Senior Linux Platform Engineer

Are you driven by a deep need to understand how systems work, from the kernel to the application layer? Do you see a working system not as an endpoint, but as a baseline for improvement, optimization, and hardening? We are a specialized team of software and hardware experts at the heart of Roche's medical instrument development. We build and own "Roche Linux", a purpose-built, Debian-based platform that powers the next generation of medical devices. We are seeking a senior engineer to join our team, someone who combines deep technical mastery with a passion for craftsmanship and a relentless drive to make things better. In this role, you will be a core contributor and consultant, ensuring the foundational operating system is robust, secure, and perfectly tailored to the demanding world of MedTech. The role is based in Central Switzerland (Zug Area) within the Pharmaceutical / Medical Technology industry. We are looking for a candidate to start as soon as possible on an initial one-year contract, which carries a strong possibility for extension. The position offers a workload of 80-100% with flexible working hours and the option for approximately 50% remote work. Regarding language requirements, advanced English is mandatory, while proficiency in German is considered an asset.

The perfect candidate: We are looking for someone who is a systems thinker and understands how individual components interact to form a reliable, cohesive system. You are driven by curiosity and seek to understand the underlying reasons behind how things work. You approach complex challenges as a pragmatic problem-solver with a structured and logical mindset, capable of identifying root causes independently. Additionally, you are a proactive contributor and strong communicator who takes initiative and can clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Architect and Engineer our Core OS Platform: Take ownership of our custom Debian-based distribution. This includes everything from kernel customization and driver integration to the creation, maintenance, and optimization of Debian packages.

• Master the Build and Release Pipeline: Evolve and improve the infrastructure and processes used to build, test, and release our Linux distribution, ensuring reliability and reproducibility.

• Be the Ultimate Escalation Point: Act as the go-to expert for complex, low-level system issues. Perform deep-dive troubleshooting, debugging, and root-cause analysis across both software and hardware.

• Consult and Empower Development Teams: Guide internal project teams on how to best leverage the Roche Linux platform.

• Proactively Drive Improvement: Constantly seek out opportunities to enhance our distribution, tools, and processes. Whether it's improving system performance, strengthening security, or automating a complex workflow, you will be expected to identify needs and champion solutions.

Senior Linux Platform Engineer: Linux Mastery / Debian / MedTech / Linux stack / Python / Shell / Cmake / Containers / Docker/ Kubernetes /English, * Deep, Hands-On Linux Mastery (10+ years): You are a seasoned professional who is comfortable across the entire Linux stack.

• Custom Distribution Engineering: Proven, extensive experience building, modifying, or maintaining a customized Linux distribution, with a strong preference for Debian (e.g., using tools like debootstrap, molior, aptly).
• Expertise in Debian Packaging: You don't just apt-get install. You can create, patch, and maintain .deb packages from scratch, understanding policy, dependencies, and best practices.
• Strong Scripting and Automation Skills: Fluency in Python and Shell scripting is essential for building tools and automating system tasks.
• Fundamental Systems Knowledge: A solid grasp of operating system theory (process management, memory, filesystems), software build systems (make, CMake), and the full testing and packaging lifecycle.
• Advanced English is mandatory; German is a welcome bonus.

Nice to Have:

• Proficiency in a systems programming language like C or C++.
• Experience with embedded systems, the ARM platform, hardware drivers, and low-level hardware/software integration.
• Knowledge of modern infrastructure: Virtualization (KVM), Containers (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform).
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS).

For our customer a big pharmaceutical company in Rotkreuz, we are looking for a highly qualified