Junior Operating Systems Engineer

About the Role

• Junior Operating Systems Engineer (Embedded Linux / Yocto)
• Full time
• San Diego, CA – On-Site
• This position requires an active U.S. national security clearance.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain custom Linux images using the Yocto Project (recipes, layers, BitBake, kernel configuration)
• Support an immutable, A/B-updatable OS image architecture, including secure boot and update tooling
• Package, integrate, and troubleshoot system services, drivers, and third-party software on embedded x86 hardware
• Contribute to OS hardening efforts (FIPS mode, secure boot, compliance-driven configuration)
• Debug boot, kernel, driver, and userspace issues on real appliance hardware
• Use generative AI tools daily to accelerate development: writing and reviewing recipes, generating test scaffolding, drafting documentation, and debugging build failures
• Write clear documentation for build processes, image releases, and provisioning workflows

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Embedded Linux
• Yocto Project
• Linux
• Generative AI tools
• x86 hardware
• Secure boot
• FIPS mode
• A/B-updatable OS

Qualifications

• Currently holds an active U.S. national security clearance or be able to receive and maintain one.
• Build and maintain custom Linux images using the Yocto Project (recipes, layers, BitBake, kernel configuration)
• Support an immutable, A/B-updatable OS image architecture, including secure boot and update tooling
• Package, integrate, and troubleshoot system services, drivers, and third-party software on embedded x86 hardware
• Contribute to OS hardening efforts (FIPS mode, secure boot, compliance-driven configuration)
• Debug boot, kernel, driver, and userspace issues on real appliance hardware
• Use generative AI tools daily to accelerate development: writing and reviewing recipes, generating test scaffolding, drafting documentation, and debugging build failures
• Write clear documentation for build processes, image releases, and provisioning workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with the Yocto Project, Buildroot, or another embedded Linux build system
• Exposure to Rocky Linux / RHEL-family distributions
• Familiarity with secure boot, TPM, disk encryption, or FIPS 140-3 concepts
• Experience with network security tooling (Suricata, Zeek, packet capture)
• Exposure to compliance frameworks (CMMC, NIST 800-171)
• Basic C or Rust reading ability for kernel/driver troubleshooting
• Homelab, open-source contributions, or relevant personal projects

Clearance Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Must currently possess or be able to complete the investigation application process for a U.S. government personnel security clearance (PCL) with a favorable determination and maintain that eligibility throughout employment.