Kernel Software Engineer

Harmattan Ai
Paris, France
On-site

Who this role is best for

Embedded systems professionals with Linux kernel expertise will find this mission-critical role in defense technology, requiring close collaboration with hardware and production teams in Paris.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with a background in embedded software and Linux kernel customization for defense systems
    — “building autonomous and scalable defense systems”
  • Individuals experienced in Android customization and AOSP integration for real-world applications
    — “customizing AOSP, from HALs and system services to the build system”
  • Engineers comfortable with hardware interfaces and field testing of mission-critical systems
    — “Debug hardware and software issues alongside electronics and mechanical engineers”

Things to consider

  • The role demands hands-on work with hardware and requires field testing in real conditions
    — “Join field tests and flight sessions to validate your work in real conditions”
  • Candidates must be fluent in professional English for technical documentation and international collaboration
    — “Professional English for technical documentation and international collaboration”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience in Linux kernel configuration and device tree customization in your resume
    — “Bring up, configure and maintain the Linux kernel on our hardware, including device tree, drivers and security patches”
  • Demonstrate your ability to integrate hardware modules cleanly with application layers
    — “Integrate controls, display, touch, battery and radio modules, and expose them cleanly to the application layer”
  • Showcase your Android build and OTA update customization experience in interviews
    — “Customize and maintain our Android build, covering system services, permissions, boot sequence and OTA updates”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · MediumAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • bring up, configure and maintain the Linux kernel on hardware
  • customize and maintain Android build
  • integrate controls, display, touch, battery and radio modules
  • ensure robust, low-latency data flows
Typical background
Master’s degree in Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Electronics

Skills & requirements

Required

Embedded Software DevelopmentLinux Kernel ConfigurationDevice TreeDriversSecurity PatchesCustomizing AOSPHardware Boundary ExperienceUart, SPI, I2C, Gpio, USB, Display And Touch Controllers

Preferred

Exposure To Drones Or RoboticsMavlink Or Px4/ardupilot

Stack & domain

Linux KernelCC++AOSPHalsSystem ServicesPermissionsBoot SequenceOTA UpdatesControlsDisplayTouchBatteryRadio ModulesSBUSMavlinkUARTSPII2CGPIOUSBDisplay ControllersTouch ControllersPx4/ardupilotAutonomousPragmaticCuriosityHardwareLearning QuicklyDefenseEmbedded SystemsSoftware EngineeringElectronics

About the role

Original posting from Harmattan Ai via Ashby

ABOUT US

Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.

Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.

About the Role

As Kernel Software Engineer, you own the low-level software platform that sits between our hardware and the flight application on our ground control stations. You work across the Linux kernel, board support and a custom Android build, so that every control, display and data link works reliably in the field. You are the bridge between our hardware and application teams, taking a new product line from board bring-up to mass production.

Responsibilities

  • Bring up, configure and maintain the Linux kernel on our hardware, including device tree, drivers and security patches.
  • Customize and maintain our Android build, covering system services, permissions, boot sequence and OTA updates.
  • Integrate controls, display, touch, battery and radio modules, and expose them cleanly to the application layer.
  • Ensure robust, low-latency SBUS and MAVLink data flows between the controller, the radio and the drone.
  • Debug hardware and software issues alongside electronics and mechanical engineers, using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers and UART/JTAG.
  • Define flashing, provisioning, factory test and release procedures with the production team.
  • Work with QGroundControl engineers and QA to validate system behavior on real hardware.
  • Join field tests and flight sessions to validate your work in real conditions.

Candidate Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Embedded Systems, Software Engineering, Electronics or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in embedded software development.
  • Strong command of the Linux kernel (configuration, device tree, drivers, debugging) and of C; C++ is a plus.
  • Hands-on background customizing AOSP, from HALs and system services to the build system.
  • Comfortable at the hardware boundary: UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO, USB, display and touch controllers.
  • Exposure to drones or robotics, including MAVLink or PX4/ArduPilot, is a plus.
  • Hands-on, autonomous and pragmatic, with curiosity about hardware and the ability to learn quickly.
  • Professional English for technical documentation and international collaboration.

We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.

Source: Harmattan Ai careers (Ashby)

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