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# Embedded Linux Engineer, Optimus

- **Company:** Tesla Motors
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $140,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Automation of Tests, UClibc (C Standard Library), Computer Engineering, System Configuration, Software Debugging, Linux, Linux on Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Ethernet, Firmware, Hardware Design, Linux Kernel, Linux Distribution, PCI Express, Real-Time Operating Systems, SAP Sales and Distribution, Software Engineering, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, USB, Serial Peripheral Interface, Yocto, Information Technology, Bare Metal
- **Published:** August 27, 2026
- **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/88160717/1

## About the Role

* 2+ years of relevant experience in real-time embedded software development
 * Degree in Computer Science, Physics, Computer Engineering, ElectricalEngineeringor proof of exceptional skills in related fields, with practical software engineering experience, or equivalent experience
 * Experience configuring and building Linux distributions (Buildroot, Yocto, or similar); hands-on experience with kernel configuration and cross-compilation toolchains
 * Experience developing Linux kernel modules and platform drivers, plus integrating vendor BSPs
 * Working knowledge of SoC device trees and common peripherals/buses: I2C, SPI, UART, PWM, ADC, eMMC/SD, PCIe, USB, Ethernet (MAC/PHY/MDIO), and CAN
 * Experience with Ethernet PHY bring-up, PHY drivers, MDIO, and link-layer debugging (TSN, PTP, and/or AVB exposure is a plus)
 * Ability to read electrical schematics and understand basic circuit behavior
 * Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent practical experience

## Description

We are looking for an Embedded Linux Engineer to develop the software that powers the Optimus platform. You will work across Linux bring-up on application processors and real-time firmware on heterogeneous compute architectures. In this role you will bring up new SoCs and carrier boards, integrate and customize vendor BSPs, develop Linux kernel modules and drivers, stand up high-speed communication interfaces, and build application-level software that enables critical robotics subsystems.

The robotics firmware team is small, agile, and fast-moving. You will work alongside deeply experienced engineers using modern tools and practices to ship production-grade embedded systems at scale.
What You'll Do

 * Develop scalable real-time embedded software and modern C++ applications, including audio DSP, display drivers, and high-speed communication drivers
 * Design and implement embedded system architecture for inter-process and inter-processor communication, boot flows, and updater mechanisms across Linux, RTOS, and bare-metal domains
 * Bring up new SoCs and carrier boards: integrate vendor BSPs, configure device trees, and validate peripheral functionality
 * Develop Linux kernel modules, platform drivers, and board support package customizations
 * Build automated testing infrastructure to ensure high-quality releases and full system functionality
 * Own features through the full firmware lifecycle, development, integration, testing, and release, as the Optimus fleet scales
 * Partner closely with electronics, connectivity, and compute teams to influence hardware designs and prototype new systems


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