Open Source Architect

Principal / Director - Open Source Architect (Linux Kernel / Embedded Systems) - UK / Europe (Flexible / Hybrid) - £150,000 - £190,000 base + 30% bonus, This role is focused on building internal capability around Linux kernel development, embedded Linux platforms, upstreaming, and open source strategy - moving away from reliance on external consultants and towards a more embedded, scalable, engineering-led approach.

You will operate close to the hardware/software boundary, working across low-level software, Linux internals, embedded systems, platform enablement, and architecture teams to ensure alignment between internal engineering development and the wider open source ecosystem.

Principal / Director - Open Source Architect Role & Responsibilities:

Define and drive open source and Linux kernel strategy across the organisation

Lead and contribute to Linux kernel development, BSP, driver, and upstreaming activities

Build internal capability and reduce reliance on external partners and consultants

Act as the key technical interface between internal teams and open source communities

Ensure alignment between internal platform development and external ecosystem standards

Support integration of software with hardware platforms across CPU / GPU / SoC / RISC-V environments

Collaborate with global engineering, architecture, and product teams

Support platform optimisation across performance, scalability, reliability, and security

Stay aligned with industry trends and developments across open source, embedded Linux, and low-level systems engineering

Strong experience in Linux kernel development and embedded systems

Proven track record of open source contribution and upstreaming

Deep understanding of low-level software, Linux internals, drivers, BSPs, and system-level interactions

Experience across embedded Linux, Yocto / Buildroot, secure boot, or platform bring-up environments

Experience working across CPU, GPU, RISC-V, AI edge, or complex SoC environments

Ability to operate at both hands-on and strategic levels

Strong communication skills with the ability to engage internal teams and external communities

Experience working across distributed/global engineering teams

Direct influence on how open source and Linux platforms are used internally

Opportunity to shape strategy and reduce reliance on external partners

Senior environment with real technical and organisational impact

Highly engineering-led organisation operating across advanced compute and embedded systems development

Salary and Package:

£150,000 - £190,000 base salary (depending on level and experience)

30% bonus

Total compensation: £195,000 - £247,000+

Flexible / hybrid working model

Pension

Private medical

Life assurance

Income protection

Training and development