Embedded Linux Software Engineer

About Heads Up Technologies

At Heads Up Technologies, we’re redefining what’s possible in the air. Since our beginnings in a Dallas hangar in 1985, we’ve grown into a global leader in aviation technology driven by innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of better in-flight experiences. From pioneering digital audio and lighting systems to uniting with STG Aerospace, ALTO Aviation, and Innovative Advantage under one brand, we continue to lead the way in cabin systems integration for business and commercial aircraft. Join us as we shape the future of aviation where lighting, entertainment, safety, and audio come together to elevate every journey.

About the role

As an Embedded Linux Software Engineer, you will architect, build, and maintain Linux-based board support packages (BSPs) and system images for next-generation business-jet cabin systems (IFE/CMS). You will own the Yocto/OpenEmbedded build infrastructure, develop custom layers and recipes, and bring up Linux on custom ARM/SoC hardware. This role bridges low-level platform software with application teams—ensuring a stable, optimized, and certification-ready Linux foundation for production aircraft.

Key Details

• Work Days and Hours: Monday to Friday. Flexibility to set schedule.
• Location: This is a full-time onsite position located in Addison, TX.

• Compensation: Based on qualifications and comprehensive benefits package.

• Work Eligibility: Must be authorized to work in the United States.

What you'll do

• Own and maintain Yocto/OpenEmbedded build systems: create and curate custom layers, recipes, and machine configurations for in-house SoC platforms.
• Develop and upstream Linux kernel drivers, device-tree configurations, and board bring-up code for custom ARM-based hardware.
• Integrate peripherals (I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO, USB, Ethernet) and validate functionality through driver development and system testing.
• Support video and audio distribution pipelines: integrate display interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort), audio codecs, and media frameworks; debug AV routing, latency, and synchronization across cabin systems.
• Optimize boot time, memory footprint, and real-time performance for resource-constrained embedded targets.
• Collaborate with hardware and FPGA teams during bring-up; debug with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, and kernel tracing tools.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for automated image builds, regression testing, and release management.
• Contribute to certification-aligned processes (requirements traceability, design documentation, code reviews, unit/integration tests); DO-178C exposure a plus.
• Document BSP architecture, build procedures, and interfaces; mentor team members on Yocto best practices.

What will make you successful in this role

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of embedded Linux development experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded: custom layers, recipes, bbappends, machine configurations, and distro features.
• Proficiency in C and shell scripting; familiarity with Python for Yocto/BitBake development.
• Experience with Linux kernel internals: device drivers, device tree, kernel configuration, and cross-compilation.
• Familiarity with ARM architecture, boot loaders (U-Boot), and hardware bring-up workflows.
• Understanding of low-level peripheral interfaces (I²C, SPI, UART, GPIO) and networking stacks (TCP/UDP, multicast).
• Ability to read schematics and datasheets to support hardware integration.
• Strong debugging skills: kernel logs, ftrace, perf, GDB, and hardware debug tools.
• Clear communicator who takes ownership, flags risks early, and delivers on commitments.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with PetaLinux or Xilinx-based SoC platforms (Zynq/ZynqMP).
• Familiarity with video/audio subsystems: V4L2, ALSA/PulseAudio, GStreamer, DRM/KMS, or AVover-IP protocols.
• Exposure to real-time Linux (PREEMPT_RT) or heterogeneous AMP configurations (Linux + RTOS/bare-metal).
• Familiarity with containerized or OTA update strategies for embedded Linux (SWUpdate, RAUC,Mender).
• Background in aviation, automotive, or other safety-critical/regulated environments; DO-178C experience a plus.
• Contributions to open-source projects or upstream kernel/Yocto communities.

Perks and Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Opportunities to plan for the future with our 401(k) program.
• Paid Time Off - Take the well-deserved time off you need.
• Life Insurance - Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with life insurance coverage.
• Health and wellness benefits including Health Savings Account (HSA) option.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• Positive and inclusive work culture with a laid-back work environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexibility in your schedule to accommodate personal needs.
• Opportunities for overtime to enhance your earning potential.

Why Us?

At Heads Up Technologies, you have the opportunity and support to reach for the sky collaborating internally and with partners to deliver artistry in engineering.

Every position in our company has its unique responsibilities, but they all require the same traits: motivated, self-starter, creative, enthusiastic and dependable. A team player that has respect for the opinions and input of others. Performance- and process-driven. Someone who gives 110% at work but still seeks balance by making time with family and hobbies a priority.

Did this post spark something in you? If so, we’re looking forward to reviewing your resume!

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