Title: Staff Engineer - Linux Kernel Developer
About GlobalFoundries
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
Build the Linux foundation for a next-gen RISC-V MPU platform.
About the RoleWe’re building a next-generation, application-class RISC‑V MPU SoC platform for Linux systems - bringing together multimedia, industrial connectivity, security, and heterogeneous compute subsystems.
In the Platform Software team, you’ll own key pieces of Linux bring-up and SDK validation, partner closely with architecture and hardware teams, and help shape SoC/CPU decisions with hands-on data from pre-silicon, FPGA, and first-silicon debug.
Key Responsibilities- Linux SDK development & validation: build, enable, and release a production-quality SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
- Develop and maintain a Linux SDK for a 64-bit RISC‑V MPU.
- Enable the boot and firmware stack (boot flow, early platform initialization, U‑Boot, OpenSBI).
- Drive Linux kernel/BSP enablement: SoC bring-up, Device Tree, CPU/memory/interrupt subsystems.
- Develop and debug device drivers (multimedia, connectivity, DMA, power/clock/reset, platform services).
- Deliver SDK releases: integration, validation, and developer-facing documentation.
- Pre- & post-silicon validation (AVV): create tests, validate on FPGA/first silicon, and unblock teams through system-level debug.
- Contribute to pre-silicon validation using FPGA, emulation, and virtual platforms.
- Develop platform tests and validate on FPGA/first silicon; root-cause issues across HW/FW/kernel.
- Cross-functional execution: work day-to-day with architects, hardware, and safety teams to land features and de-risk schedules.
- Partner with system architects, hardware, and safety teams to define requirements and execution plans.
- Provide bring-up and validation feedback that influences next-gen RISC‑V CPU/SoC features.
- Align with internal and external stakeholders on roadmaps, deliverables, and release readiness.
- Customer & ecosystem engagement: support early adopters and contribute fixes upstream when appropriate.
- Work with OEMs/Tier‑1s during early enablement, bring-up, and SDK adoption; upstream fixes where it makes sense.
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong experience (typically 3-5 years) in Embedded Linux platform/BSP development.
- Expert-level C programming; comfortable reading low-level firmware and kernel code.
- Strong Linux internals knowledge: boot flow, memory management/MMU, interrupts, SMP.
- Hands-on SoC/platform bring-up experience and ownership mindset for BSP quality.
- Hands-on with U‑Boot, Linux kernel, Device Tree, and Yocto/OpenEmbedded.
- Strong debugging skills with GDB and at least one of OpenOCD/JTAG, Lauterbach, or similar tools.
- Experience working on FPGA, emulation, or early-silicon platforms.
- RISC‑V (RV64) experience or strong exposure to other application-class CPU architectures.
- Background in pre-silicon/FPGA validation or post-silicon debug and triage.
- Experience with multimedia subsystems (camera, display, audio) and their Linux stacks.
- Familiarity with platform security (secure boot, trusted firmware, firmware/OS boundaries).
- Experience with QEMU, virtual platforms, or emulation workflows.
- Exposure to CI/CD and automated validation (test frameworks, dashboards, regressions).
- Build a RISC‑V MPU platform from the ground up and see it shipped in real products.
- End-to-end ownership across pre-silicon → FPGA → first silicon → production SDK releases.
- Work closely with CPU architects and SoC teams; your data drives decisions.
- Deep technical work, strong peer group, and long-term growth on a strategic platform.
GlobalFoundries is an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe having a multicultural workplace enhances productivity, efficiency and innovation whilst our employees feel truly respected, valued and heard.
As an affirmative employer, all qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, ethnicity, marital status, citizenship, race, religion, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation and medical and/or physical abilities.
All offers of employment with GlobalFoundries are conditioned upon the successful completion of background checks, medical screenings as applicable and subject to the respective local laws and regulations
Information about our benefits you can find here: https://gf.com/about-us/careers/opportunities-asia
Skills Required
- B.E./B.Tech or M.E./M.Tech in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years in Embedded Linux platform/BSP development
- Expert-level C programming
- Strong Linux internals knowledge
- Hands-on SoC/platform bring-up experience
- Experience with U-Boot, Linux kernel, Device Tree
- Strong debugging skills with GDB
- Experience with FPGA or early-silicon platforms
GlobalFoundries Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about GlobalFoundries and has not been reviewed or approved by GlobalFoundries.
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Healthcare Strength — Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and mental health support is presented as a meaningful part of the package. Wellness programs and an Employee Assistance Program add to the sense of broad health coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with matching from day one and access to an employee stock purchase program are positioned as notable financial benefits. Retirement provisions are repeatedly framed as a strong counterweight to other compensation concerns.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions are described as generous, including high annual vacation accrual, dedicated sick time, and additional personal days. Extended paid parental leave frameworks are also outlined as a substantial leave benefit.
GlobalFoundries Insights
What We Do
GlobalFoundries (GF) is one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers. GF is redefining innovation and semiconductor manufacturing by developing and delivering feature-rich process technology solutions that provide leadership performance in pervasive high growth markets. GF offers a unique mix of design, development, and fabrication services. With a talented and diverse workforce and an at-scale manufacturing footprint spanning the U.S., Europe and Asia, GF is a trusted technology source to its worldwide customers. For more information, visit www.gf.com. GlobalFoundries is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer Minorities/Female/Disabled/Veteran (M/F/D/V).#CB
