Linux Systems Engineer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Ghost Robotics Corporation

We are seeking an experienced Linux Systems Engineer to join our engineering department. In this role, you will be responsible for the architecture, development, optimization, and maintenance of Linux environments that power our hardware infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Linux kernel development, embedded systems, system diagnostics, and infrastructure automation.

You will collaborate closely with hardware, software, and QA teams to ensure seamless integration between applications and underlying operating system platforms, particularly within embedded Linux environments.

• Perform custom Linux kernel patching, configuration, compilation, and lifecycle maintenance across multiple hardware platforms.
• Configure and maintain Linux operating systems for stability, performance, and scalability.

• Deploy, manage, and optimize Linux distributions for embedded hardware architectures.
• Support and maintain NVIDIA Jetson modules and associated embedded platforms.

• Develop and maintain sophisticated Linux build environments.
• Manage software dependencies, cross-compilation toolchains, and package management systems.

• Design, configure, and troubleshoot complex Linux networking environments.
• Manage routing protocols, firewalls (iptables, nftables), custom network bridges, and network interfaces.

• Perform advanced debugging and root-cause analysis of Linux system issues.
• Diagnose kernel panics, configuration inconsistencies, and performance bottlenecks.

• Design and implement automation scripts for:
  • Software deployment
  • System validation testing
  • Operational maintenance tasks

• Work closely with hardware engineering, software development, and QA teams.
• Ensure successful integration of software applications with embedded Linux operating systems.

• Strong programming experience in:
  • C++
  • Python
  • Advanced Bash scripting
• Extensive experience administering and troubleshooting headless Linux systems through the command-line interface.
• Deep familiarity with a variety of Linux distributions, including:
  • Custom/source-based distributions (Yocto Project, Gentoo, Arch Linux)
  • Enterprise distributions (Ubuntu, Debian)

• Proficiency with Linux debugging and diagnostic utilities, including:
  • gdb
  • strace
  • dmesg
  • journalctl
  • perf
  • Valgrind
• Advanced experience using version control systems such as Git.
• Familiarity with industry-standard development tools and editors, including:
  • VS Code
  • Vim
  • nano

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create clear and detailed technical documentation for complex system architectures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with:
  • NVIDIA Jetson architectures
  • JetPack SDKs
  • Board Support Packages (BSPs)
• Experience with build systems and utilities such as:
  • CMake
  • Make
  • Ninja
• Experience integrating embedded Linux systems into CI/CD pipelines using:
  • GitLab CI
  • GitHub Actions
  • Jenkins
• Familiarity with containerization technologies for embedded environments, including:
  • Docker
  • systemd-nspawn
• Knowledge of hardware communication interfaces and low-level system integration:
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • UART
  • GPIO
  • Device Tree Source (DTS) modification

Location

Philadelphia, PA. This is a full-time, on-site role. No remote candidates will be considered at this time.

Travel

None required, though domestic and international opportunities exist for engineers who want field exposure.

Compensation

Competitive base salary, full benefits, and a highly motivating equity incentive package. Flexible time off policy. We focus on output, impact, and the ability to work alongside a stellar interdisciplinary team.

Additional Information

Clear standard background checks are required pre-hire, post-hire, and at any time during employment. Permanent U.S. residency is required.