California, us, 94083
Overview
Staff Software Engineer – Embedded Linux at Zipline. Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. The technology includes robotics and autonomy to deliver what you need, when you need it, while decarbonizing delivery and building a resilient global supply chain. As a Linux Software Engineer at Zipline, you’ll build and maintain our Yocto-based Linux kernel BSP powering our flight computers, enabling our highly autonomous aircraft to safely fly over millions of homes day-in and day-out. You will work closely with other Linux experts on this team, as well as with software engineers who build user-space applications and drivers. This role spans the entire development lifecycle, including validation and performance analysis from real-world flight tests. Our technical stack is embedded Linux, running on multiple desktop-grade computers with a distributed network of sensors, redundant communication links, and actuators. We are looking for detail-oriented engineers with deep expertise in embedded Linux and distributed systems, including kernel development, userspace tooling, real-time performance tuning, system reliability and core operating system activities. What You’ll Do
Design and build the software architecture necessary to run everything from critical flight software to interconnected ground-based hardware on embedded Linux systems Contribute to the development and maintenance of our custom Linux distribution on Yocto, ensuring a reliable and performant foundation for flight and ground-based systems Analyze the runtime characteristics of our Linux-based avionics software in flight to build confidence in its performance, focusing on reliability, maintainability, and optimization Develop and optimize kernel and userspace drivers for production and prototype sensors, and refine sensor data APIs for perception, navigation, and other autonomy software engineers Develop metrics, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities to prepare the system for field deployment at scale Design and build data collection and testing tools to support early-stage evaluation of new sensors, communications systems, and edge compute platforms What You’ll Bring
Strong software engineering skills, with proficiency in at least one strongly typed language (Rust and C++ onboard; Python for tooling) Deep expertise in embedded Linux development, including kernel modifications, userspace programming, and performance tuning Experience working with Yocto or other build systems for custom Linux distributions Strong software architecture skills, with experience designing and shipping solutions for complex real-world use cases A systems-oriented mindset, with a focus on reliability, fault tolerance, and performance optimization Technical leadership skills and experience owning large technical systems that other engineers contribute to Detail-oriented mindset to think through validating a system’s safety What Else You Need to Know
This is an in-office position. Candidates not in the Bay Area may be required to relocate. The starting cash range for this role is $180,000 - $235,000. This is a target range for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Final cash pay will depend on experience, qualifications, skills, location, and impact. The total compensation package may include equity, discretionary bonuses, benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid time off, and more. Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We value diversity and welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in tech. Location and Job Details
San Francisco, CA and related in-office expectations. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Zipline by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Staff Software Engineer – Embedded Linux at Zipline. Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. The technology includes robotics and autonomy to deliver what you need, when you need it, while decarbonizing delivery and building a resilient global supply chain. As a Linux Software Engineer at Zipline, you’ll build and maintain our Yocto-based Linux kernel BSP powering our flight computers, enabling our highly autonomous aircraft to safely fly over millions of homes day-in and day-out. You will work closely with other Linux experts on this team, as well as with software engineers who build user-space applications and drivers. This role spans the entire development lifecycle, including validation and performance analysis from real-world flight tests. Our technical stack is embedded Linux, running on multiple desktop-grade computers with a distributed network of sensors, redundant communication links, and actuators. We are looking for detail-oriented engineers with deep expertise in embedded Linux and distributed systems, including kernel development, userspace tooling, real-time performance tuning, system reliability and core operating system activities. What You’ll Do
Design and build the software architecture necessary to run everything from critical flight software to interconnected ground-based hardware on embedded Linux systems Contribute to the development and maintenance of our custom Linux distribution on Yocto, ensuring a reliable and performant foundation for flight and ground-based systems Analyze the runtime characteristics of our Linux-based avionics software in flight to build confidence in its performance, focusing on reliability, maintainability, and optimization Develop and optimize kernel and userspace drivers for production and prototype sensors, and refine sensor data APIs for perception, navigation, and other autonomy software engineers Develop metrics, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities to prepare the system for field deployment at scale Design and build data collection and testing tools to support early-stage evaluation of new sensors, communications systems, and edge compute platforms What You’ll Bring
Strong software engineering skills, with proficiency in at least one strongly typed language (Rust and C++ onboard; Python for tooling) Deep expertise in embedded Linux development, including kernel modifications, userspace programming, and performance tuning Experience working with Yocto or other build systems for custom Linux distributions Strong software architecture skills, with experience designing and shipping solutions for complex real-world use cases A systems-oriented mindset, with a focus on reliability, fault tolerance, and performance optimization Technical leadership skills and experience owning large technical systems that other engineers contribute to Detail-oriented mindset to think through validating a system’s safety What Else You Need to Know
This is an in-office position. Candidates not in the Bay Area may be required to relocate. The starting cash range for this role is $180,000 - $235,000. This is a target range for candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Final cash pay will depend on experience, qualifications, skills, location, and impact. The total compensation package may include equity, discretionary bonuses, benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid time off, and more. Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. We value diversity and welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in tech. Location and Job Details
San Francisco, CA and related in-office expectations. Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Zipline by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr