Senior Software Engineer, Embedded Linux
Content + Source + Freshness • 12 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
The position offers a substantial value score due to a competitive compensation package, involvement in cutting-edge technology, and the opportunity to work in a mission-driven environment.
- Competitive salary: $176,400–$226,800/year
- Opportunity to work on advanced autonomous systems
- Focus on impactful maritime security applications
- Onsite presence required 3 days a week
Pros
- Competitive salary range ($176,400–$226,800/year) in the embedded systems market
- Opportunity to work with advanced AI and autonomous technology
- Ability to influence maritime security and defense applications
Cons
- Hybrid model with 3 days in-office may not suit remote work seekers
- High expectations and technical complexity may pressure performance
- Limited career progression paths in a relatively small company
Who it's for
Senior / Expert • Hybrid / office-based with required onsite presence
Good fit
- Senior embedded software engineers
- Those with experience in Linux and system integration
- Professionals aspiring to work in defense and technology sectors
Not recommended for
- Entry-level candidates or those without Linux skills
- Individuals preferring a fully remote position
- Those unable to adapt to high-pressure environments
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
About Us
Saildrone builds autonomous systems that dominate the world’s oceans
With more than 2 million nautical miles sailed and 50,000 days at sea, Saildrone has earned the trust of governments worldwide. Our unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) deliver continuous, real-time intelligence in the toughest oceans on Earth—giving our partners faster awareness, stronger security, and a decisive edge at sea.
Our USVs are long-range, extreme-endurance platforms powered by advanced sensors and proprietary AI - they have been designed to operate where no crewed vessel can. They collect critical insights above and below the surface to support border security, law enforcement, naval operations, and undersea infrastructure protection.
Headquartered in Alameda, CA, with offices in Washington, DC, and global deployment hubs, Saildrone operates missions worldwide. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the intersection of AI, autonomy, and defense technology—where data turns into intelligence, and intelligence drives action.
The Role
We’re seeking a highly skilled and experienced Embedded Software Engineer to join our team! In this role, you'll lead OS and driver integration for next-generation compute platforms powering our autonomous drones, and build high quality solutions for our existing fleet. You'll be responsible for integrating and optimizing Linux operating systems and device drivers across both core and payload compute modules, with a focus on NVIDIA-based platforms. You'll collaborate closely with hardware, firmware, and software teams to enable high-performance, reliable compute solutions.
This role is required to be onsite in Alameda, CA in the Bay Area 3 days per week - this is our hybrid model. This is not a remote position.
Required skills and experience
- 6+ years of experience in embedded software
- Board support package integration and bringup of new embedded Linux computers.
- Experience with standards such as CAN or Ethernet
- Bash scripting, and Python or similar scripting
- Build automation and deployment experience
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across hardware, software, and testing
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship abilities with excellent communication skills
- BA/BS in related field
Desired skills and experience
- Hands-on experience with NXP i.MX8 family processors and Yocto
- Practical knowledge of video processing chips (Nvidia)
- Familiarity with camera technologies and video processing systems
- Kernel module code integration, C debugging
- Camera or perception payload experience
Physical requirements
● Work is performed on a computer and requires ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
Location: This is a hybrid position reporting to our Alameda, CA 3 days per week. Our waterfront office offers beautiful views of San Francisco Bay in always sunny Alameda.
All employees are required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. within their first 3 days of work. Please note that the Company does not sponsor employees for work visas or permanent resident cards to work in the U.S. If you need sponsorship for a work visa or green card, you will not be qualified for employment with Saildrone.
Benefits:
- Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick time and parental leave
- Comprehensive and competitive medical, dental and vision plans, and HSA with employer matching.
- Company sponsored life insurance
- Stock Options
- Annual stipend for continued learning and development
- Quarterly company BBQs at our Alameda HQ (bring your friends and family!)
- Free Bay Area Public Transportation via AlamedaTMA with the BayPass Clipper Card
Catch up on the latest news about us:
Danish Military Using Robotic Sailboats for Surveillance in Baltic and North Seas – AP
USVs Guarding the Global Backbone – Inside Unmanned Systems
NATO Testing Baltic Sea Drones to Track Russian Warships, Freighters – Defense News
US Navy Saildrones On – SIGNAL Magazine
The British Engineer Behind the US Navy’s High-tech Ocean Drones – The Times of London
Counter-drug Sea Drones Utilized by Navy as Trump Ramps Up Military Resources at the Border – Fox News
Saildrone, Palantir Partner to Use AI to Streamline USV Manufacturing, Operations – Breaking Defense
An Underwater Mountain was Newly Discovered off California Coast – San Francisco Chronicle
TIME 100 Most Influential Companies 2024: Saildrone
Individual compensation packages are based on geographic location, scope of the role, relevant experience, and the ability to deal with complexity and problem solve within our organization, among other factors.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Any unsolicited resumes/candidate profiles submitted through our website or to personal email accounts of employees of Saildrone are considered property of Saildrone and are not subject to payment of agency fees.
#LI-Hybrid
