Software Engineer - Embedded Linux Operating Systems

Zoox
Foster City, CA
Hybrid

In the 12 months to 30 Jun 2026, Zoox filed 177 H-1B positions titled "Software Engineer". Source: U.S. Department of Labor, LCA disclosure data. A record of filings already made, not a commitment to sponsor.

Who this role is best for

Embedded Linux developers with cross-functional collaboration experience will find this role in autonomous vehicle systems development.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 4+ years of embedded software experience in production systems and a strong grasp of Linux internals
    — “4+ years delivering embedded software for production systems”
  • Professionals comfortable with kernel-space development and optimizing performance-critical components
    — “Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements”

Things to consider

  • The role demands a strong commitment to cross-functional integration across hardware and operations teams
    — “We work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, release management, hardware engineering, manufacturing and operations”
  • Candidates should be prepared to handle complex system-level workloads on automotive-grade hardware
    — “platform-level software and services, including operating systems that enable complex, hardware-accelerated workloads”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with Yocto and U-Boot in your resume and interview responses
    — “Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot)”
  • Emphasize contributions to system-level software in robotics or autonomous systems
    — “Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application”
  • Showcase kernel-space development and optimization projects in C or C++
    — “Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust”
  • Demonstrate familiarity with containerization concepts and init systems like systemd
    — “familiar with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces)”
  • Mention scripting experience with bash and Python in your application materials
    — “proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

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

What success looks like

  • design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform for various on-bot devices
  • configure and manage embedded Linux build systems
Typical background
4+ years delivering embedded software for production systems

Skills & requirements

Required

Embedded LinuxBuild SystemsBootloadersDevice DriversKernel-space Components

Preferred

Embedded Linux In RoboticsSecurity Software

Stack & domain

Embedded LinuxYoctoU-bootSystemdChrootCgroupsLinux NamespacesFilesystemsDevice DriversKernel-space ComponentsCC++RustNvidia GpusNvidia Thor/orinCUDATRTPKISecure BootOTA Software UpdateHardware Key StorageCollaborationCommunicationProblem-solvingTeamworkEmbedded SystemsAutonomous DrivingRoboticsLinuxOperating Systems

About the role

Original posting from Zoox via Lever

Zoox's Robot Software Infrastructure team is seeking a passionate software engineer to help develop and advance the common performant operating system that powers several devices on our Robotaxi including onboard AI systems running Autonomy software. This team develops platform-level software and services, including custom operating systems that enable complex, hardware-accelerated workloads critical for autonomous driving on automotive-grade hardware.

We work closely with cross-functional teams—including other software developers, hardware engineering, release management, manufacturing and operations—to support vehicle development and deployment at scale. If you are excited to explore a broad problem space and are mindful of how components fit within a larger system, you may be a great fit!

In this role, you will::

  • Design, develop, and maintain the operating system platform that powers various on-bot devices and applications
  • Configure and manage embedded Linux build systems (e.g., Yocto) and bootloader processes (e.g., U-Boot) to ensure reliable system startup and maintenance
  • Develop and optimize device drivers and kernel-space components using C, C++, or Rust to meet performance and reliability requirements
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to support seamless integration and delivery of the OS platform, triage issues, support new hardware bring-up and manufacturing functions

Qualifications:

  • 4+ years delivering embedded software for production systems 
  • Have a deep understanding of Linux, build systems like Yocto, and bootloaders like U-Boot
  • Be familiar with Linux init systems (e.g., systemd), containerization concepts (e.g., chroot, cgroups, Linux namespaces), and filesystems
  • Understand device drivers and kernel-space code and proficiency in a language without automatic memory management (e.g., C or C++), and in multiple scripting languages like bash and Python
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills along with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Experience with embedded Linux in a robotics application
  • Familiarity with security software: PKI, secure boot, OTA software update, hardware key storage, etc.
  • 2+ years of delivering custom Embedded Linux operating systems

Compensation:

Base Salary Range

There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.

Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.

About Zoox

Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

Follow us on LinkedIn

Accommodations

If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to accommodations@zoox.com or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Source: Zoox careers (Lever)

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